/ 



RECORDS 



2/ 



OF 






^oA\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ ;■: .v\\\\v 



\$t ^ 





AV^w"'" '^\\''SS5^\\\\ \\;\v\\\\v.' ' ^\s\\\\\\\\\\- ^\,\\\\\ w 



Jiiili 






'^^VAWW. XTOvNxmxxvKxAvSCSvNXxsXNNSNNW 



OR, 



FIFTY YEARS ON THE PRAIRIES. 



EMBRACING 



SKETCHES OF THE DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION AND 
SETTLEMENT OF .THE COUNTRY, 



THE 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTIES OF PUTNAM AND MARSHALL, 
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES CONNECTED THERE- 
WITH, BIOGRAPHIES OF CITIZENS, FOR-' 
TRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 



B^^ SFEisrcEPL e:i-.x-.saa^or.th:. 



' > .""'.o' i ''' >'j»; 



LACON, ILL. 

Home Journal Steam Printing Establishment. 

MDCOGLXXX. 






< 







PREFACE. 



In the following pages we have endeavored to trace the early settle- 
ment of that portion of our State embraced in the counties of Putnam 
and Marshall, gathering up the forgotten records of each township and 
neighborhood, and telling for the benefit of their descendants the story of 
the brave men and women who wrested their homes from the savage, and 
turned a desert into the fairest land that beams beneath the sun. 

It is not a "history," and does not claim to be, nor should it be judged 
as such, but in its pages we have sought to tell in plain, simple language, 
the story of our ancestors' lives, and string together for the amusement 
and instruction of their descendants Ihe iucidenls and happening? — 
solemn, grotesque or ludicrous as they were — that made up the warp and 
woof of their daily existence. 

The old settlers are fast passing away. Many prominent actors in 
the scenes here depicted have paid the debt of nature, and the story 
of their lives is well nigh forgotten. But a few years more, and we 
shall see the last of that noble band carried to their final home. Much 
that is valuable has already passed into oblivion, and to rescue what 
remains has been our study. 'I 'he faithfulness with which it has been per- 
formed can best be judged by the public. 

At the outset of our task it was found that to reconcile dates and 
even statements of the same occurrence was impossible. Our sole depend- 
ence was restricted to the uncertain memory of a few feeble men and 
women, who had reached the stage of life when the "grasshopper is a bur- 
den," and forgetfulness is courted rather than deprecated. Human nature 
is weak, and forty years of slowly revolving time dims the brightest 
images graven on the tablets of the mind. At first we strove to reconcile 
these conflicting variations and strike a balance of probabilities, but the 
task was so hopeless that it was abandoned, and the plan adopted of giv- 
ing each statement as received and allowing it to pass for what it was 



worth. Circumstances have compelled a more hurried preparation of the 
literary ])ortion of the work than was intended or desirable, but such as 
it is we send it forth. 

Success in life is not the effect of accident or of chance; it is the result 
of the intelligent application of certain fixed principles to the affairs of 
every day. Each man must make this application according to the circum- 
stances by which he is surrounded, and he can derive no better assistance 
or encouragement in his struggles than from the example of those whose 
advantages were meagre and worthless compared witli ours. He who 
peruses the records of those early pioneers will surely find principles which 
he can safely carry into his own life and use for his own advancement. 

In these latter days, when every acre nearly is appropriated by the 
husbandman or covered with thriving towns and cities, it seems strange 
to read of the trials of those who first broke the soil and opened the way 
for them that followed. It seems so far back when these incidents oc- 
curred that one can hardly imagine it was only the fathers of the people 
of to-day of whom we write. 

With every comfort the mind of man can devise, with every want 
supplied by the creations of these later years, we look back upon the 
lives of our nearest ancestors as tales of an olden time, coeval almost with 
the days when "Adam delved and Eve span." But those deeds of hero- 
ism, those days of toil, those nights of danger were all experienced, were 
all accomplished by the sires whose descendants we are. 

There lives to-day but a remnant of that pioneer band, fast drifting on 
to the confines of time, where they shall leave behind forever the recol- 
lections of those early days, and pass beyond into the glorious rewards of 
their trials and sorrows. But their good deeds will live after them; they 
Avill not be "interred with their bones." The record of their lives is the 
property of their descendants, and in the pages of this volume we shall 
endeavor to tell their story so that "he who runs may read," and take 
some useful lessons from the experience of those gone before. 

In conclusion we desire to thank all who have aided in furnishing the 
information desired. Everywhere we met nothing but kindness, and 
gladly would we name them, were it not that it would involve another 
volume to contain them all. Individually they are due, and we desire to 
thank J. G. Armstrong, who industriously assisted in collecting and col- 
lating our information ; the Kevs. J. G. Evans, Prtce and Bruce ; John 



Bettis, of Truckee, Cal.; J as. G. Allen, of Omalia; Thomas Judd, of 
Evans; Nathaniel Smith, of Nineveh, N. Y.; and the Hon. G. L. Fort; 
also Frank B. Hazleton, of Chicago, overseer of the mechanical part, who 
has patiently and faithfully performed his work; and finally the com- 
positors, one and all, who assisted in its pi'feparation. We desire likewise 
to express our indebtedness to Henry A. Ford's "History of Marshall and 
Putnam Counties," "Ford's History of Illinois," N. M. Matson's "Reminis- 
cences of Bureau County," Baldwin's "History of La Salle County," and 
A. N. Ford for access to his newspaper files. 

As regards the literary value of the work we have nothing to say, and 
do not now expect to see it appreciated ; but there will assuredly come 
a time when the information laboriously sought and perhaps clumsily 
gi^'en will be valued, and then our labors will be appreciated. 

The Author. 




CONTENTS. 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. Pages. 
CHAPTER [.—Christopher Columbus— His Theory, Plans ard Difficulties— First and Second Voyages, and 
Discovery of the West Indies— Other Explore rs— Third Vojageof Columbus— Americus Vespucci- 
Honor to whom honor is due 17 — 19 

CH APTER II.— Evidences of Former Discovery— Icelandic Explorations from A. D. 986 to 1437 — Herjulfson, 

Lief Erickson, I horvyald Erickson, Thorfin Karlsef ne — ttelics of Icelandic Occupancy 20— 21 

THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 
CHAPTER III.— The Garden Spot of the World— The Father of Waters Discovered by the Spaniards— Ex- 
plorations of Ponce de Leon, Narvaez and De Soto— Other Spanish Expeditions 22— 26 

SETTLEMENT OF CANADA. 
CHAPTER IV.— French Fishermen in Newfoundland— FrenchExplorations—Cortereal, Cnrtier, Le Jeune, 
Marquette, Nicolet— Discovery oi the St. Lawrence— Founding Catholic Missions— Voyage down the 
Mississippi and up the Illinois 27— 35 

CH VPTER v.— Cavalier de La Salle and his explorations— Hospitality of the Natives— Dangers and Hard- 
ships Encountered— Father Hennepin, his Religious Zeal' and Intrepid Coiir.ige 36— 42 

CHAPTER VI.— Further Explorations of La Salle— Down the Mississippi to its mouth— A mid-winter trip 

through Illinois— Starved Rock fortified 43—48 

PRE-HISTORIC RACES. 

CHAPTER Vlf.— The Mound Builders— Evidences of their Civilization. Occupations and Characteristics 

— Mounds and Earthworks in Putnam and Marshall Counties 49— 51 

ABORIGINES AND EARLY SETTLERS. 
CHAPTER VIII.— The India:as— Their Habits, Customs, Characteristics, Religion and Superstitions— In- 
dians of Putnam and Marshall Counties 52 — 58 

CHlPTER IX.— First Permanent settlement of Illionis- Early Freuch Settlers— Kaskaskia in 1763— The 

County of Illinois— Mikes and Jakes- Peoria in 1778 59— 65 

CHAPTER X.— The Massacre at Fort Dearborn— Gen. Hull orders the Fort evacuated— Implacable Hostility 

of the Indians— Heroism of the Women — Murder of the wounded after the surrender 66—70 

CHAPTER XL— Destruction of Peoria— Isolated condition of the People— Dastardly Conduct of Capt. 

Craig and his " Troops"— Hospitality of the Indian Chief Gomo 71- 73 

CHAPTER XII.— Extermination of the Buffalo— Frozen by thousands and Suffocated in Droves— Father 

Buche's Description of a Buffalo Hunt and his Narrow Escipe from Death 74—75 

ILLINOIS BECOMES A STATE, 
CHAPTER XIll'- The Compact of Freedom— Indian Territory and the "Vinsain Legislater"— The Territory 
of Illinois — First Legislature and First Governor— Admi-ssion as a State — The Randolph County Cove- 
nanters—The first Wedding 76—78 

PUTNAM COUNTY. 
CHAPTER XIV.— Earliest Settlers — First Houses- Boundaries of the County— Location of the County Seat 
— First Election— County Offices and Incumbents — Court House and Jail — Ferry and Ferry Rates- 
Revenues, Surveys, etc.,— Division of the County— Early Records 79— 97 



THE BLACK HAWK WAR. p^^j,g, 

CHAP TER XV.— The Treaty of 1804— Character of Black Hawk— Beginning of Hostilities— Fruitless Cam- 

pHigu of General Gaine«— A Brief Peace and Renewal of Hostilities 98—104 

CHAPTER XVI. — Disastrous Defeat of Major Stillman— Narrative of E. S. Jones— Particpants iu the Still- 
man Oampaign since Famous— Incidents of the Defeat— Shaubena'a Friendly Warning— Savage Cru- 
elly of the Indianp, and Shameless Indignities upon the bodies of murdered Females 105-112 

CH\PTER XVII.— The CaDtivity of Sylvia and Rachel Hall— Their Treatment by the Indians, and Final 

Ransom -Other Fiendish Murders and Outrages by the Indians 115—120 

CHAPTER XVIII.— The Militia called out— Muster Rolls of Putnam County Volunteers— Measures taken 

for Local Uefense-Ttie Murlerof Elijah Phillips— Death of Adam Payne 121—127 

CHAPTER XIX.— C<mtinuation of the Campaign -Murder of S. Vrain- Attack by Black Hawk upon Apple 
Hfiver Fort, and its vigorous and succtssful defense by the brave little garrison — Battle of Pecatonica 
-Instances of Individual Heroism 128—138 

CHAPTER XX. — (jHptain Stephenson's Desperate Skirmish . . A Spirited Campaign Inaugurated— Black Hawk 
Driven Northwest -Burnt Village — 'he Bad Lands of Wisconsin— Improvidence of the Volunteers- 
Operations Suspended to Procure Supplies 137—142 

CHAPIER XXI. -A New Disposition of Forces- Insubordination at the Outset— Treacherous Guides— A 
Forced March— Rapid hetreat of the Inlians, and a Vigorous Pursuit— Brought to Bay and Badly— 
Whipped- Indians Retreat by Night across the Wisconsin River— Pursuit, and Battle of Bad Axe- 
Treaty of Peace Signed— Death of Black Hawk 143—154 

HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XXII.— Topography -The City of Hennepin -Old Time Records-Pioneers— The Ferry— Stage 

Lines— Religous Organizations- Scnools-Benevolent Societies— Bue I Institute - Mills 155—176 

CHAPTER XXIII.— Incidents and Anec iotes— Great Snow.s— Old Characters— A Negro sold under the Vag- 
rant Act— Hard for Bachelors— A Preacher An8W« red - Out of Meat— A Wolf Story— A Still Hunt— A 
Starved Recruit— Jail Burned— A Pioneer Express— Indians Outwitted— Fastidious Travelers- The 
Indian's Ride 177—191 

CHAPTER XXIV.— A Noted Rurglary— Discovery, Pursuit and Capture of the Burglars- Brazen Condnct 

ot Molly Holbrook— Escape and Re-capture (»f the Prisoners 192—197 

CHAPTER XXV.- Union Grove-First Settleis-Schools-An Early Bible Society— A Pioneer's Story— The 

First Church— The Village of Florid— Fort Cribs- Newspapers of Putnam County 198—208 

MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XXVI.-General Description— Railroads— The Earliest Settlers— The Village of Magnolia— The 

Society of Friends— The Old School House— Jeremiah Strawn's Fort 207—217 

CHAPTER XXVII.— The Good Old Times— Joys and Sorrows of Pioneer Life— Social Customs and Domes- 
tic Economy— Wages and Cost of Living— Strawn's Prairie— Robbery of Jerimiah Strawn —Birch's Con- 
fession-Aaron Payne - Pioneer Plows -Recollections of Mrs. Geo. Hiltabrand 218—231 

CHAPTER XXVIII, -Benjamin Lundy, Philanthropist and Abolitionist— Efforts in Behalf of Universal 
Emancipation— Old Time "Shivarees"— Stealing a Squaw— Indian Neighbors— An Indian Sign of 
Peace— A Girl who wanted to Marry 232—245 

CHAPTER XXIX. -Ox Bow Prairie-Early Settlers-David Boyle's Primitive Cabin- Hard Times— Indian 

Alarms— Game— Wolf Hunts— The Devil Turned Informer— Misplaced Confidence 246—251 

CHAPTCK XXX —Old Mills of Magnolia and Vicinity— The First Orchard— The Great Snow— Incidents ol 
the Sudden Freeze— An Underground Railway Station— Hunting Stories— Home-made Cloth— The 
Village of Mt. Palatine— Churches— Accident* and Incidents— An Immense Pigeon Roost 252—265 

SENACHWINE TOWNSHIP. 
ClIAPTKR XXXI.- Top(jgraphy and General Description— Early Settlers— First Religious Services— Senach- 
wine's Indian Village— Indians at Senachwine's Grave— How a Woman Shot a Deer— Senachwine 
Branch U. G, Railway-The Murder of McKee— Sickness- Old Time Surgery 266—275 

GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XXXII. -Topography— First Settlers-The Village of Granville— Churches— Labors in behalf of 
Education— (iranville Academy -Old School Houses -An Obliging Tramp— The Hopkin'sTragedy- 
The Kamsay Tragedy— Lynching of "Joe Smith "-Murder of Dawhower-Lost on the Prairie— Anec- 
dotes, Incidents, Etc 276—304 



MARSHALL COUNTY. p^^^^ 

CHAPTER XXXIlT.- Organization of the County— Selectine a County Seat- Topography of the County— 
Election ot County Officers— County Conimissioners' Court— Attempt to Impeaoh County Clerk Sban- 

non-Rfevenue from Taxes -Organization of Townships— Early Records- Court Houses and Jails 307—319 

CHAPTER XXXIV.— The V\e8tern Air Line Railroad -Miserable Failure of a Grand and Meritorious Pro- 
ject— Liberal Local Investments in the Capital Stock— President Schenck's Mission in Europe— The 
Enterprise RuineQ by the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion 320—321 

LACON TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XXXV.— Topography and General Description— The City of Lacon. its Location and Surround- 
intjs— Business Beginiiings- Early Settlers— Flourirg Mill BuiJt— Ferry Established- Pork Packing- 
Educational Interests— Lacon Woolen Mill— The Ferry 322—344 

CHAPTER XXXVI.— Organization of the Presbyterian Church in Lacon, and List of Original Members- ' 
M. E. Church Organized— successive Pastors of Lacon Ciicuit and Lacon Station— The Baptist Church 
of Lacon- Catholic Cnurch-Congregational Church— Episcopal Church— Benevolent Societies— News- 
papers— The Bar— Lacon in the War 345—356 

CHAPTER XXXVII.-Crow Creet and Vicinity— First Settlers— Crow Creek Mills-Crow Creek Council— 
" Free State "—An Old Pioneer— \.n Incident of the Black Hawk War— Wild Hogs— .An Indian Riot- 
Frozen to Death— Cy Bowles and Big Bill Hoover 357-370 

HENEY TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XXXVIII.- General Description-Pioneers of the Township-The Town of Henry-Early Im- 
provements-Religious Organizations of Henry-Educational Institutions-Benevolent Societies- 
Newspapers of Henry- Crow Meddow Prairie-Dorchester- Webster-Hooper Warren- Incidents and 
"^"" 371-390 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 
CHAKTER XXXIX.- General Description-Pioneer Settlers-The First School House-Saw and Grist Mills 
-An Cld-tiTOc Preacber-FritEdly Neighbcrs-Mrs. White's Long Tram p-Gamt -Incidents and Mi.s- 
cellaneous Items 393—402 

ROBERTS TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER Xi..-Topograpliy-Shipping Facilitits-Early Settlers- Varna-Churches of Varna-LyonB- 
Jesse T. Roberts-James Hoyi— Shaw's Point— Chicago as a Grain Market in '29- Pioneer Fruit Cul- 
ture— Forts— Frozm to Death- TLefts and Robberies- ADen of Wolves— A Night of Terror-Snakes— 
Ague— Incidents 403—421 

BELLE PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 
CH VP TER XLI.— Description and Origin of the Name— Old Settlers— The First Schools— La Rose— Pattons- 
burg-Churches of Pattonsburg— Births. Deaths and Marriaees— Indians— A Horse plays Detective- 
Hydrophobia— Horse Stealing— Accidents and Incidents 422-433 

BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XLII.— Organization and Topography— Rutland— A ntioch Church— Geological Puzzles- A Tor- 
nado— A Deer Hunt During the Deep Snow of 1854- Losing a Midwife 434- 439 

EVANS TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPIER XLIII.— General Description— Pioneers— Survey of Lands— Other Settlers— Valuable Improve- 
ments— Thoroughbred Cattle and Blooded Horses— Sandy Precinct-Politics- Churches-Schools- 
Wenona -Schools of Wenona— Benevolent Societies— Churches of Wenona— Wenona Union Fair- 
Evans Station— Incidents and Items— Newspapers 440—463 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 
CH.iPTER XLIV.— Topography— Round Prairie-First Settlers— Col. John Strawn— Bell's Tavern-Early 
Schools-Phelps Chapel— The Barnes and Dever Fort— John Wier— The Murder of McNeil— First 
Funeral in Marshall County— Rapid Growth ot Timber— Nathan Owen's Grave Yard— Anecdotes and 
I°«i<^en'8 464-490 

LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XLV.— Description— The Banner Township— How Named-First Settlers-Schools-Edwin S. 
Jones-Churches of the Township— The Town Hall- Stages— Lawn Ridge— Chambersburg- Troy City 
—Lost and Frozen in the Snow— Mystery of Mike Wylej— Sad Death of Widow Evaus— Mysterious 
Disappearance of Willis- Wolf Hunting-The U. G. R. R.-A Scotchman's Apostacy-Patriotic Citi- 
zens—Accidents and Incidents 491—516 

XV, 



SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. p^^^.^ 

OHAPTKU XLVl.— Topography and General Description— Saratoga Lake— First Settlers— War Record of 

^Saratoga Township— A Mirage on the Prairie— CentrevilJe 517—521 

WIIITEFIELD TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTER XLVII.— General Description— Fir»t St-ttlerri- Religious Societies — Schools— Reeves, the Outlaw, 
and bis Gang- Their Expulsion and Subseqent History— The Murder of Jam«a Shine— Incidents and 
Miscellaneous Items 522—538 

STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 
CHAPTKR XLTlII.-IIow Named Defcription of the Township— Early Settlers— The Old Schools— Relig- 
ious Items— Indians of Sparland anu Vicinitj Scalped by Indians — Doc. Allen— Anecdotes and In- 
cideuls 539-554 

THi: UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 

C'lIAI'TKR XLIX.— Slavery in the Colonies— Early Efforts to Extinguish the System— Rapid growth of Pub- 
lic Sentiment— Pioneers in the Ciiuse of Emancipation — Anecdotes and Incidents — The "Agents" of 
the Road 555—573 

THE INDIANS. 
CHAPTER L.-BlackPartridge— Illinois Indians in the A'ar of 1812-The Hunter Hermit of Crow Creek— 

Shick Shack and his Tribe— Indians making Sugar 574-584 

THE ILLINOIS RIVER. 

CHAPTER LI.- Early Steamboating— Terror with which the first Steamboat Inspired the Indians— Keel 

and Flatboating 585—587 

THE GRAVJ:S TRAGEDY. 
CHAPTER I. II. —The Reed and Donner Party— Overwhelmed in a Snow Storm in the Sierra Nevada Moun- 
tains—Death of John Snyder — Ocher Deaths fMm Scarvation and Exposure— A Forlorn Hope 588—601 

c;ll.\PTER LIII. — Continuaticm of the Narrative of Ihe Graves Tragedy— Horrible Suffering at Starved 

Camp— A Relief Party organized for the Rescue of the Survivors 602—610 

CHAPTER LIV.— The Narrative of the Graves Tragedy continued— A Mother at Starved Camp 611-618 

CH.\PTER LV.— Continuation of the Narrative of the Graves Tragedy— The Rescue— Arrival of Capt. Fal- 
lon's Relief Party— The Awful Spectacle which met their sight— Keseburg's Statement— The Sur- 
vivors 619-632 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

Hennepin Township. Putnam County 635—653 

Magnolia " " " 654-662 

Granville " ' " 663-670 

Senachwine '" " " 671—680 

Laoon " - Marshall " 681—695 

Henry " " " 696—707 

Evans " •• " 708-728 

Hopewell " " '• 729—733 

Roberts "' " '* 734 — 737 

Belle Plain " •• " 738—739 

Bennington " " " 740—741 

Kicbland " " " 742-743 

La I^rairie " " " , 744 — 750 

Hteuben " " - 751—756 

Saratoga " " " 757—758 

Whitetield " " " 759—763 

API'KNDIX— Sandy ('reek O. S. Baptist Church— Clear Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church— Eman- 
uel Church of Granville - Mt. Palatine Congregational Church— First Baptist Church of Lacon— Cum- 
beiland Presbyterian Church of Evans Township-Bethel Church, Steuben— Sparland— Additional 
Biographies 765—771 

ERR AT A. 772 



EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME; 



-OR 



fifjy Year? on the ^raifjiep. 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 




CHAPTER I. 

VOYAGES OF COLUMBUS. 

;N the 14tli of October, 1492, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese 
mariner in the service of the King of Spain, while sailing 
westward in search of a new route to the Indies, discovered 
the island of San Salvador, then believed to be a new con- 
tinent. This voyage of Columbus, in its results of so vast 
importance to the civilized world, was inspired by a firm 
belief in the theory of the earth's rotundity, and an enthusi- 
astic desire to demonstrate its correctness; for though in 
the year 1356, one hundred and thirty-six years before, Sir John Mande- 
ville, in the first English book ever wi'itten, had advanced this idea, and 
clearly proved its coiTectness by astronomical observations and deductions 
of remarkable accuracy; and though others had vaguely entertained a 
similar belief, none possessed the hardihood to attempt its practical demon- 
stration. For ten years Columbus, an enthusiast upon the subject, aban- 
doning his profession, had traveled from court to court throughout Europe, 
seeking a patron of intelligence, enter23rise and means, and finally succeeded 
in securing for his plans the earnest sympathy and approval of the noble 
Isabella, Queen of Castile, and her husband Ferdinand, King of Spain, 
through whose material aid he was enabled to test the correctness of his 
views. 

Immediately upon the result of this wondei-ful expedition becoming 
known, different nations vied with each other in endeavors to advance 
their knowledge of this strange land, and each sought to secure to itself 



18 iiEcoRDS OF The olden TimK. 

the gi'eatest possible advantages to be derived from conquering, subduing 
and colonizing the new world. To Columbus was due the honor of 
finding, if not the lost and long sought Atlantis, what was of gi-eater 
consequence, — vast countries, destined in time to contain half the popula- 
tion of the whole earth. While he discovered San Salvador, Cuba, Hayti 
and Jamaica— the rich West Indies — he mei-ely got a glimpse of South 
America, at the mouth of the Orinoco, and never saw any portion of the 
northern half of the continent, the future seat of empire of the new world. 
Though he was the actual discoverer of the Western Hemisphere, to which 
his name should have been given, he was denied that honor. He first 
landed u])on San Salvador, after which he visited Conception, Cuba and 
Hayti. On the shores of the Bay of Caracola, in the last-named island, 
was erected out of the timbers of one of his vessels a fort, the fii'st struc- 
ture built by white men in the new world. 

While coiTect in his opinions regarding the figure of the earth, Colum- 
bus made a great mistake in his estimate of its size, believing it to be not 
more than ten or twelve thousand miles in circumference; and upon this 
assumption he was confident that by this route he could reach, — if, in- 
deed, he had not already reached — China and the East Indies. Encour- 
aged by his partial success, in September of 1493 he sailed on a second 
voyage, which residted in the discovery of the Windward group of islands. 
On this voyage, also, he established a colony in Hayti, appointing his 
brother Governor. 

After an absence of three years, he returned to Spain, to find himself 
the victim of jealousies and suspicions, but so far overcame them as to 
c 1 ganize another expedition. On this third voyage he discovered Trinidad 
r.nd the main land of South America at the mouth of the Orinoco. Sailing 
1 hence to Hayti, he found his colony in disorder, his brother deposed, and 
\','r.s himself seized by Bobadilla, the usurping Governor, and sent to Spain 
in irons. A disgraceful imprisonment followed, but through the influence 
of friends he was libei'ated and sent on his fourth and last voyage. He 
coasted along the main shore of South America for some time, but disap- 
]iointed in the object of his search — a route to the East Indies — he re- 
turntd to Spain, and soon after died, a broken-heaited old man. 

After Columbus, the work of discoveiy was prosecuted with untiring 
enei-gy. One of his captains was Americus Vespucci, who in 1499 visited 
the main land and coasted along its shores for several leagues ; but beyond 
duncnstrating that the land to the west of the Windward group of islands 



NAMING THE NEW WOiRLiD. 19 

was not connected with tliem or with the Bahamas, he accomplished very 
little. He was a pompous man, with a plausible way of expressing himself, 
and on his return gave glowing accounts of his achievements, in which he 
adroitly omitted all reference to Columbus, and took the credit to himself 
of having discovered the new continent, likewise ignoring the fact that it 
was the genius of Columbus which had organized the first expedition, his 
courage that sustained the enterprise, brought the voyage to so successful 
a termination, and rendered further discoveries an easy matter. It was 
Columbus who demonstrated that the earth was round, and that islands, 
and even continents — yes, a hemisphere, was to be found in the world of 
waters toward the setting sun. The wily Spaniard undermined the worthy 
Genoese, and won the honor due alone to him. The New Work! was 
named America, but the great, the lasting fame of its discovery remains 
with him whose prow first ploughed the Western seas. 

While the adventurous of all nations participated in the exploration of 
the New World during the succeeding century, the Spaniards, disappointed 
in their thirst for gold and plunder among the natives of North America, 
their rapacity inflamed by glowing accounts of the wealth of the Incas, 
and doubtless also influenced by the more congenial climate, dii-ected 
their attention almost wholly to Mexico and South America, inflicting 
upon those countries to this day the enervating heritage of their own 
indolent, lawless and revolutionary propensities. Important discoveries 
within the tenntory now embraced by the United States were made ])y 
Spanish explorers, of which brief mention will be made in their ])roper 
connection, but the colonization and development of North America was 
fortunately left almost wholly to hardy pioneers from the more northerly 
European countries. 




20 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER 11. 




ATSrCIENT EXPLORERS. 

'HILE to Spain is accorded the honor of having discovered 
tlie new world, there is a strong prohalnlity tliat the little 
sea-girt, ice-bound island in mid-ocean between Greenland 
and Norway, appropriately named Iceland, may justly 
dispute this distinguished claim. Away back as far as 
A. D. 98G, an Icelandic navigator named Herjulfson, who 
had made a few voyages for trading purposes between his 
coiuitry and Greenland, while heading toward the land of 
the Esquimaux, was caught in a storm and driven on the coast of Lab- 
rador. He saw there a low outline of rocky and wooded shore, far 
different from that of Greenland. Although sufficiently near, a heavy 
sea prevented him fi'om landing, and he coasted along until a favorable 
^\and bore him homeward to tell to incredulous ears the wondei'ful story. 

Fourteen years afterward Lief Erickson, another Icelander, inspired by 
the story of Herjulfson, determined to test its truth, and gathering a crew 
of hardy Norse sailors, embarked, and in the spring of 1001 touched the 
coast of Maine, and thence di'ifted southward. Here he saw wonderful 
woods and flowers and wild game such as he had never before beheld, be- 
sides strange red men, wholly unlike the Esquimaux. This to him was a 
tropical clime, a region of enchanting loveliness, and his crew were loth 
to leave it. 

His brother Thorwald came in the following season, and died near 
Fall River, Massachusetts. Afterward others followed, including Thorfin 
Karlsefne, who, with a crew of 150 men, explored the entire coast of the 
New England States, entered New York Harbor, and established friendly 
relations with the Indians, giving the region the name of Vinland. 

From time to time as late as 14-37, Icelandic explorers visited the 
north-eastern shores of this continent, but failed to establish permanent 
commercial relations with the Indians, having little to exchange, and small 
demand for \vhat the aborigines had to barter. The gradually increasing 



ICELANDIC EXPLORATIONS. 21 

seventy of the arctic climate finally caused all Icelandic voyages hither to 
cease; ])ut the story of their adventures and discoveries exists in legend 
and history, and the claim that they first discovered America has a sub- 
stantial basis of fact to rest upon. 

Subsequently, in various places along the New England coast have 
been found relics of a strange race, such as spears and shields, helmets, 
lances, battle axes, and other weapons of war such as the Northmen used 
in the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth centuries. Culinary utensils have like- 
wise been found of the exact pattern of those of ancient Norway. 

The people of Iceland, unlike the Esquimaux, are clearly Europeans, 
in fomi, habits, religion and color, and their resemblance to their neighbors 
of Norway, six hundred miles eastward, is unmistakable. Between Iceland 
and the northernmost point of Scotland the distance is about five hundred 
miles, with the Faroe Isles intervening midway. But there seems little 
question of the Norwegian descent of the Icelanders. They connect them- 
selves by their chronicles with the former country, which they left in open 
boats ages ago. They have old legends, religious beliefs and superstitions 
and ancient traditions in common with the mother country, and trace 
themselves to European ancestry. Their chronicles of the discovery of 
America are equally clear and credil^le. That they could have crossed 
from Norway 500 or 600 miles of sea, in open boats, with island resting 
places between shores, is no longer doubtful, since only recently the broad 
Atlantic was crossed in a frail craft navigated by a single daring mariner 
and his adventurous wife. 

A few years ago, beneath a I'ock near the coast was found the skeleton 
of a man encased in annor ; and an ancient paper among the archives of 
Iceland tells how a sailor was killed in a skirmish with the natives, and 
his remains buried where he fell, at the foot of a precipice. 




22 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPL 




CHAPTER HI. 



THE GARDEN SPOT OF THE WORLD. 



*HE discovery of America was an event of great consequence 
to Europe. It not only marked out a new career for many 
of her people, hut changed the destinies of whole nations. 
The safety of a tyrant lies in the ignorance and supersti- 
tion of his subjects. Knowledge is not only power, but 
freedom itself. The people were becoming enlightened, 
and in proportion as they advanced in wisdom, so the 
chains of political servitude became more galling, and far-off 
America, with her grassy plains, broad savannahs, leafy woods and 
crystal streams, loomed up before the oppressed as a land of promise. 
Monarchy was in danger when the spirit of freedom was aroused, and it 
became a question of Revolution or Emigration ; and both the peo23le and 
their rulers saAV in the latter the surer, safer course. 

The people who first settled here fotmd a wonderful contrast between 
the sterile soil of the old world, where the farmer forced a scanty subsis- 
tence from land not his own, and the broad forest regions of New England 
or the mountainous declivities of Virginia or North Carolina; for the land, 
though hilly, was rich virgin soil ; and above all, it was free. Whatever 
the farmer raised was his own beyond the reach of rapacious tithes-gath- 
erers. To fell and clear these vast forests and remove from the sunny 
hillsides the stone was ]oji\\\ work, since it was to make free homes for 
free men and their children forever. This labor of love would cause the 
wildei-ness to blossom as the rose. 

Luckily, the hardy pioneers who cleared the bleak hills of New Eiig- 
hind little dreamed of the far-off Eden of the" West, made by nature ready 
for the plow, — the richest, freest soil under the sun. For thousands of 
years, ever since man began to till the soil to get from it his bread, it had 
lam unturned, waiting the white man's coming. No soil had heretofore been 
fomid so rich as to require no dressing. No farai was believed possible 
until some one cut down the trees and removed the stumps and roots, or 



*rHE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 23 

dug up and carried away or sunk out of sight and reach of the plow the 
larger stones that cumbered the sui-face. To tell the Puritans of a land 
still more perfect than their own was to insult their judgment with a 
fictitious impossibility ! 

And yet here lay this broad, beautiful, unsurpassably rich garden spot 
of the world. Here, extending from the copper mines and along the 
southern shore of the largest fresh water lake in the world — Lake Su- 
perior, stretching around to the base of the Rocky Mountains, and thence 

eastward to the Alleghanies and south to the Gulf of Mexico, enclosing 
the mightiest lakes and the longest rivers of the world — the peerless 
Mississippi, the turbulent but even larger Missouri, the Platte, the Ohio, 
Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Tennessee, and many others, fonning 
together a perfect system of drainage and fertilization, — lay this grand 
country, the gi-eat Mississippi Valley, the richest agiicultural region under 
the sun, so far as human knowledge goes. 

A great discovery was that of this grand central plain, once the basin 
of a vast inland sea long ages ago, when hideous monsters of the coal 
period disported themselves among the luxuriant weeds that grew as trees, 
and gigantic saurians hid beneath their branches or lazily wallowed in the 
oozy marsh. Long cycles of time have passed since this gi-eat inter-conti- 
nental ocean between the rising hills of the East and the frowning moun- 
tains of the West subsided its flood and slowly, by degrees marked by 
e^rttiries, the finished world emerged from its chaotic beginning. During 
that vast intermediate space what mighty throes of nature has it witnessed, 
what Titanic convulsions has it experienced? Then came great floods of 
water and intense heat, followed by the glacial or cold period, when for 
centuries fields of ice hundi-eds of feet in depth ploughed up the surface 
and harrowed down the hills till, after eons of ages, came man — not 
historic man, with his progi-essive faculties, but the pre-historic fii-st attempt 
of nature toward the genus homo, — the dweller in caves, possessing an abun- 
dance of low cunning, and fighting his way with sticks and stones among 
the swarming monsters of earth and sea. Then came the mound-builders 
and what is known as the Stone Age, supplemented by what are termed 
the Bronze Age and the L-on Age. Whether these periods resulted from 
gradual progi-ess, or were rudely broken off by long intervals of time, is 
not certain. History tells that after the fall of Greece and Rome came 
the Dark Ages, and man seemed to have degenerated thousands of years. 
So between the strongly marked characteristics of pre-historiQ races there 



24 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

may have been wide gaps of time, and nations rose and fell nnnoted and 

unknown. 

The Indians whom our ancestors found here, in arts and sciences were 

far behind the ancient people who once inhabited this country. They did 

not have the sagacity to provide for inclement weather or old age. Each 

day was for itself; and so their lives ran, either a feast or a famine. They 

had no traditions of former races, and knew nothing of their own previous 

history. The numerous mounds that covered the countiy excited' neither 

interest nor enthusiasm, and the red man is best described by Pope in the 

following lines : 

" To be, contents his natural desire ; 
He asks no angel's wing nor seraph's fire, 
But thinks, admitted to that equal sky, 
His faithful dog shall bear him company." 



THE FATHER OF WATERS. 



-The Mississippi River was first discovered by the Spaniards, in the year 
1541, at a point near its entrance into the Gulf of Mexico, Two years 
later Father Hennepin voyaged down the Illinois River to its confluence 
with the Mississippi, and launching his craft u})on its ra})id cnrrent, jour- 
neyed to the falls of St. Anthony, and retimiing, went as far southward as 
the thirty-third parallel, near the mouth of the Arkansas. These long- 
voyages Avere prompted by Utopian dreams, the Spaniards seeking the 
fabled fountain of eternal youth, and the French a shorter route to China. 
In 1512, Juan Ponce de Leon, Spanish Governor of Porto Rico, one of 
the West India Islands, rich and avaricious, but growing old, fitted out a 
fleet and sailed in search of the fabled spring. On ths 27th of March, he 
came upon the coast of a wonderful land, abounding in limpid springs and 
wood-crowned hills, gay with gorgeous flowei's, and tenanted by gaudy 
plumaged bii'ds. He named this enchanting country Florida, " the land of 
flowers." Landing near the site of what is now the city of St. Augustine, 
the oldest town built by white men on this continent, and claiming the 
country for the King of Spain, he promptly organized and vigorously prose- 
cuted his search for the fabulous fountain. After many weeks of fruitless 
exploration among the everglades and flower-laden groves, he tiu-ned 
southward, discovered and named the Tortugas, doubled Cape Florida, and 
returned to Porto Rico. The king, to compensate him for the discovery. 



ISTARVAEZ DE SOTO PONCE DE LEON. 25 

made him Governor of Florida, and sent him to establish a colony. He re- 
turned in 1521, to find the natives intensely hostile, instead of friendly and 
hospital )le as before, and had scarcely landed ere they fell upon him in 
overwhelming numbers and drove his men to their ships. Ponce de Leon 
himself being so severely woiuided that he died soon after reaching Cuba, 
for which point his expedition sailed in ])reci])itate haste. 

In A. D. 152S, Narvaez was ay)pointed Governor of Florida l)y the King 
of Spain, and sailed for that province with a force of two hiuidred and 
sixty footmen and forty horsemen. He landed at Tampa Bay in April, 
and went northward in seai'ch of gold and concpiest; but where he hoped 
to find ancient cities and vast em})ires abounding in wealth, he discovered 
only morasses, lagoons and savages. After weeks of peril and hardship 
they reached the coast, built light barges, and put to sea, \mt were driven 
by storms again upon the shore. Here Narvaez died. His lieutenant, 
De Vaca, at length reached the Spanish settlements in Mexico with a 
handful of men, having, as some historians allege, discovered the Mississip})i 
on Iris way. As he seems not to have claimed that honor, however, and 
failed to formally take possession of it in the name of the King of Spain, 
as other Spanish discoverers were wont to do, his government never accred- 
ited him with that achievement. 

In 1537, Ferdinand de Soto, a distinguished cavalier of Spain and bosom 
friend dft" Pizarro, who as conqueror of Peru had just returned loaded with 
the wealth of the Incas, was made Governor of Florida, and came with six 
hundred men to conquer and subdue the country, expecting to find it a 
second Peru in wealth. His men were representatives of the nol)ility of 
Spain, clad in knightly armor, and they came with all the pomp and cir- 
cumstance of conquerors, bringing shackles for slaves, bloodhounds for 
hunting, and priests to conduct their religious exercises. In June, 1539, 
they first caught sight of land, but instead of the wondrous beauty deline- 
ated in Ponce de Leon's painting, they beheld but a silent beach of marshy 
waste and gloomy morass. Some of the men deserted and returned to 
Cuba. Landing with the remainder of his forcj, De Soto marched north- 
ward, wading swamps, swimming rivers, and fighting the Indians who 
hovered about his line of march, harrassing his column and seeking to im- 
pede his progress. They wintered in the cauntry of the Apalachians, on 
the left bank of Flint River, and in the spring of 1540 resumed their 
tedious journey, wandering through the interminable wilderness until about 
April or May of 1541, when they reached the lower Chickasaw Bluff, a 



26 EECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

little iKH'tli of the thirty-fourth parallel, M'here they discovered the Missis- 
yi])pi River. After crossing the "Father of Waters," a tedious process, 
reipiiriiig several weeks' time, they journeyed to the north-west through 
Arkansas to the southern limits of Missouri, in the vicinity of New Mad- 
I'id, thence west about two hundred miles, then south to the Hot Springs, 
Avhere they arrived in the winter of 1541-2. They were guilty of many 
cruelties to the Indians, who were superstitious, and l)ecame easy victims 
to the duplicity of the gaudily attired Spaniards. Disapj)ointed in finding 
wealth and spoils, they destroyed Indian towns and villages on their 
route, and cruelly mutilated their captives or burned them alive in pun- 
ishment for real, imaginary or pretended offences. But in the mean- 
time De Soto and his followers suffered terribly, sickness and death rapidly 
decimating their i-anks. At length they turned eastward and again reached 
the Mississippi River, where De Soto, broken in health and spirits, gave 
way to melancholy, succumbed to the malarial fever incident to the climate 
and countiy, and finally died. His body was taken to the middle of the 
stream by his soiTowing companions, a I'equiem was chanted, and in a I'ustic 
coffin enclosing them, the remains of Ferdinand De Soto were buried be- 
neath the rolling watei's of that mighty river whose discovery was the only 
important result of all his weary wanderings. His companions, after many 
months of further desidtory travel ovei' Texas, again reached the Missis- 
sijipi, near the mouth of Red River, where they built seven brigantrnesk 
In these they floated down the river to its mouth, whence they steered 
southwesterly across the Gulf of Mexico, and after fifty-five days' buffeting 
the terrible coast waves, three hundred and eleven survivors of this ill-fated 
expedition reached a Spanish settlement at the mouth of the River of Palms. 
Other Spanish expeditions, notably those of Lucas Vasquez de Ay lion, 
Pamj)hilo de Narvaez and Pedro Melendez, visited portions of North 
Amei'ica now comprised within the limits of the United States, mainly in- 
stigated l)y greed and characterized by atrocious cruelties, but devoid of 
important results. Spain retained possession of Louisiana, Florida and 
Texas, the former until the year 1 800, when it was ceded to France and in 
turn i)urchased by the United States; Florida until Feb. 22, 1819, when it 
was likewise purchased by the United States ; and of Texas until 1821 , when 
it passed into the nominal jjossession of Mexico, only, however, to raise 
tlie standard of insurrection, achieve speedy independence and sue for ad- 
mission to the glorious sisterhood of States when the galling hand of des- 
potism l)ore too heavily ui)on the rights and liberties of her people. 



FRENCH EXPLORATIONS, 27 



SETTLEMENT OF CANADA. 




CHAPTER IV. 

EXPLORATIONS OF THE FRENCH. 

S EARLY as 1504, fishermen from the north of France sought 
the shores of New Foundland to ply their trade. A well 
executed map made in 1500, and found among the archives 
of the nation, defines the outlines of the Gulf of St. Law- 
rence and the fishing gi-ounds very accurately. In 1508 
two Indians picked up at sea were carried to France and edu- 
cated, afterward becoming very ser\aceable as interpreters. 
In 1501 Gaspar Cortereal, a Portuguese seaman, sailed 
on a voyage of discovery, and striking the continent somewhere near the 
latitude of Maine, coasted northward a distance of seven hundred miles, 
until near the fiftieth parallel, when floating ice stopped further progi'ess. 
Returning, he captured about fifty Indian fishermen, and took them to 
Portugal, where they were sold as slaves. 

In 1523 an expedition was fitted out in France, consisting of four small 
vessels, three of which were wrecked in a storm before leaving the coast, 
but the foiu'th, the Dolphin, reached the coast of North Carolina, fi-om 
whence the commander sailed northward as far as New Foundland, where 
he landed and took possession of the country in the name of the king, his 
master, and named it New France. 

In 1534 France sent a new and successful explorer to further ^dew her 
new possessions here, in the person of James Cartier, who, after cruising 
about Nova Scotia and New Foundland, went north and westward, enter- 
ing the estuary of a broad river, which he named, in honor of his patron, 
St. Lawrence. He sailed up this gi'eat river past the island of Orleans, 
and extending his journey, reached a beautiful village at the foot of a hill 
in the middle of an island, the location of which had been described to him 
by captive Indians. Ascending the hill and discovering the surroundings 
fully confirmative of what had been descril)ed by his Indian guides, he 
named the place Mont Real, and with the usual ceremony took possession 
in the name of the King of France. 



28 KK0OKD8 OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

In 1541, about the date of De Soto's discovery of the Mississippi River, 
Cartier organized a new exjieditioii from France. The fa))uloiis stories of 
great wealth to be had without labor in the new world were now exploded, 
and the spirit of adventure was dying out; volunteers were slow to offer 
their services, and the king being appealed to, opened the prisons, tilled 
^vith vermin from all })arts of Europe, and proclaimed a free pardon for 
all who enlisted, excepting only such as were under sentence for coun- 
tei"feiting or treason. By this means Cartier's complement was speedily 
made u]), and with a crew of thieves, robbers and cut-throats, the futiu'e 
founders of a western empire, he reached the ])resent site of Quebec, wh(;ire 
he passed the wintei'. 

For the next fifty years the French seem to have made no effort to 
colonize New France, or to explore its territoiy. In KiOo De Monts was 
a])pointed Governor of the country fiom the latitude of Philadelphia to 
one degree north of Montreal. In 1 ()04 he arrived, and after some reverses 
of fortune, in 1G05 fomided a permanent settlement on the northwest coast 
of Nova Scotia, and the whole country and surrounding islands, 'with the 
mainland as far south as the St. Croix River, was named Acadia. 

In 1()08 Champlain, discoverer of the lake which bears his name, fore- 
seeing in the fur trade of that region a profitable business, susceptil)le of 
unlimited expansion, established trading posts for the advancement of that 
industry, and founded Quebec. He vigorously prosecuted this industry, 
the new world's contribution to commerce, yearly extending it up the 
river until 1624, when Fort St. Louis was completed, securing the French 
in their ])ermanent occupancy of the St. Lawrence Valley. 

During this i)eriod the Jesuits of France were turning their attention 
to the far-off region of the then Northwest in -America, with a view to 
]>lanting the cross of the Catholic Church and converting to its tenets the 
inhabitants of this benighted wilderness; While priests had accompanied 
every expedition here, none had come as missionaries; but in 1(532 Paul 
La Jeune, De Noue, and a lay brother named 'Gilbert sailed from Rouen 
for "that miserable countiy," as they called it, arriving at Quebec in the 
month of July. 

Le Jeune's first missionary effort was made while seated on a log, an 
Indian boy on one side, and a little negro, an attache of the garrison, on 
the other. As neither understood the language of the others, their pro- 
gress in Sj)iritual matters must have been small. 

After learning the Indian language, he was better satisfied with his 



MARQUETTE PRIEST AND EXPLORER. ^9 

r 

labors. Others joined him, ambitious young missionaiies from the mother 
coixntry, and sometimes folowing, more often preceding the fur traders up 
to and around tlie chain of the great Lakes, they founded posts and missions 
throughout the far North-west to the southern shores of Lake Superior. 
Brave, resolute and self-sacrificing men were those pioneer missionaries. 
Voluntarily forsaking home, friends and country, they went out into the 
far-off wilderness before untrodden save by savage feet, devoting their 
lives to the propagation of their religious faith. Sublime faith, indeed, 
which prompted these heroic apostles of Christianity to place their lives in 
momentary jeopardy, with death in its most terrible form a continual 
menace. The death of Jean De Brebeuf, the founder of the Huron Mis- 
sion in Canada, together with his companion, Lalemont, was horrible be- 
yond description, and has never been .exceeded in bratal ferocity or 
intensity of suffering. Savage ingenuity in torture could no farther go 
than in tlie horrible maiming, flaying alive and burning of these martyr 
pioneers. 

In 1G32, four years before the missions were formed among the lake 
tribes, a grand council of Indian tribes was held at the falls of St. Mary, 
at the outlet of Lake Superior. In 1G60 Mesnard established a station 
near the lake, but perished in the woods soon after. In 16 08 Claude 
Dablon and James or Jacques Marquette, afterward a leading character in 
the history of Western exploration, established the mission of Sault Ste. 
Marie, and two years later Nicholas Perrot, agent for M. Talon, Governoi' 
General of Canada, explored Lake Michigan (then Lake Illinois) to its 
southern limits, or near the present site of Chicago. Marquette also 
founded a mission at Point Saint Ignace, across the Strait of Mackinaw. 

During Marquette's residence in that region he learned of the existence 
of a great sea or river away to the west, the Indian descriptions of which 
varied greatly; also, that great tribes of Indians inhabited this far off 
region, among them the Winnebagoes, or sea tribe, who had never seen 
the face of white man, nor heard of the Gospel. 

In 1634 Jean Nicolet, a Frenchman who had come to Canada in 1618, 
was sent to the Green Bay country to visit the Winnebagoes. He was the 
first white man they had ever seen. To produce the greatest possible 
effect, "when he approached their town he sent some of his Indian at- 
tendants to announce his coming, put on a robe of damask, and firing 
his pistols, advanced to meet the expectant crowd. The squaws and 
children fled, screaming that it was a manitou [god] or spirit, armed with 



So RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TlMJl 

thunder and lightning; but the chiefs and warriors regaled him with so 
hountifnl a hospitality that a hundred and twenty beavei-s were devoured 
at a single feast." 

Paul Le Jeune in 1640 also wrote of the sea tribe, or Winnebagoes, 
and their mighty water, or sea. 

Nicolet undertook to visit tliis far away region. Ascending Fox River, 
he crossed the portage to the Wisconsin, and thence iioated down to 
where his guides assured him he was "within three days of the great 
w^ater," which he mistook for the sea; but he returned without visiting it. 

About this time the Governor of New France, excited by vague reports 
of a great unknown river in the far West, and believing it might empty 
into the Paciiic or the South Sea, set on foot an ex2:>edition to solve the 
question and open up new territories for his sovereign. He cast about for 
some one qualified to undertake this expedition, and settled upon Louis 
Joliet, a daring fur trader of Quebec and a native Canadian, educated by 
the Jesuits for the j)riesthood ; and to accompany him as priest, the equally 
venturesome and ))rave Marquette was chosen. Their outfit was simple, 
consisting of two birch-bark canoes and a supply of smoked meat and 
Indian corn. On the 17th of May, 1673, they set out from Mackinaw 
with five French Canadians as assistants, and passing the straits, and along 
the noi-thern shores of Lake Michigan, reached Green Bay and sailed 
up Fox River to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Marquette 
was delighted to find a beautiful cross in the middle of the town, orna- 
mented with white skins and bows and aiTOws, oifei'ings of the heathen to 
their Manitou, or god. The pioneers were regaled with mineral waters, 
and instructed in the seci'ets of a I'oot which cured the bite of the rat- 
tlesnake. Marquette assembled the chiefs and pointed out Joliet to them 
as an envoy of France, while he introduced himself as an embassador of 
God to enlighten them with the Gospel. Two guides were furnished to 
conduct tliem to the Wisconsin River. The guides led them across the 
poitage between the Fox and Wisconsin rivei's, and left them to launch 
their barques on its unknown waters and float to regions where white men 
had nevei" yet ventured. As they started on that strange voyage, they 
remembered the warnings received at an Indian village a few days before, 
on Fox River, where they tarried. The chiefs advised them *'to go no 
fui-ther; that the banks of the great river were inhabited by ferocious 
tribes, who put all strangers to death; that the river was full of fi'ightful 
monsters, some of which were large enough to swallow a canoe with all its 



DISCOVERY OF THE MlSSlSSlPPt. - ^I 

contents; that at a liigli cliff by the river side lived a demon, whose roar 
was so loud as to shake the earth and destroy all boats passing np or 
down the stream ; and that the gi'eat river was full of catai-acts and whirl- 
pools which would surely engulf and destroy them," 

But Father Marquette had before starting put all his trust in the 
"Blessed Virgin," and made a solemn vow that if he' discovered the gi'eat 
river he would give it the name of "The Conception," in her honor. So 
the voyagers floated on, and were not afi'aid. After four days of rapid 
sailing they reached the mouth of the river, and on their right lay the tei'- 
raced plain afterwai'd the site of the fort and city of Praiiie du Chien. A 
couple of days they tarried, and then launched their frail barques on the 
broad bosom of the "Father of Waters," "with a joy that could not l)e 
expressed." 

Turning southward, they paddled down the rapid stream, their voyage 
unrelieved by the faintest trace of civilized life, but encountering at inter- 
vals and viewing with wonder great herds of ])uff alo. Marquette descril)es 
the fierce yet stupid and bewildered look, the mixture of fear and defiance 
of the old bulls of the herds who stood staring at the intrudei's through 
the tangled manes of their t>ushy heads as the canoes floated past. 

They proceeded with extreme caution, not knowing what moment the 
savage war-whoop might startle their ears, the prelude to their capture 
or speedy death; landing at night to cook their meals, and hiding their 
retreat as well as they could, or anchored in the stream, always keeping a 
sentinel on watch. 

Thus they journeyed a fortnight without meeting a human being, when 
on the 25th of June they saw foot-prints of men in the liiud on the west 
branch of a stream. Joliet and Marquette followed the trail at a hazard- 
ous venture across a praii'ie two leagues, when they discovered an Indian 
village on the banks of a river, probal)ly near the present site of Burling- 
ton, Iowa. Here they found a tribe of Illinois Indians, and were welcomed 
in the fashion of these people. "An extensive feast of four courses was 
set. First came a wooden bowl of Indian meal, boiled with grease, the 
master of ceremonies feeding his guests like infants, with a spoon; next a 
platter of fish, the same functionary carefully removing the bones with his 
fingers and blowing on the morsels to cool them before placing them in the 
strangers' mouths. A large dog, killed for the occasion, furnished tlie next 
course; but not relishing this, a dish of fat buffalo meat ended the feast." 



32 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Next inorniiig, escorted by six liiindred of the people, the Frenchmen re- 
turned to tlie river and resumed their journey. 

They jKLssed the mouth of the Illinois, discovering "The Kuined 
Castles," as they named tlie fantastic markings of the rocks at that point, 
produced by tlie action of the elements. The superstitious fears of the 
Canadian attendants wei'e liere aroused by the sight on the face of the rock 
of a pair of ])ainted monsters, "with hoi'ns like a deer, I'ed eyes, and a beard 
like a tigej'; tlie face resembled that of a man, the body was covered with 
scales, and the tail was so long that it passed entirely around the l)ody, 
over the head and between the legs, ending like that of a fish." Tliis rock 
WMS near the site of the pi'esent city of Alton, and I'epresented the Indian 
manitou, or god. 

Soon after passing these monsters they encoimtered another terror, — a 
torrent of yellow nuid, rushing across the current of the clear, blue Missis- 
sippi, boiling, surging, and sweeping in its course logs, branches, and 
u])r<)oted trees. "This was the great Missoui'i Kiver, where that savage 
stream, descending in its mad career through a vast unknown region of 
barbarism, ])oured its turbid floods into the bosom of its gentle sister." 
Tlieir light canoes were whirled on the surface of the muddy vortex like 
dry leaves in the eddies of an angiy brook. 

They passed the lonely forest which covered the site of the future city 
of St. Louis, passed the mouth of the river upon which the Indians be- 
stowed the well-deserved name of "Ohio," meaning "Beautiful River," 
and still floating onward, reached the region of perpetual summer, the 
reedy, marsh-lined shores buried in dense forests of cane, with its tall, 
straight stems and feathery foliage, — the land of cotton and sugar. 

Above the mouth of the Arkansas they found a tribe of Indians who 
had evidently been in communication with Europeans, for they were armed 
with guns, knives and hatchets, woi'e garments of cloth, and cai'ried their 
gun])owder in l)ottles of thick glass. Here they were cheered })y the in- 
telligence that they were only ten days from the mouth of the gi'eat river, 
when in fact more than one thousand miles remained to l)e traversed ere 
its waters found an outlet and mingled with those of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Floating down the stream day after day, past marsh-lined shores 
covered with evergreens, from which depended long streamers of funereal 
moss, tlie dreaiy monotony and awful stillness almost frightened them, 
and they grew strangely superstitious. Near the nioutli of the Arkansas 
Kiver they landed at an Indian village, and found the inhabitants intensely 



Marquette's return — up the Illinois. 83 

liostile, tlireatening extermination; but a little strategy saved them. A 
few days later they encountered another tribe of naked savages, who 
proved as hospitable as the others were hostile. They were feasted pro- 
fusely, and in return Marquette made them some simple presents and set 
up a large cross on shore. 

By this time they were convinced the Mississippi neither flowed into 
the Pacific Ocean nor the Gulf of California, and disheartened by reports 
of savage tribes below, and wearied with their long voyage, Marquette 
detemiined on returning, and on the 17th of June the voyagers turned 
their prows up the stream. The fiei'ce rays of the sun beat upon their 
unprotected heads, and Marquette was prostrated with dysentery, which 
came near ending his life ; but his strong constitution carried him through 
until a healthier climate was reached, when he rapidly recovered. 



voyage up the ILLINOIS RIVER. 

These intrepid travelers had discovered the Mississippi, and rode upon 
its broad bosom from the Wisconsin to within a few hundred miles of its 
mouth, passing successively, at the confluence of each with the majestic 
stream upon which they journeyed, the Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas 
and other mighty rivers, and were now about to extend their discoveries 
by a voyage up the Illinois, whose limpid waters and wood-crowned hills 
no white man had ever yet beheld. They entered its mouth probably in 
August, 1673, and followed its course, "charmed as they went with its 
placid waters, its shady forests, and rich plains grazed by the bison and 
the deer." 

The beauty of the river was highly extolled by Marquette. He says : 
"Nowhere on this journey have I seen a more pleasant country than on 
the banks of that river. The meadows are covered with wild oxen, stags, 
wild goats, and the rivers and lakes with bustards, swans, ducks and 
beavers. We saw, also, an abundance of parrots. Sevei'al small rivers 
fall into this, which is deep and broad for sixty-five leagues, and thei'efore 
navigable all the year long." 

On the way they stopped at a place ever aftei'ward famous in the 
annals of western discovery, — the great Illinois Town (near Utica, in 



o4 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

LaSalle C(HUity), called "Kaskaskia," a name Jifterwai'd transferred to a 
French village in another ])ar1f of Illinois. Here a young chief with a 
hand of warriors offered to guide the explorers to Lake Illinois (now Lake 
Michigan), whither they went, and coasting its shores, i-eached Green 
Bay at the end of September, having, in an absence of about four ]nonths, 
paddled in their canoes a distance of over two thousand five hundred 
miles, traversed the Wisconsin, the Illinois and Lake Michigan, discov- 
ered the Mississippi, and explored the great valley foi- two-thirds of its 
entire leni»:tli fi'om north to south. 

Mar(piette rested awhile from the severe strain to his mental anvl 
physical organization resulting from his long and perilous expedition, and 
then resumed his labors among the Indians. He visited the Illinois 
tribes again, established "missions" at several places in the Noi'tliwest, and 
finally, when, old and worn out, as he was traversing the southern shore of 
Lake Michigan, death overtook him. Retiring to pray, as was his wont, and 
being absent longer than usual, his attendants sought his retreat and found 
him dead upon his knees. His faithful Indians placed the remains in a rude 
bark coffin and bore him upon their shoulders for sixty miles, to his friends, 
where he was accorded Christian burial. Afterward the little chapel be- 
neath which he was interred was burned down, the mission was moved 
elsewhere, and for many years the site of his grave was lost, mitil acci- 
dent revealed it. Nearly two hundred years later a project was set on 
foot to erect a monument to his memory, but which has not at this wilt- 
ing been carried into effect. 

It is said that for many years after the deaths of Marquette, French 
sailors on the lakes kept his picture nailed to Jthe masthead of their ves- 
sels, as a guardian angel, and when overtaken by storms, would l)Tay to 
him, beseeching him to calm the winds and still the troubled waters, that 
they might I'each ]30i*t in safety. 

Joliet, on leaving Marcpiette at Green Bay, at the conclusion of their 
eventful voyage, started to Quebec to make his official report to Governoi- 
Frontenac; but at the foot of the rapids of La Chine his canoe was over- 
turned, two of his men drowned and all his papers lost, himself narrowly 
escaping. In his letter to Count Frontenao, he says : " I have escaped 
every peril from Indians, I have passed forty-two rapids, and was on the 
point of disembarking, full of joy at the final completion of so long and 
difficult an enteiprise, when my canoe capsized, and I lost two men and 



THE DEATH OF JOLIET. 



35 



my box of papers witliin siglit of the French settlements which I had left 
two years before." 

After a long and useful life in the employ of his government, he died 
in 1699 or 1700, and was buried on one of the Islands of Mignon. 




RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER V. 




CAVELIER DE LA SALLE. 

''N 1G43 was born at Rouen, France, Robert Cavelier, known as 
La Salle. He bad wealtby parents, and was well educated. 
A Catbolic, bis training was conducted by the Jesuits, but be 
seems not to bave been over-zealous in bis religion. He bad 
an older brotber in Canada, and to bim be sailed to view tbe 
new country and carve out a career for bimself . Soon aftei' 
bis ai-rival bis genius began to manifest itself. Tbe priests 
of St. Surplice, of wbicb order bis brotbei' was a member, 
desired to establish a line of posts along tbe great lakes to 
tbe farthest limits of French discovery, to secure tbe fur trade and control 
the Indians. Young La Salle was chosen to lead this enterprise. He did 
bis work well, and in tbe meantime iuastered tbe Iroquois and seven or 
eight other Indian languages and dialects. He bad heard of a river which 
the Indians called the Ohio, which he was told by them rose in their 
country, flowing into tbe sea, but its nioutb was eight or nine months' 
journey from them. He concluded that tbe Ohio and Mississippi merged 
into one, and, thus united, flowed into tbe "Vermillion Sea" or Gulf of 
California, and must be the long-sought route to China. After many de- 
lays, he succeeded in fitting out an expedition, descended the Ohio to the 
falls at Louisville, and returned. During tbe years 1669-70 and '71, La- 
Salle's whereabouts seem to bave been an enigma to all historians. He 
has left records which establish a possibility that be discovered the Illi- 
nois and even the Mississippi Rivers, before Joliet and Marquette, but 
there is nothing positive to assure it. It is agreed that he seceded from 
an expedition of Jesuits organized at Fort St. Louis, Sept. 30, 1669, near 
tbe head of Lake Ontario, and, receiving tbe blessings of tbe priests, left 
them, ostensibly to return to Montreal. It seems that be busied bimself 
in active explorations, kept a journal, and made maps, which were in ex- 
istence in tbe bands of his neice, Madeline Cavelier, as late as 1756, and 
then disappeared. It is claimed that among these papers was a statement 
showing that after leaving tbe priests be went from Lake Erie down tbe 



THE EXPLORATIONS OF LA SALLE. 37 

Ohio, and thence followed the Mississippi to the thirty-third parallel ; 
also, another statement that in the winter of 1669-70 he embarked on Lake 
Erie, passed ai'onnd to Lake Michigan, crossed over to a river flowing 
westward (the Illinois), and following it down, entered a larger one flow- 
ing south (the Mississippi), and descended it to the thirty-sixth degree of 
latitude, where he stopped, assured that it discharged itself, not into the 
Gulf of California, hut that of Mexico. As he and the priests had 
stai'ted on the same mission, that of discovering the great river, it may be 
that this I'eport was manufactured so as to take the glory of this fii'st dis- 
co veiy away from them ; but La Salle was a man of a far higher order of 
integrity and character than this supposition would imply. That he dis- 
covered the Ohio is certain, but whether he saw the Illinois before Joliet 
and Marquette is doubtful, and the alleged voyage by him to the Missis- 
sippi is still more so. 

In 1678 La Salle seemed to have determined upon achieving what 
Cliam})lain had vainly attempted — the opening of a passage across the 
continent to India and China, to occupy the Great West, develop its re- 
sources, and anticipate the English and Spanish in its possession ; and 
now that he was convinced that the Mississippi flowed into the Gulf of 
Mexico, he would estal)lish a fortified post at its mouth, thus securing the 
outlet for the ti'ade of the interior, and check the pi'ogi'ess of the Span- 
iards, the enemies of his king. > Spain already laid claim to the mouth of 
the Mississippi and what afterward came to be known as Louisiana, by 
virtue of discovery, and the ambitious Count Frontenac, Governor Gen- 
eral of Canada, determined to prevent an extension of their territory, 
worked out the plan before referred to, and selected La Salle as the right 
man to execute it. 

He chose his men for the voyage, but when all was in readiness Fron- 
tenac had not the necessary means, and La Salle was obliged to seek aid 
in France. There, also, he received nothing better than the privilege of 
doing anything he could for the glory of France, at his o^^nl expense ! 
Not only that, he was limited in the accomplishment of his mighty 
schemes to five years' time. His relatives, who were rich, finallj^ helped 
him to money, and he sailed to Canada with thirty men, sailors, carpenters 
and laborers, among whom was the aftarward famous Heni'y de Tonti, an 
Italian oflftcer, one of whose hands had been blown off in the Sicilian 
wars, and he wore a substitute of iron. 

La Salle needed a priest for his exploring party, and Father Louis 



38 KECORDS OF THE OLDEIST TIME. 

Henne])in Avas secured for that service. When arrayed for his journey 
the priest wore a coarse gray capote with peaked liood, sandals on his 
feet, the cord of St. Fj-ancis a])out his waist, and a I'osary and crucifix 
hanging at his side. He carried a sort of portable altar with him, wliich 
he could strap on his back like a knapsack. The party rendezvous was at 
Fort Frontenac, wliere Kingston now stands. La Salle at once dispatched 
fifteen men in canoes to Lake Michigan, to open a trade with the Indians 
and collect provisions, while La Motte and Hennepin, with a crew of men 
in a small vessel, were sent up the Niagara River, and after many hard- 
sliips discovered the Grreat Falls. In the meantime La Salle, sailing with 
tlie Tinto to bring supplies to the advance party at Niagara, had suffered 
the loss of his vessel, which was wrecked, and he reached the rendezvous 
at Niagara on foot. But not discouraged, he set about the construction 
of a fort and palisade, and also a new vessel, the Griffin. Leaving his 
men at work, he made his way back to Frontenac, a distance of two hun- 
dred and fifty miles, through snow and over ice, for fresh supplies. He 
returned in July, the Griffin was launched, and they sailed away Au- 
gust 7, 1079, in all thirty-four men. He made his voyage around the 
lakes to Green Bay, and loading the Griffin with furs, sent her back to 
appease his clamorous creditors. She foundered on the way, and was 
never more heard of. 

La Salle, with fourteen men in four canoes, now started southward on 
Lake Michigan, and aftei* escaping perils by storm and suffering froiii 
himger and cold, reached St. Joseph, on the southern shore of the 
lake, in safety. Here Tonti was to have joined him with twenty men, but 
did not arrive until twenty days afterward, Iji'inging a sad tale of disaster 
to his men and loss of supplies. 

On the 8th of December, 1679, La Salle, with a pai'ty of thirty-three 
persons, ascended the St. Joseph until the well-known portage was reached, 
where they di'agged their canoes a distance of five miles to the waters of 
the Kankakee, a confluent of the Illinois, down which they paddled. 
While looking for the crossing La Salle was lost in a snow storm, remain- 
ing out one day and a night before I'eaching camp. 

"The stream, which at its source is narrow and fed by exudations from 
a spongy soil, widens quickly into a liver, down which they floated through 
a lifeless solitude of dreary, baiTen oak openings. At night they built fires 
on the ground, made firm by frost, and bivouacked among the rushes. A 
few days bi'ought them to the pi'evailing characteristic scenery of the 



THE EXPORATIOlSrS OF LA SALLE. 39 

Illinois. On tlie right and left stretched boundless prairies, dotted with 
leafless groves and bordered by gray forests, scorched by the fires kindled 
in the dried grass by Indian hunters, and strewn ^vith the bleached skulls 
and bones of innuniera])le bufFalo. At night the horizon glowed "vvith 
distant fires, and by day the savage hunters could be descried roaming on 
the verge of the prairies." 

This soon changed to woody hills, which fi'om their summits disclosed 
a rolling sea of dull gray prairie, recently swept by fii'e, and everywhere, 
as far as the eye could reach, a boundless pasture for vast herds of nimi- 
nant animals. 

They passed the mouth of Fox River, the futiTre site of Ottawa, saw 
Buffalo Rock towering isolated in the valley, and below it the far-famed 
Starved Rock, a lofty clifF , crested with trees that overhung the rippling 
curi-ent, while before them spread the broad valley of the river, along 
whose right bank was the "Great Illinois Town," or chief village of the 
Illinois Indians, containing, according to Hennepin, four himdred and 
sixty lodges. The town was desei'ted. The people had gone away on 
their annual fall hunt, but La Salle supj)lied himself with corn from their 
caches^ and- pursued his voyage to perhaps neai* the mouth of what is now 
Bureau Creek, where he landed, and sent out a party to hunt bufFalo — a 
herd being seen a short distance from the river. Two animals wei"e killed, 
when the hunters returned to camp. The following day being New 
Year's, Jan. 1st, 1680, the voyageurs went on shore at a point thought 
by some writers to have been in the vicinity of Hennepin, where they 
set up an altar and celebrated mass. 

Re-embarking, the party passed down the river, through what are now 
Marshall and Putnam counties, on the 1st, 2d and 3d days of January, 
1680, two hundred years ago, and on January 4th entered Lake Pimiboni, 
"a place where there are many fat beasts," or Peoria Lake, and thence 
do\^ai to the lower end, where La Salle proposed to erect a fort. The na- 
tives who met hiuj were- kind, but told of adjoining tribes who were 
hostile. 

Continuing their journey, and passing through a somewhat naiTow 
passage, they I'ounded a point, and beheld about eighty wigwams along 
the bank of the river. The Indians crowded the shore at the unwonted 
sight, while La Salle marshalled his men, and with the canoes abreast 
and every man amied, pulled into the bank and leaped ashore. The In- 
dians were disposed to resent the strange intrusion, l)ut La Salle held 



40 RECORDS OF TIIJ] OLPEN TIME. 

aloft the calimiet, the Indian sign of peace, and the amicable token was 
accepted, and a feast of welcome was spread for the weary voyagers. 

Th€ Indians, as a token of highest courtesy, conveyed the food to 
the mouths of their guests, and rubbed their feet with bear's grease. 
When these somewhat extravagant courtesies were over, and all had eaten 
to repletion. La Salle told whence he came and whither he was going ; 
spoke of the great king, his master, who owned all the country, and gra- 
ciously promised them protection provided they remained his friends ; to 
all of which they assented. 

La Salle had left behind him in Canada some bitter and relentless ene- 
mies, who had followed him even to this remote region in the West. 
During his first night here, an emissary from them, a Mascoutin chief, and 
four or five Miamis, came bringing knives, hatchets and kettles to the Illi- 
nois, and while La Salle was in his camp, after leaving the tribe who had 
been feasting him, and whose friendship he thought he had secured, these 
intriguers assembled the chiefs in secret conclave and denounced La Salle 
as a spy from the Iroquois, the deadly foe of the Illinois. 

Hennepin, in his work printed in 1724, charges the Jesuits with being 
at the bottom of this work, naming Allouez, a prominent member of that 
order, and La Salle's enemy, as one of the prime movers. 

In the morning. La Salle saw a change in the countenances and be- 
havior of his hosts. They looked at him askance and sullen. At length 
one of them, whom the day before he had more completely won over than 
the rest, by liberal presents, came and gave him the secret. La Salle saw 
in this the device of his enemies, and his suspicions were confirmed at a 
feast given in the afternoon. The chief told the Frenchmen, before eat- 
ing, that they had been invited there to refresh their Ijodies and cure their 
minds of the dangerous purpose of descending the Mississippi. Its shores 
were not only beset by savage tiibes in feai"ful numbers, against whom 
their courage would avail nothing, but its waters were infested by ser- 
pents, alligators and unnatural monsters, while hidden rocks, whirlpools 
and other dangers awaited them. La Salle, however, cared not for these; 
he feared more the secret machinations of his enemies. He astonished 
them by a knowledge of the secret council of the previous night, and 
cliarged that the presents given by his enemies were at the very moment 
of his speech hidden under the floor where they sat. He demanded the 
presence of the spies and liars who had come in the night to traduce him. 



LA SALLE HENNEPIN. 41 



and dare not meet him to his face, in the light of day. This speech qui- 
,eted the chiefs, and the feast went on. 

Next morning LaSaUe found that six of his men, two of his best car- 
penters, had deserted and left him. This loss, together with the lurking, 
half mutinous discontent of others, cut him to the heart. Not only this, 
but an attempt was actually made to poison him. Tonti informs us, "that 
poison was placed in the pot in which the food was cooked, but LaSalle 
was saved by a timely antidote. 

Feeling insecure in his position he determined to leave the Indian 
camp and erect a fort, where he could be better able to protect himself. 
He set out in a canoe with Hennepin to visit the site for this projected 
fort. It was half a league below on the southern bank of the river, or 
lake, and was intended to be a very secure place. On either side was a 
deep ravine, and in front a low ground, which over-flowed in high water. 
It was completely isolated by the ravine and ditches, and surrounded by 
lofty embankments, guarded by a chevaux de /rise, while a palisade 
twenty-five feet high surrounded the whole. This fort he called Creve 
Cuewr (broken heart). The many disasters he had encountered— the toil, suf- 
fering and treacheiy, coupled with the attempt to take his life, were (piite 
enough to suggest the idea of a broken heart. After a time he took courage, 
and not ha^dng abandoned his grand scheme of going down to the sea, 
collected and organized such scanty means as he had and began to budd 
another ship. While engaged upon this work, he concluded that he might 
get more valuable service out of Hennepin as a voyageur than as a preach- 
er, and much to that priest's^surprise, remonstrance and regret, put him in 
a canoe, provided him with two men as companions, gave him food and 
presents for the Indians, and instructed him to explore the Illinois River 
to its mouth. Hennepin wrote, "Anybody but me would have been very 
much frightened at the dangers of such a journey, and, in fact, if I had 
not placed all my trust in God, I should not have been the dwpe of La- 
Salle, who exposed my life rashly." 



Hennepin's explorations. 



This intrepid explorer was inspired by extreme religious fervor, and 
possessed a courage almost superhuman. He left an extensive account o± 
his experience in the wilderness, but historians are compelled to recognize 



4^ KECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

in liim liahits of exaggeration especially comniendatory of his own lofty 
achievements, far al)()ve his merit. His vicions attempts to malign his 
connnander, LaSalle, and defraud him of laurels justly won, have materi- 
ally detracted from an otherwise glorious I'ecoi'd. 

He pul)lished a hook soon after his return, and while LaSalle was still, 
alive, in which he says he went down to the mouth of the Illinois Kiver, 
and thence followed the Mississii)i)i to the mouth of the Wisconsin, where 
he was captured by Indians. Fourteen years later, and after LaSalle was 
dead, he issued a new edition in which he makes a new and surprising 
revelation, claiming to have ex])lored the whole course of the Mississipj^i 
to the sea, and returning went up the Wisconsin, where he was captm'ed. 
He gives as a reason for not divulging this before, that "his personal 
safety required him to keep silent while LaSalle lived, who wished to re- 
tain all the glory and honor of the discovery. But the two statements 
conflict so materially as to dates and in other circumstances, and especially 
improl)able is the time given foi' the accom])lishment of his southern voy- 
age and return, that he is very justly disbelieved. Enough, however, of 
both stories has been gathered and corrol )orated by other testimony to 
make it cei'tain that the party of three men, of whom Accau, or Ako was 
the leader (and not Hennepin, as he pomj^tously pretends), did proceed 
down the Illinois in the sjn'ing of 1(580, to its mouthy and thence to the 
Wisconsin, where on the 11th or I'itli of April, as they stopped one after- 
noon to repair theii' canoe, a wai' party of Sioux swept down and earned 
them off. The prisoners, after innumeral)le hai'dshi])s, were taken up the 
Mississippi two liundi*ed miles north-west of the falls of St. Anthony, 
and after two years, were released by a small party of fur traders under 
Greylson du Thut, or (Du Lutli), who obtained their freedom, and Hen- 
nepin went to Canada, and thence to France, where he died at an ad- 
vanced age. 



LA SALLE RETURNS TO CANADA. 



On ihe 2d of March, 1G80, LaSalle, leaving Fort Creve Coeur in com- 
mand of Tonti, with five men eml)arked for Canada. They reached Peoria 
Lake and found it sheeted with ice, and had to drag their canoes up the 
bank and through the forest lining its shores. 

They constructed two rude sledges, placed the canvas and l)aggage 
upon them, and dragged them four leagues through the woods, till they 



LA SALLe''s KETURIS" TO CANADA. 43 

readied an open current above the lake. Launching their frail harks they 
paddled on until masses of ice too heavy to be broken stopped further pro- 
gress, again they loaded their canoes and hauled them two leagues over 
a frozen marsh, where they encamped in a rain storm in an old Indian 
hut. On the morning of the od of March they pursued their way on land 
a league and a half further, then launched them and breaking the ice with 
hatchets, forced their way up stream. Thus on land and ice and in the 
water they plodded their weary way until at length they I'eached the 
great Illinois town, still without inhabitants. On the following day Chas- 
sagoac, the principal chief of the town, and two followers, I'eturned from 
their hunt, and a friendly acquaintance was made, the chief ]:>romising to 
send fresh meat to Tonti at Creve Cceur. 

Here LaSalle first observed the remarkal )le and afterwards historic cliff 
since called " Starved Rock," and determined to erect a fort thereon, sending 
word to Tonti of his intention, and instructing him to make it his strong- 
hold in time of need. On the 15th he continued his journey. The trip 
was a repetition of their expei'ience below. On the 18th they reached a 
point near the present site of Joliet, where they hid their canoes and 
struck across the country for Lake Michigan. This part of their route 
was even more laborious and difficult than what had been passed. For 
many miles the country was a vast morass covered with melting snow and 
ice. A river (the Calumet) and inniunerable swollen streams had to be 
crossed ere they reached the shoi'es of Lake Michigan, around which they 
passed, and traversing the peninsula of Michigan, arrived at Detroit, and 
finally on Easter Monday reached Niagara, after sixty-five days of severe 
toil. He had in the meantime received disastrous news from Tonti, whose 
men, described as "two faithful persons and twelve knaves," had revolted. 
"The knaves," after destroying Fort Creve Coeur, had followed LaSalle, 
and having gained recruits — now numbering twenty men — had plundered 
the magazine, at Niagara, and were on the road to waylay and mui'der 
LaSalle. Hastily gathering a few brave men, he w^ent back to give them 
battle. Taking position where neither himself nor men could be seen, he 
watched the enemy slowly approach, their canoes Avidely separated. At- 
tacking them in detail, he killed two men and took the restprisoners, 
sending them to Fort Fi'ontenac for trial. 



With characteristic energy, La Salle prepared for another voyage of 



44 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

(liKcovery. Witli the aid of friends, he apjieased his creditors and raised 
the means to ecjiiip an expedition; and with twenty-five men, on the 
lOtli of Aufi^ust, lie set ont, taking his former course around the lakes 
and down the Kankakee, arriving at Starved Rock, Dec. 1, 1(580, to 
find the great Indian town at its base in utter ruin and desolation. 
The Iroqnois had, only a few days before, swept down upon its people 
and massacred them, — men, women and children, leaving their charred re- 
mains and ghastly skeletons only, to tell the awful tale. Six posts painted 
red, on each of ^vhich was dra^vn in black the figure of a man with eyes 
bandaged, led him to infer that these I'epi'esented Tonti and his party, as 
])risoners. 

He pushed on down to Fort Creve Coeur, which he found demolished, 
though the vessel which he had Ijuilt was entire, save the nails and iron 
spikes, which had been drawn. Leaving this, he continued his voyage, 
luitil he reached the mouth of the Mississippi, the great object of his 
dreams and ambition. 

Leaving a sign and a letter for Tonti, he returned the same way, to 
Canada. 

LA SALLE's third VOYAGE. 

Although failure and disaster had attended all previous efforts to 
carry out his grand scheme, the intrepid explorer determined on another 
effort. Much time was spent in organizing a new expedition. He had 
heard of Tonti's safe arrival among the Pottawatomies, near Green Bay, 
and sent for him. He next journeyed to the Miami Village, at the head 
of the Kankakee, made a speech to the Indians there assembled in grand 
council, and set forth some of his plans, going thence to Michilimacinac, 
where he found Tonti and his followers, and returned again to Fort 
Frontenac. 

Some time was spent in organizing another expedition, hut in the fall 
of 1()S1 his party, consisting of twenty-three Frenchmen, ten women, 
three children, and eighteen Indians who had fought with King Philip 
against the Puritans of New England — in all fifty-four persons — em- 
})arked, and reached the present site of Chicago December 21. 

The rivers were tightly frozen up, and constructing sledges, they 
loaded up their canoes and hauled them over the ice and snow to Peoria. 
Dwellers along the river can appreciate the hardships of transporting a 



FURTHER EXPLORATIONS OF LA SALLE. 45 

party of iifty-foiir persons, with clotliing, l)aggage and provisions, a dis- 
tance of two Imndred miles*, in mid-winter. 

On the 6th of February, 1G82, LaSalle and his party entered the Missis- 
sippi, and sailed down to its mouth. They found a different reception 
from what was experienced upon former expeditions, and occasionally had 
to fight their way ; but on the 6th of April they gained the sea, where 
La Salle erected a column bearing the arms of France, and in a formal 
proclamation took possession of the country of Louisiana in the name of 
the king, from the mouth of the Mississippi to the Ohio, and fi'om the 
Eiver of Palms (the Rio Grande) on the west, and all nations, peoples, 
provinces, etc., to the frozen northernmost limits. The Louisiana of La 
Salle stretched from the Alleghanies ^to the Rocky Mountains, and from 
the Gulf of Mexico to Bi'itish America — the great Mississippi Valley. 

Here he rested until his recovery from a severe illness, and then re- 
turned to the Straits of Michilimacinac, where, hearing the Iroquois were 
about to renew their attacks on his friends the Illinois, he ordered Tonti 
to fortify Starved Rock, where he joined him in December, 1682. The 
work was named Fort St. Louis, and consisted of earthworks, with 
strong palisades in the rear, while wary sentinels mounted guard at the 
only practicable approach. The I'emains of these works are still visible, 
after a lapse of two hundred years. 

La Salle proposed founding a colony and a trading depot for the West, 
where he should rule and reign like some great feudal lord, and thus con- 
trol the entire country. The Illinois Indians were delighted at seeing 
such a redoubtable warrior begin to fortify here, not only to defend him- 
self, but to protect them, as he had promised. They returned to their 
ruined city, and began to rebuild it on a larger scale than ever. Other 
tribes also came to join in a confederacy of peace and unity, and make the 
Indian town their capital. But La Salle was becoming the \dctim of new 
and complicated difficulties. 

La Barre, the new Governor, a most despicable character, became his 
enemy, and began to undermine and traduce the gi*eat explorer to the 
king. La Salle was thus compelled to I'eturn to France, and lay the his- 
tory of his many adventures before His Majesty. His character was fully 
vindicated, new honors were heaped upon him, and he was sent to the 
GuK of Mexico to conquer the Spanish, then at war with France. 

He sailed with four ships, two hundred and fifty men, and a good sup- 
ply of provisions and materials with which to start a colony. Associated 



46 



RECORDS OF TIIJ^: OLDEN TIME. 



with liim in coiiniiand was a man named Beaujean, wlio proved the evil 
genius of tlie ex])edition. He (quarrelled with La Salle, and did all in his 
})ower to thwart him. 

One of the shi})s was lost on the way, another was taken by the 
Spaniards, and Beaujeau deserted with one ship and returned. La Salle 
Avas wrecked on the coast, and endui'ed all manner of hardships while 
wanderinii' in the interior of what is now Texas. 

At length, while making his way overland to Canada, at a point sup- 
posed to be somewhere near Arkansas Post, he was assassinated by one of 
his followers, March 19, 1G87. 

Thus pei'ished, at the age of 43, one of the most remarkable of men, 
whose histoiy is embalmed in the imperishable records of the New World. 




» 



MILITARY OPERATIONS INDIAN WARS. 



47 




CHAPTER IV. 

FROM MONARCHY TO REPUBLICANISM. 

>HE deatli of LaSallc i)ractically ended tlie era of <liscovery on 
this continent. The great lakes had been located and the 
lines of the principal rivers marked out, and what remained 
to he done was hereafter to ])e accomplished by private en- 
terprise. The English colonized New England and laid the 
basis of the ^reat Republic, and the French settled Canada, 
estalAishing a series of military and trading posts in the 
Northwest to control the fur trade and hold possession of 
the country. The English colonists pushed across the Alleghanies, and in 
the deep forests of the Ohio encountered the French, and sharp contests 
ensued that were duly reported at the Court of St. James and at Versailles 
Great events were rapidly ripening, and the French and Indian war of 
1754-63 ending in the discomfiture of the French, and the transfer of tue 
country to the English, was the result. In this contest, the few colonists 
in the Mississippi Valley, took little part or interest. The Northern In- 
dian nations sympathised with the French, and parties from the prairies 
ioined them in incursions against the New England colonists, but when 
peace came they returned to their homes, and the belligerent tribes sub- 
mitted to the "long knives." . 

For ten years or more peace reigned, and the few settlers pursued then- 
avocations unmolested. A few rem >te frontier posts in the northwest 
were held by the English, and a plan was set on foot by Capt. Clark to 
surprise and capture them. Gatherinfhis forces at wkat is now Loms- 
vile he embarked his men and sailed down to the mouth of the Ohio and 
thence up the Mississip]>i to Kaskaskia, which surrenderedwithout a blow. 
Without delay he marched to surprise Vincennes, a fortihed post on the 
Wabash, which also fell into his hands, and the iniluence of the British 
over the tribes of -the prairies, was ended. They were not Avholly paci- 
fied, however, and numbers of Illinois Indians fought Gen. Harmar and 
aided in defeating him near Fort Wayne, in 1789, and also Gen. bt. 



48 



KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



Clair, on the St. Mjiiy, a tributary of the Maumee, where the latter lost 
SIX Imiidivd iiien. 

Ill 17i)4 "Mad Anthony" Wayne signally defeated them at the Rapids 
of the Maiimee, and compelled them to sue for peace. In that battle, 
Black Partridge, Gomo, Black Hawk, Shaubena, Senachwine, and most of 
the Illinois Indians participated and lost heavily. Peace followed, and 
continued until British emissaries incited them to fresh massacres in the 
war of 1812. 




THE I\rOUND BUILDERS. 



49 



PRE-HISTORIC RACES. 



CHAPTER VII. 




THE MOUND BUILDERS. 

OME notice, tliougli a brief one, is due the mysterious people 
, that inhabited the valleys of the Great West previous to the 
advent of the red man. From the shores of Hudson's Bay 
to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Alleghanies to the Pacific, 
are evidences of an extinct race, a mysterious people, far su- 
perior to those whom the first explorers found in possession 
of the country. They have passed away and left no records 
from which the historian can gather the story of their lives, 
except such as are disclosed in the singular mounds found along the gi^eat 
rivers and water courses of the West. Although their woi-ks are eveiy- 
where about us, whence they came, the age in which they flourished, and 
the time of their decay and fall are all buried in the unknown past. No 
poet has chanted their story; no adventurous Layard has unveiled their 
secrets. The cities they built have vanished; the temples they reared are 
overthrown,, their names are forgotten, their records obliterated, and 
their very existence doubted! 

This much is known, or rather conjectured. They were below the aver- 
age stature of to-day — were a purely agricultural people, industrious, pa- 
tient, easily governed, in strict subjection to their rulers, and dwelt in 
large communities. They possessed a knoAvledge of metals, and Avere 
probably the artisans who long ago toiled in the mines of Lake Superior, 
and left l)eliind evidences of their work. They were peaceful and un- 
warlike, and to their incapacity for defence is probal;)ly due theii' over- 
throw. 

When Peru was overran by the Spaniards, they found there a civiliza- 
tion as far advanced as their own. There were houses built of stone and 
wood, and great temples and public works. Excellent roads extended 
into every part of the empire ; yet the people who i-eared these structures 



50 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

were strangers to tlie soil, wliom tradition said came from tlie far North, 
Avlience tliey wei'e driven by a fiercely warlike })eo])le to found new homes 
in more proj)itious cliiiies, and the theory is not difHciilt to maintain that 
the mound-builders of North America and the race inhabiting Mexico 
when Cortez invaded it are identical. 

There is reason foi* the belief that after their exodus from tlie Missis- 
sippi Valley, their homes were for centuries in Central America, where 
they built the great cities of Uxmal, Palencpie and Co])an, and reared the 
vast temples whose remains rival even Thebes in extent and magnificence. 
A portion, meanwhile, settled in Arizona, and Imilt the "Seven Cities" 
described by Major Powell and othei'S, where, in their rocky fastnesses, 
dwell the Mo(pus to-day, — sup})osed descendants of the ancient mound- 
Ijuilders. 

Numerous remains of this exiled race are found in the counties of 
Mai'shall and Putnam, Ijut extensive explorations fail to discover in them 
aught more valuable than a few implements and ornaments of stone, with 
an occasional jai' of clay, of rude manufactui-e. 

Beneath the mounds are usually found one or more skeletons, witli 
ashes, coals, and other evidence going to show the bodies were first burned. 
Prof. Gifford, who has given the sul)ject careful study, finds, upon micro- 
scopical examination, blood crystals mixed in large <|uantities with the 
earth, and cites it to prove the mounds were for sacrifice as well as sepul- 
ture. The skulls found show low and receding foreheads, long from front 
to back, narrow at the to]) and wide toward the l)ase, indicating a patient 
people, with some intelligence, but wholly diffei'ent fi'om the crania of 
modern Indians. 

These remains indicate that this whole coimtry was once ])0])ulated 
with a race as old as those who built the })yramids of Egypt. While in 
some places a single mound is oljservaT)le, in others they are in groups and 
series, in which some trace a resemblance to serpents, animals, etc., and 
tenn them mounds of worship; l)ut such conclusions are at best fanciful, 
and rest solely on a ])asis of conjecture. 

Some of these structiu'es are of considerable extent, as witness the 
large moiuid north of Chillicothe, and the long line which crown the 
bluffs in the rear of ' S(piire Taliaferro's, in Senachawine Townshij), in one 
of which the old chief of that name was buried. 

In the immediate vicinity of Lacon are still to be seen these evidences 
of a remote ancestry, while on the bluffs of Sparland, extensive ajid well- 



LOCAL EVIDENOEfl OF FORMER RACES. 51 

definea uk,u„.1s are found, wliich have never been disturbed; and in the 
lower part of Lacon township, and across the hue n, Woodford county, 
near what is called " Low Gap," they are specially numerous. 

The bnihlers, it is sni-poscl, used these works for the combxned pur- 
poses of military defence, religious sacrifices and ceremonies, and bnnal 
places for the dead. The sites were carefully selected with reference to 
their surroundings of country, an.l generally near some large stream, 
L.gh not always, for they crown the highest hills often, and when so 
found are called "mounds of observation," from which signals of danger 

were, flashed in times of war. , 

In a few localities, groups of mounds are found, covermg a large space 
of c,,,.und and laid out with some sort of system, as at HutsonviUe 
111 "F.n^t Aztalan, Ind., and at different places in Indiana Wisconsin and 
Ohio In some localities are found articles of finer manufacture, showmg 
greater skill and proficiency, such as specimens of pottery, drinking cups, 

ornaments, pipes, etc., etc. , c i i „„„ 

From all the data that can be gathered, the people of whom we have 
written were overcmne and driven from the country by a more war ike 
rice, at a period many hundreds of years l,efore the advent of the white 
man Their conquerers were the supposed ancestors of the Indians found 
in possession, and probably belonged to some Eastern tribe, crossing in 
their boats from the Asiatic shore, though evidence is not wanting tha 
the continents were once united, and passage by knd easdy effected. But 
their triumph was not forever. The "pale faces" came, with engines of 
fire and the red man, with his bow and arrows, contended in vain against 
the' superior intelligence of the new foe. Backward step by step, he was 
driven towards the great sea, and the time is not distant when the last 
Indian and the buffalo shall disappear together. 



52 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



THE ABORIGINES AND EARLY SETTLERS. 



CHAPTEK VIII. 




THE INDIANS. 

*HE red men whom the first discoverers found inliubiting this 
continent possessed neither records nor written language, 
and all themselves knew concerning their history was 
veiled in tradition. Some tribes made a slight approach to 
"picture writing," embraced in rough and stupidly devised 
hieroglyphics, at best vague and uncertain to those for whom 
they were intended, and (juite as liable to mislead as to con- 
vey correct information. Their language, though rough and 
uncouth to educated ears, is said to have possessed singular beauty, flexibility 
and adaptability. It had a general plan of formation, and its similes were 
derived from nature, partaking of the flowery prairies, the winds of autumn, 
the blackened plains of spring, the towering cliff, the craggy bluff, and the 
great river. The deer was the representative of fleetness, the eagle of 
vision, the wolf of ferocity, the fox of cunning, the bear of endurance, the 
bison of usefulness. The passions were symbolized in the animals and 
birds around them. The elements — fire, water and air — were mysterious 
agents for their use ; the thunder the voice of their terrible Manitou, or 
God, and the lightning His avenging spear! 

While the different tribes, in habits, customs, and even dispositions, 
were marked by great contrasts, in their general characters they were alike. 
Some were more advanced toward civilization than others. Some were in- 
clined to the pursuit < )f agriculture as a means of obtaining food, others re- 
jected it totally, and relied upon the spear, or the bow and arrow for food. 
The Indians of Maine lived wholly upon the products of the waters ; those 
who dwelt about St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario were all huntei-s. The 
Algonquins, though ordinarily hunters, often subsisted for weeks upon 
roots, barks, the buds of trees, and the foulest offal. Even cannibalism 



HURONS IROQUOIS. 53 

was not unknown, but all historians agree it was never resorted to except 
upon occasions of dire necessity. 

The Hurons, a numerous tribe that once peopled a part of Canada, built 
houses of bark and lived on corn, smoked fish, etc. Among them was 
individual ownership of land, each family having exclusive right to so 
much as it saw fit to cultivate. The clearing process was a toilsome one, 
for Indians, like the first settlers in the West, preferred a field in the tun- 
ber or oak and hazel barrens, rather than one cleared by nature. The 
clearing was done by cutting off branches, piling them together with 
brushwood around the foot of standing trunks, and setting fire to them. 
The squaws worked with hoes of wood and bone, laised corn, beans, 
pumpkins, tobacco, sunflowers, etc. At intervals of from ten to thirty 
years the soil was exhausted, and firewood difficult to obtain, so the village 
was abandoned and fresh soil and timber found. They pounded their corn 
in mortars of wood hollowed out by alternate burnings and scrapings. 
They had stone axes, spears and arrow heads, and bone fish hooks. They 
had birch l^ark canoes, — masterpieces of ingenuity, and showed considera- 
ble skill in making a variety of articles. 

Wampum, the money of all Indian tribes, likewise an oi'nament and 
evidence of value, consisted of elongated white and purple beads made 
from the inner part of certain shells. It is not easy to conceive how, with 
their rude and dull implements, they contrived to shape and pei-forate this 
intractable and fragile material. The New England Puritans ])eat the 
inventors in making wampum, and flooded the Indian markets with a 
counterfeit, which, however, was far moi'e beautiful and valuable in the 
eye of the Indian than the best he could make. The bogus article soon 
drove the genuine out of existence! 

The di'ess of these Indians was chiefly made from skins, cured with 
smoke. The women were modest in their dress, but condemned at an 
early age to a life of license or drudgery. 

The Iroquois, who drove out the Illinois, were a warlike, cunning 
race. Each clan bore the name of some animal, as bear, deei', wolf, liaAvk, 
etc., and it was forbidden for any two pei'sons of the same clan to inter- 
marry. A Hawk might many a Wolf, oi- Deer, or Tortoise, but not a 
Hawk. Each clan had what was called its totem, or emblem. The child 
belonged to the clan not of the father, but of the mother, on the ground 
that " only a wise child knoweth its own father, but any fool can tell 
who his mother is!" All titles and rank came through the mother, and not 



54 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the fatlier, and a cliief's son was no better than tlie son of the humblest in 
the tribe. He conld neither inherit title nor property from his father, not 
even so much as a tobacco pipe. All possessions passed of right to the 
bi'others of the chief, or to the sons of his sister, since all were sprung from 
a common mother. This rule of transmission of propei'ty and titles ap- 
pears to have been luiiversal among all Indians. The Iroquois were 
divided ii\to eight clans, and claimed to trace their descent to a common 
mother. Their chiefs wei'e called sachems, and numbered fi'om eight to 
fourteen in each of theii' five nations, making about fifty in all, which 
body when met constituted their government. 

This great tribe of Indians, which once ruled the greater part of the 
Mississippi Valley, had a form of government closely allied to repul)lican- 
ism. They had various bodies between the people and the High Council, 
or Cabinet, and a completely organized system of ruling on a demo- 
cratic plan. Their deliberations in the Congress of Sachems would shame 
our American Congi^ess in dignity, decorum, and often, we fear, in good 
sense ! Here were some of their rules : "No haste in debate. No heat in 
arguing questions. No speaker shall interrupt another. Each gave his 
o])inion in tui-n, supporting it with what reason or rhetoric he could com- 
mand, first stating the subject of discussion in fall, to show that he un- 
derstood it. 

Thus says Lafitau, an eminent writei' : " The result of their delibei- 
ations was a thorough sifting of the matter in hand, while the practical 
astuteness of these savage politicians was a marvel to theii' civilized con- 
tempoi'aries, and l)y their subtle policy they were enabled to take com- 
plete ascendency over all other Indian nations." 



RELIGION AND SUPERSTITIONS. 

"The religious belief of the North American Indians," says Foster, 
' was anomalous and contradictory, yet they conceived the existence of 
one all-ruling Deity, a thought too vast for Socrates and Plato ! To the 
Indian, all the material world was intelligent, and influenced human des- 
tiny and had ears for human suffering, and all inanimate objects had the 
power to answer prayer ! Lakes, rivers, waterfalls and caves wei'e the 
dwelling-places of living spirits. Men and animals were of close kin. 
Each species of animals had its progenitor or king somewhere, prodigious 



SITPERSTlTIOlSrS AND TRADITIONS. 55 

in size, and of shape and nature like its subjects. A hunter was anxious 
to propitiate tlie animals he sought to kill, and would address a wounded 
bear in a long harangue of apology ! The beaver's bones were treated 
with especial tenderness, and carefully kept from the dogs, lest its spirit 
or its survivinir V)rethren should take offense. The Hurons had a custom 
of propitiating their fishing-nets, and to persuade them to do their duty 
and catch many fish, they annually manied them to two young girls of the 
tribe, with great ceremony! The fish, too, were addressed each evening 
by some one appointed to that otfice, who exhorted them to take courage 
and be caught, assuring them that the utmost respect should be shown 
their bones. They were harrassed by innumeral)le and spiteful evil s]iir- 
its, which took the form of snakes, beasts or birds to hinder them in 
hunting or fishing, or in love or war. 

Each Indian had a personal guardian or manitou, to whom he looked 
for counsel, aid and protection. At the age of fourteen the Indian l>oy 
blackened his face, retired to some solitary place and remained without food 
for days, until the future manitou appeared in his dreams, in the form of 
beast, or bird, or reptile, to point out his destiny. A Ijear or eagle would 
indicate that he must be a warrior; a wolf, a hunter; a serpent, a medicine 
man; and the young man procured some portion of the supposed animal 
seen in his vision, and always wore it about his person. 

All Indian tribes trace themselves back to one mighty pair, lilxe the 
sun and moon, a flood, and some shadowy outline of creation similar to 
that of all other nations of the earth. 

Indian history rests on tradition alone, and they do not trace them- 
selves back beyond a generation or two. The Iroipiois were the first In- 
dians in this country that white men could establish with any certainty. 
The Algonquins came next. They embraced all the known tribes, inclu- 
ding the Illinois, Pottawatomies, Sacs and Foxes, Kickapoos, etc. The 
Dakotas occupied the Great "West, and claimed sovereignty from the Alle- 
ghanies to the Rocky Mountains. 

The Illinois occupied the region now comprised in this State, the name 
meaning "superior men." They were a confederation of several Indian 
tribes, who built arbor-like cabins covered with waterproof mats, with 
generally four or five fires to a cabin, and two families to a fire. 

After an eventful career, they were nearly all exterminated or driven 
from the State. They gave place to the Sacs, Foxes and Pottawatomies. 
The latter, in about IGOO, were numerous about the Southern Peninsula 



56 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 

of Micliis4'aii. The Iroquois drove tlieiii to Green Bay, wlieiice tliey 
spread over Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. They lived in this I'egion 
until expelled l)y tlie whites, at the close of the disastrous Black Hawk 
war. 



INDIANS OF MARSHALL AMD TUTNAM COUNTIES, 

After Tonti's garrison was dispersed, about 1718, the Pottawatomies 
and a few remnants of other tribes continued to inhabit the region of 
coiuitry l;)etween Peoria and Ottawa, They dwelt mainly at the places 
named, while Indian Town, now Tiskilwa, was always a favorite resort, 
Hennepin, Lacon, Sparland, Senachwine and othei' localities along the 
river were the homes of certain membei's of the clan. They raised small 
fields of coi'n, trapped for muskrats and beavers, hunted wild game, 
and sold honey to the settlers in exchange for such "necessaries" as 
beads, whisky, brass jewelry, tobacco, and the like. They were true to. 
all their superstitious beliefs and customs, notwithstanding the teachings 
of the missionaries and the example of the whites around them. They 
seemed attached to their himting and fishing grounds, but chiefly because the 
river afforded plenty of fish and the country an alnmdance of game. Here 
were their sugar-camps, and in the bottoms their kindred were buried, and 
many years aftei- their depai'ture small parties were in the habit of I'e- 
turning and looking upon the graves of their departed friends. The set- 
tlers plowed over the burial gi'ounds and destroyed the landmai'ks around 
them, so that now the locality of most of these is lost. They had a gi'eat 
venei'ation foi' their dead, and buiied them with great ceremony. 

In the winter of 1831-2, Henry K. Cassell, an old settler of Lacon, 
witnessed a curious performance by the Indians of this region. They had 
received word from Lieut. Governor Menard that they must leave their 
homes along the Illinois River, and prepared at once to obey, as by treaty 
they were compelled to do. Their first movement was to collect the dead 
u])on tlie frozen river, packed in wooden troughs. When this was done, 
all hands joined, and with a mighty push they were moved across the 
channel. The white men were asked to assist, but it looked to them very 
much like robbing a grave-yard, and they declined. 

The Indians found here were Pottawatomies, with a mixture of Winne- 
T)agoes, Kickapoos, Sacs and Foxes. The leading chiefs were Senachwine, 
whose principal vilhige was on the creek that commemorates his namej one 



SENACH WINE SH AUBEK A SHICK-SH ACK. 5 7 

mile nortli of Cliillicotlie ; and Sliaubena, whose village was above 
Ottawa, on the Illinois River. Senachwine was a tine-looking Indian, 
and education would have made him a leader in any community. In early 
life he joined the British, and was with Tecumseh when the latter lost his 
life. When peace was declared, he returned to his peojjle, and was always 
after the fast friend of the white man. 

About 1828-9, there came where Rome, now stands a settler named 
Taliaferro, the first to rear his cabin upon the site of the "eternal city." 
His nearest neighboi's were four miles away, and when sickness came, and 
neither doctor nor nurse were to be had, he felt that he was indeed a 
stranger in a strange land. 

Old settlers say the "ague never kills;" but it was wonderfully annoy- 
ing, and when the emigrant saw his wife tossing in the delirium of fever 
and no arm to help or assist, he realized how poor, and helpless, and im- 
potent is man, cut off from his fellows. 

One sultry afternoon, while fanning the fevered brow and bathing the 
burning temples of his wife, there dismounted at his door a band of twenty 
or more Indians, at the head of whom was Senachwine. The old chief, 
who was not unknown to the white man, entered unceremoniously, and 
with a gutteral "How," took his seat at the bedside. For some time he 
gazed upon the sufferer, and knowing that woman's aid was most needed, 
asked why he did not go for white squaw to help take care of her. Mr. 
T. replied that he could not leave her alone, when the Indian proposed to 
take his place and tend the patient until his return. The oif er was ac- 
cepted, and the chief, first forbidding his people to enter the cabin, sat 
down and fanned her brow and bathed her temples as gently and tenderly 
as could her husband, until the latter's return. 

Senachwine died somewhere about 1830, and was buried upon a high 
mound haK a mile north of Putnam Station, in Putnam County. His 
name is given to the township in which he is buried. 

Shaubena was another chief of prominence and influence among the 
Indians of this neighborhood. He was a friend to the whites, and was well 
known to the old settlei's. He followed his people to the West, but re- 
turned with his family, and died about 1859. Another well-known In- 
dian chief had a village at the mouth of Clear Creek, in Putnam County. 
This was Shick-Shack, who was converted and became an earnest preacher 
of the Gospel, He was an ai'dent tempei'ance reformer, and his code of 
morals would rival the Draconian code of ancient Sparta. 



58 RECOKDS OF THE OLDETT TIME, 

On the site of Cliillicothe was an Indian village ruled over by a chief 
named Goiuo. He was sent as a hostage to St, Louis, to insure the per- 
formance of certain treaty sti])ulations entered into by his tribe. 

Across tlie river, in Woodford County, at what has long l)een known 
as the Big Spring, was the village of the noted chief. Black Partridge, 
He A\'as long a friend of the whites, but in revenge foi" the wanton de- 
sti'uction of his village became their I'elentless enemy, and dui'ing the 
years 1 (Si 3-1 4 raided the settlements in the southern part of the State. 
He died peacefully at home. 

Where Lacon stands a l)and of Indians had their village, led by a 
chief named Markwlut. Their winters were passfd in the bottoms west 
of the house of the late Benjamin Ba])b, They were I'emoved west of 
the Mississippi aftei- the Black Hawk war. There was also a village at 
S])ai'land, but the name of the chief is not now known. It was probably 
governed by one of those previously named. 







FIRST PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 



CHAPTER IX. 




EARLY FRENCH SETTLEMENTS. 

'HE first permanent settlement in the State was begun in 1608, 
wlien Fatlier Gravier established a mission at Kaskaskia. 
Here came a portion of tlie dwellers at Starved Rock, where 
La Salle in 1682 built a fort, which he named St. Louis, and 
founded a colony. It had a somewhat precarious existence 
until 1718, when the site was abandoned, and its occupants 
joined their friends in the sotithern part of the (future) State. 
Cahokia was settled in 1702, by Father Pinet.' In after 
years it became a town of considerable importance, but its glory long since 
departed. 

In 1099, D' Iberville, a distinguished Canadian officer, was appointed 
Governor of Louisiana, by which name the French possessions in the 
North and West were known ; and after his death the King of France 
granted it to M. Antoine Crozat, a wealthy nabob, who, failing to real- 
ize as hoped for, abandoned it in 1717, and the notorious John Law, 
an enterprising but visionary Scotchman, became its owner under cer- 
tain conditions. He was the original "Colonel Sellers," and organizer 
of a scheme for acquiring sudden wealth, since known as the famous 
"Mississippi Bubble." He made Louisiana the principal field of his op- 
erations, where gold and silver mines abounded(! ), out of which the share- 
holders in the "greatest gift enterprise of the day" were to become mil- 
lionaires. 

His schemes all failing, in 1732 the chai'ter was surrendered to the 
king and the territory divided into nine cantons, of which Illinois formed 
one. 

After the destmction of Fort St. Louis l:>y the Indians, and the expul- 
sion of Tonti's garrison, a few white men continued in the vicinity until 
about 1720, when all left, and the country reverted to the possession of 
its original inhabitants. In 1718 New Orleans was settled, and trading 
posts established at different points along the Mississippi River and its 
tributaiies. As early as 1690 some Canadian Frenchmen had located 



(50 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

themselves at a lew points, primarily as attaches of tradesmen, and later 
as regular settlei's. 

In tlie summer of 1711, Father Marest, a Jesuit priest from Can- 
ada, })reached at Cahokia and made a convert of an Indian chief named 
Kolet, who ])ersuaded Fatliei' Marest to go with him to Peoria and preach 
to the heathen there. Tlie ])ropcsition was accepted, and in Noveml)er of 
that year, with two wan iors, the missionai y started in a bark canoe. The 
season was late, and after progressing about five leagues, the ice became 
so film they had to abandon theii- canoes, and aftei- twelve days wading 
thro\igli snow and water, crossing big prairies and subsisting on wild 
grapes with a little game, they reached the Indian village of Opa, a half a 
mile above the lower end or outlet of the lake, and were hospitably re- 
ceived by the natives. 

In the following spring some French traders began a trading post here, 
and a number of families came from Canada and established themselves, 
living at peace with the Indians and generally intei marrying with them. 

Until 1750 but little was known of the various French villages or set- 
tlements in the State. In that year a French missionary, named Vevier, 
wiites from "Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort Charti'es, June 8 : " We 
have here whites, negroes and Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. 
There are five French villages and three villages of the natives within a 
space of twenty-one leagues — between the Mississippi and Karkadiad 
(Kaskaskia) Kivers. In them all there ai'e peihaps eleven hundred peo- 
ple, thi'ee hundi'ed whites and sixty red slaves, or savages. Most of the 
French till the soil. They raise wheat, cattle, pigs and horses, and live 
like princes. Three times as much is produced as can be consumed, and 
gi'eat quantities of grain and fiour are shipped to New Oi'leans." 

In 1750 the French had stations at Detroit, Michilimacinac, Green 
Bay and Sault Ste. Maiie, and were the only possessors, save the Indians, 
of the gi'eat valley east of the Mississippi River. 

In 1761, Robert Maillet built a dwelling one and a half miles lower 
down, and moved his family there. This was called the "New Town," 
in contradistinction from "Old" or "Upj)er Town." The new place was 
known as La ville de Maillet (Maillet's Village). For fifty years the sole 
settlers of the town were Frenchmen and Indians. 

So far back as 1750, the English began to assert their claims to the 
country west of the Alleghanies, and adventurous explorers sailed down 
its rivers and explored the great lakes. English traders penetrated the 



"the county of ILLINOIS." 61 

forest, and competed for the fur trade with then- ancient enemies. Collis- 
ions were frecjiient, and in the deep woods were fought sanguinary battles 
between adherents of the rival imtions. A long and bloody war followed, 
ending in the final discomfiture of the French and the transfer of sover- 
ereignty over the northern part of the continent to England. 

In 17()o, Canada and all of Louisiana north of the Iberville River 
and east of the Mississippi were ceded to England. The British flag was 
hoisted over old Fort Chartres, in what is now Monroe County, 111., in 1 7G5. 
At that time, it is computed, there were about three thousand white people 
residing along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, The oldest town — Kas- 
kaskia — contained about one hundred, and Cahokia about fifty persons. 

After the capture of these posts by Gren. Clark, as before stated, he 
sent three men to Peoria to notify the inhabitants of the change of sover- 
eignty, and require their allegianca. One of these messengers was Nich- 
olas Smith, a Kentuckian by birth, whose son Joseph, under the nickname 
of "Dad Joe," became in after years a noted border character, and the 
place where he once lived — ten miles from Princeton — still bears the 
name of "Dad Joe's Grove." 

In that year the County of Illinois was established, "in the State of 
Virginia," which was to include within its boundaries as citizens "all who 
are already settled or may;" which leads to the belief that the then mem- 
bers of the House of Burgesses of Virginia had a very crude idea of the 
country over which by the right of conquest they assumed sovereignty. 

With peace came the establishment of various colonies in the West, 
and in 1773 the "Illinois Land Company" obtained a grant from the Indians 
by treaty and purchase of a tract embracing all the territory "east of the 
Mississippi and south of the Illinois River." 

In like manner the Wabash Company obtained a grant for thirty- 
seven millions of acres. After the Revolution, efforts were made in Con- 
gress to obtain governmental sanction to these enormous land grabs, but 
fortunately without avail. 

In 1781, a colony from Virginia settled in what is now Monroe County, 
but the hostility of the Kickapoos, a fierce and warlike tribe of Indians, 
compelled them to live in forts and block-houses, and theii* improvements 
were limited. 

MIKES AND JAKES. 

During the devastating border wars that preceeded the final breaking 



02 RECORDS OF THE OLDKN TIME. 

of the Iiuliaiis' strcugtli by "Mad Aiitlioiiy " Wayne, tlio infant settle- 
ments siiif ered severely, but with })eace came a new impetus to emigration, 
ami ailventurous Imnters, trappers, boatmen and land surveyors invaded 
tlie ([uiet Frencli towns of Illinois. The former were termed "Mikes," 
from a noted tiat-1 )oatman named Mike Fink, while the surveyors and land- 
hunters were styled "Jakes," from Jacob staff, a surveyor's implement. 
They were a lawless, turbulent I'ace, given to wliisky and broils, ])iit in a 
certain way open-hearted, and generous to a fault. Their advent among 
the ([uiet, sim[)le-minded French was neither conducive to the happiness 
or good morals of the lattei', wlio are thus descriVjed by Gov. Ford, from 
whom we f[uote: "No genuine Frenchmen in those days ever wore a 
hat, caj) or coat. The heads of ])oth men and women were covered witli 
Madras cotton handkei'ehiefs, tied around in the fashion of nightcaps. 
For an upper coverino: of the Ijody, the men wore a blanket garment, 
called a 'capote' (pronounced caj)po), with a cap to it at the back 
of the neck, to be di-awn over the head for protection in cold weathei", 
or in wai'ni weather to l:)e thrown back upon the shoulders in the fashion 
of a cape. Notwitlistanding this peo]de had been so long separated by an 
immense wilderness from civilized society, they still retained all the suav- 
ity and politeness of their race, and it is a remarkable fact that the I'ough- 
est hunter and boatman amongst them could at any time appear in a ball- 
room, OT' other polite and gay asseml)ly, with the carriage and beha- 
vior of a well-bred gentleman. The French women were noticeable for 
the sprightliness of their conversation and the grace and elegance of their 
manners. The whole population lived lives of alternate toil, pleasure, in- 
nocent amusement and gaiety. 

"Their horses and cattle, for want of proper care and food for genera- 
tions, had degenerated in size, but had acquired additional vigor and 
toughness, so that a French pony was a proverb for strength and endur- 
ance. These ponies were made to draw, sometimes one alone, sometimes 
two together — one hitched before the other, to the plow, or to carts made 
entirely of wood, the bodies of which held about the contents of the body 
of a wheelbarrow. The oxen were yoked by the horns instead of the 
neck, and in this mode draw the cart and ])low. Nothing like reins were 
used in (h'iving; the whip of the driver, with the handle about two feet 
and a lasli two yards long, stopped or guided the horse as effectually as 
the strongest lines. 

"Their houses were built of hewn timber, set upright in the 



CHARACTERISTICS OF EARLY SETTLERS. 63 

ground or iipoii plates laid upon a wall, tlie intervals between the upiiglits 
being filled with, stone and mortar. Scarcely any of them were more than 
one story high, with a porch on one or two sides, and sometimes all around, 
with low roofs extending, with slopes of different steepness, from the 
comb in the center to the lowest part of the porch. They were surrounded 
by gardens filled Avith fruits, flowers and vegetables, and if in town, the 
lots were large and the houses neatly whitewashed. 

"Each village had its Catholic church and priest. -The church was the 
great place of resort on Sundays and holidays, and the j)riest the adviser, 
director and companion of all his flock."* 

Prior to 1818 the immigration was chiefly from Kentucky, Virginia and 
Pennsylvania. Some of the emigrants had served under Gen. Clark in 
1778, and the beauty and fertility of the country induced them to make 
their homes here. 

In 1816, the American Far Company, with head(piarters at Hudson's 
Bay, established trading-posts throughout this region, one being located 
near Hennepin, and another about three miles below Peoria, with a dozen 
or so at interior points between the Illinois and Wabash Rivei's. 

Gurden S. Hnbbard, for many years a resident of Chicago, a Vermonter 
by birth, when sixteen years of age was in the service of the company, in 
1818, going from post to post, distributing supplies and collecting furs. 

In the autumn of 1821, Joel Hodo-son came to this reajion from Clin- 
ton County, Ohio, in behalf of a number of families, to seek a location. 
He traveled on horseback, stopping wherever night overtook him, and 
sleeping in his blanket. 

He crossed the State of Indiana to where Danville now stands, and 
then, with his compass for a guide, traveled northward until he struck the 
Illinois at the month, of Fox River, whjnc^ he journeyed southward. He 
crossed the river several times, exploring both sides thoroughly, as well 
as its tributaries, and continued until he reached Dillon's Grove, in Taze- 
well County, when he turned homeward, reporting that he found no suita- 
ble place for the proposed colony. 

The prairies were supposed to l)e bleak, cold and inhospitable, and 
covered with a rank grass of no value, while the streams were lined with 
thickets, the homes of fierce beasts and deadly reptiles. It was a paradise 
for Indians, but a poor place for white men. But when he saw the coun- 
try rapidly filling up, and the new settlers growing rich, comfortable and 
* Ford's History of Illinois. 



04 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

happy, hv diaiiged liis oj)iiii(>n, and coming West, settled in Tazewell 
County in 1H28. 

Wlien tlie State was admitted, the Government ordered a survey of 
the country l)ordering the Illinois, and its division into townships. The 
Avork was pei-formed by Stephen, Stycia, and Charles Rector, in the years 
lHll)-20. It was further divided into sections by Nelson Piper, George 
Thomas and J. F. McCollum, and all of the northern part of the State 
named Sangamon County. 



PEORIA IN 1778. 



The messenger sent by General Clark found a large town built along 
the margin of the lake, with narrow streets and wooden houses. Back 
of the town were gardens, yards for stock, barns, etc., and among these 
was a wine-press, with a large cellar or undei'ground vault for storing 
wine. There was a church, with a large wooden cross, an unoccupied fort 
on the bank of the lake, and a wind-mill for gi'inding grain. The town 
contained six stores, filled with goods suitable for the Indian trade. The 
inhabitants were French Creoles, Indians and half-])reeds, not one of whom 
coidd speak a word of English. Many of them had intermarried with 
the natives, and their posterity to this day show certain characteristics of 
their Indian ancestry. They were a peaceable, (pdet people, ignorant and 
su})erstitious. They had no public schools, and but few of them, except 
priests and traders, could read or write. In after years there was consid- 
erable trouble about conflicting titles, growing out of certain " French 
grants," and out of eighteen litigants but three could sign their names." 
Some of their merchants made annual trips in canoes to Canada, carrying 
l^eltries and furs, and returning with goods for the Indian market. 

"They were a gay, joyous people, having many social parties, wine 
suppers and balls, and lived in harmony with the Indians, who were their 
neighbors, relatives and friends. Real estate was held by the title of pos- 
session, and each settler had a garden adjoining his residence. They had 
likewise extensive farms *\^est of town, enclosed in one field, though the 
lines of each separate owner were well defined. When a young man was 
married, a village lot or tract of land in the common field was assigned 
him, and if he had no house the people turned out and built him one. 
They had fine vineyards, and yearly made large quantities of wine, which 
the Indians eagerly sought in exchange for furs." 



INDIANS THREATEN TO BURN THE CITY. 65 

The pioneer French were said to have domesticated the bnfFalo, and 
crossed him with their domestic cattle, producing a tough, hardy breed 
which could winter in the river bottoms without feed. Indian ponies were 
the only horses known here, oi' anywhere in the North-west, until about 
17G0, when some were brought from Canada. Hogs and cattle were in- 
troduced by the Spaniards, and through them by the French, about 
A. D. 1700. 

In 1781 a Frenchman killed an Indian, and for a time the white peo- 
ple of Peoria were threatened with destruction by the excited savages, 
who surrounded the place and demanded the murderer, supposing him to 
be hidden in the town. Tliey gave the French three days in which to sur- 
render the culprit, failing in which they threatened to burn the town. A 
great panic prevailed ; some of the people fled to Cahokia ; others took 
refuge in the fort. But at length the solemn protestations of the whites 
that the murderer was not seci'eted in the ^dllage quieted the Indians, 
who made pledges of friendship and departed. 




66 



HECORBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER X. 




MASSACRE AT FORT DEAEBORlSr. 

ESIDES the usual and expected horrors, every war furnishes 
exce})tional scenes of wholesale slaughter or merciless cnielty 
that stand out in bold relief and commemorate themselves 
in histoiy as specially infamous. Among the occurrences of 
the war of 1812, the massacre of Fort Dearborn, at Chicago, 
was one of unusual ferocity, and worthy of record in our 
brief historical resume. 

The garrison consisted of fifty-four men, under Capt. 
Heald. The resident families at the post were those of Capt. Heald, 
Lieut, Helm, a Mr. Kenzie, — and several French voyageurs with their 
wives and children were there. 

One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kenzie sat playing on his violin, to 
the music of which the children were dancing, when Mrs. Kenzie came 
I'ushing into the house, pale with terror and anguish, exclaiming: "The 
Indians! The Indians are up at Lee's, killing and scalping!" The fright- 
ened woman had been attending Mrs. Barnes (just confined), living not 
far off. Mr. Kenzie and his family at once crossed the river to the fort, 
to whicli Mrs. Barnes and her infant were speedily transferred, and where 
soon all the settlers and their families took refuge. The alarm was caused 
by a scalping party of Winnebagoes, who, after hovering about the neigh- 
borhood several days, disappeared. 

On the 7th of August, 1812, Gren. Hull, of infamous memory, sent 
orders from Detroit to Capt. Heald to evacuate Fort Dearborn and distrib- 
ute all the United States property among the Indians ! The Pottawatomie 
chief who brought the dispatch, foreseeing the fearful effects of such a 
base, cowardly and treacherous order, advised Capt. Heald not to obey, 
as tlie foi't contained among its supplies sevei-al barrels of whisky, and 
knowing its effects upon the infuriated savages, burning with hatred of 
the wliites and full of revenge, he foresaw that an indiscriminate massa- 
cre of all Avho were incapable of defense would inevitably follow. He 



PREPARING TO EVACUATE THE FORT. 67 

said, "Leave tlie fort and stores as tliey are, and while the Indians are 
making the distribution, the white people may escape to Fort WajTie." 

Capt. Heald called a council with the Indians on the afternoon of the 
12th, in which his officers refused to join, as they had reason to fear 
treachery. A cannon pointed at the place of council, however, had its 
intended effect, and the suspected plot was frustrated. 

Mr. Kenzie, well knowing the character of the foe, influenced Captain 
Heald to withhold the distribution of the powder, and on the night of 
the 13th, after the property and stores had been given out to the shiiek- 
ing mob of savages, the liquors and ammunition were thrown into the 
river, and the muskets broken up and rendered useless. Black Partridge, 
an influential chief and true friend of the whites, came that afternoon to 
Captain Heald, and said: '"The linden birds have been singing in my 
ears all day; be careful on the march you take." 

The Indians had watched the fort all night, and took note of the pre- 
parations for its abandonment, and the next morning, when they saw the 
powder floating upon the surface of the river, were exasperated beyond 
bounds. 

After the fort had been dismantled and the dejected inmates were 
on the point of starting, a band of friendly Miamis, undei- Captain 
Wells, appeared on the lake shore, and inspired the garrison with new 
hope. But alas! their arrival was too late to ^vert the threatened 
calamity. Wells was an uncle of Mrs. Heald, and bore among the Indi- 
ans the name of "Little Turtle." Learning the ignominious and fatal 
order to Captain Heald, he had secretly left Detroit with his warriors, 
hoping to reach Chicago in time to avert the catastrophe he knew was in- 
evitable; but it was too late. 

On the morning of the 15th, the little garrison marched Out of the 
fort at its southern gate, in solemn procession. Captain Wells, who 
had blackened his face with gunpowder, in token of his fate, took the 
lead with his Miamis, followed by Captain Heald, with his wife by his 
side, on horseback. Mr. Kenzie hoped by his personal influence over the 
savages to save his friends, and accompanied the retreating garrison, 
leaving his family in a boat in charge of a friendly Indian. 

The procession moved slowly along the lake shore till they reached 
the sand-hills between the prairie and the beach, when the Pottawatomies, 
commanded by Blackbird, filed in front. Wells, who, with his Miamis 
had been in the advance, finding the enemy before him, retiu-ned, giving 



68 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Avord that tlie foe wei'e about to make an attack. Scarcely liad tlie words 
been uttered ere a storm of bullets confirmed the stoiy. The Indians, 
though ten warrioi'S to one of the whites, in accordance with their charac- 
teristic cowardly mode of iighting were ambushed among the sand-hills, 
"which the AN'hite trooi)S chai'ged, and drove them out u])on the praii'ie. 
The cowardly Miamis tied at the outset, and the brave little band defended 
themselves heroically against five hundred savages, resolved to sell their 
lives as dearlj^ as possible. 

Capt. Wells, who was by the side of his niece, Mrs. Heald, when the 
conflict began, said to her, "We have not the slightest chance for life. 
We nuist ])art to meet no more in this world. God bless you," and dashed 
forward. Seeing a young warrior, painted like a demon, climb into a 
wagon in which were twelve children, and tohiahawk them all, he cried 
out, unmindful of his personal danger, " If that is your game, butchering 
women and children, I will kill too." He spurred his horse toward the 
Indian camp, where they had left their squaws and pappooses, hotly pur- 
sued by swift-footed young wai-riors, rapidly tiring. One of these killed 
his horse and wounded him severely in the leg. He was killed and 
scalped, and his heart cut out and eaten while yet warm and bloody. Mrs. 
Heald, who knew well how to load and fire, engaged bravely in the fray. 
'She was several times wounded, and when, weak from loss of blood, a 
l)rawny savage was about to tomahawk her, she looked him in the eye, 
and in his own language exclaimed, "Surely you will not kill a squaw!" 
Ashamed, his arm fell and he slunk away. 

Mrs. Helm, Mr. Kinzie's step-daughter, also had her full share of the 
bloody work. A stout Indian tried to strike her with a tomahawk, but she 
sprang aside and the weapon glanced upon her shoulder as she grasped 
the foe around the neck with her arms, trying at the same time to seize 
the scalping knife in his belt; but while struggling with the desperation 
of despair she was seized by a powerful Indian, who bore her to the lake 
and ])lunged her into the water. To her astonishment, she was so held 
that she could not drown, nor be seen by any of the Indians, and soon dis- 
covered that he who was thus shielding her was the friendly chief, Black 
Partridge, who thus saved her life. 

The wife of Sergeant Holt displayed amazing courage and prowess. 
She was a very strong woman, and was mounted on a high-spirited horse. 
The Indians coveted the animal, and tried in vain to dismount or kill hei', 
Init she warded off the blows by which they strove to beat her down, and 



MASSACKE OF THE WOUNDED- — INCIDENTS. 69 

defended herself bravely, witli her liusband's sword. She escaped fi'om 
her enemies and dashed across the prairie, the admiring Indians shouting, 
" Brave squaw ! brave squaw ! No hurt her ! " but was overtaken by 
an Indian who pulled he]- from her horse by the hair, and made her cap- 
tive. She was kept prisoner for several years, and forced to marry among 
them. When nearly two-thirds of the little band were killed or wounded, 
the Indians drew off. Numbers of their warriors had been killed, and 
they proposed a parley. The whites, upon promise of good treatment, 
agreed to surrender. Mrs. Helm had been taken, bleeding and suffering, 
to the fort l:)y Black Partridge, where she found her step-father and 
learned that her husband was safe. 

The soldiers gave up their arms to Blackbird, and the survivors became 
prisoners of war, to be exchanged or ransomed. With this understanding, 
they were marched to the Indian camp near the fort. Here a new horror 
was enacted, for the Indians claimed the wounded were not included in the 
surrender, and they were mercilessly slaughtered, their scalps being taken 
to the infamous British General Proctor, at Maiden, Canada, who had 
offered the Indians large rewards for the scalj) of every soldier brought 
to him. 

In connection with the massacre of Fort Dearborn, Matson, in his 
W'ork upon the Indians of the Illinois, gives the following incident which 
he professes to have learned from one of the survivors : "A Mrs. Bee- 
son, whose maiden name was Mary Lee, was a little girl at the time, but 
well rememljers the frightful event. Her father's dw^elling stood on the 
beach of the lake, near the fort, and back of it was a small garden where 
he raised vegetables for the garrison, at a good profit. His family at the 
time of the massacre consisted of his wife, an infant two months old, a 
son, a daughter Lillie, two little boys, and Mary. When the troops left 
for Fort Wayne, Mr. Lee's family accompanied them, the mother and in- 
fant and two younger childi'en in a covered wagon, and the tw^o girls on 
horseback. Little Lillie, ten years old, was a very handsome child, a 
great pet among the soldiers and citizens, but she never appeared more 
beautiful than on that fatal morning. She was mounted on a large gray 
horse, and to prevent her from falling off, was securely tied to the 
saddle. She wore a white ruffled dress, trimmed with pink ribbon, and a 
black jockey hat with a white plume on the side. As the horse pranced 
and champed its bits at the sound of martial music, little Lillie in a 
queenly mannep sat in her saddle, chatting gaily wdth her sister, uncon- 



70 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

scions of the awful fate so near. When the Indians opened fire, Lillie 
was badly wounded and lost her seat, but was restrained from falling off 
the horse l)y the cord with which she was Ixnind, Her horse ran back 
and forth until caught hj an Indian named Waupekee, who knew her 
well, and at her father's cabin had often held her on his knee. In relat- 
ing it afterward, he said it grieved him to see the little girl suif er so, and 
out of kindness he split open her head with his tomahawk and ended her 
misery. He used to say ' it was the hardest thing he ever did.' " 

Mr. Lee and his three sons were killed in the battle, but Mrs. Lee and 
infant and Mary were taken prisoners by Waupekee, who had a village on 
the Des Plains River. This chief was kind to them, and wanted to marry 
the mother, notwithstanding the trifling impediment of having three other 
wives on hand at the time ! But she declined the honor. During her 
stay with him her child became very ill, and both Indian skill and en- 
chantment and her own knowledge failed to restore it to health. She 
consented to let Waupekee take it to Chicago, where lived a French trader 
named DuPin, in high reputation among the Indians as a "medicine man." 
One cold day in the latter part of the winter succeeding the massacre, 
Waupekee wrapped the baby in blankets, and mounting his pony, traveled 
across the bleak prairie twenty miles, and arriving at Du Pin's dwelling, 
laid his package upon the floor. " What have you there ? " queried the 
surprised trader. " I have l)rought you a young raccoon as a present," 
replied the chief, unwrapping the blankets and disclosing the nearly 
smothered child. Du Pin cured the child, and afterward not only ran- 
somed the widow, but married her. 

Mary, who relates this affair, says she was carried a prisoner to an In- 
dian village after the battle referred to, thence to St. Louis, and ransomed 
by General Clark, where she married a French Creole, and never after the 
fatal day met her mother, l^ut supposed her to have been killed. 




RUDE AWAKENING FROM PASTORAL LIFE, 71 




CHAPTER XI. 

THE DESTRUCTION OF PEORIA. 

fN the wars of tlie Federal Government against tlie Indians, 
and the war with England, in 1812, the French people of 
Peoria remained neutral, and, as is now known, neither aided 
nor abetted either party. They were two hundred miles 
from the nearest American settlement, in the midst of a wil- 
derness. They knew no laws of any king or country save their 
own. They lived so far away from the world,/ that revolutions 
came, kings were overthrown and new governments erected, 
while they neither knew of nor interested themselves in the changes. A 
peaceful and happy people they were, living to themselves, making and ex- 
ecuting their own laws, paying no taxes, and acknowledging no sovereignty 
or ruler, simply because no one came to claim their allegiance. They had 
lived thirty-four years within the jurisdiction of the United States Grovern- 
ment before called upon to cast a l:>allot. They had a Representative in 
Congress who never knew them. They had been subjects of France, then 
of England, and finally of the Federal Union, and only learned the changes 
of sovereignty through accident. They were a people "unto themselves," 
speaking a language of their own, and fearing only Grod, theii' priests, and 
the hostile Indians. 

The massacre at Fort Dearboi'n excited widespread horror and ani- 
mosity, not only against the Indians, but all who were believed to be 
friendly with them. Reports had got abroad that their supplies of am- 
munition came through Peoria traders, and that hei'e were incited and set 
on foot raids and expeditions against the defenceless settlers along the 
borders. 

It was charged that they were cattle thieves, and that Captain John 
Baptiste Maillette, the chief military man of their village, had an organ- 
ized band of thieves, and made forays upon the settlements on Wood 
River, in Madison County, driving off ilocks and herds, which found 
their way to the common enemy. These reports were believed, and Gov- 



72 TlECOT?T)R OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

i'vuov Edwards called for volunteers to rendezvous at Shawneetown, under 
the command of Captain Craig. Four keel-boats were prepared, with 
lifle-ball proof planking, and mounted with cannon. Two hundr'ed sol- 
diers were taken on boai-d, and on the r)th of November, 1812, the "fleet " 
appeared before Peoi'la. 

The people, wholly unconscious of danger, were at church, and the 
priest celebrating mass — for it was Sunday, — when suddenly they were 
startled by the booming of cannon. Fear and curiosity brought them to 
the beach, when four boats loaded with armed men met their astonished 
gaze. Capt. Craig landed and took })osition, with guns loaded and bayonets 
fixed, ready for any emergency. 

Father Racine went to meet and welcome the strangers, but neithei- 
could understand the other until an intei'pretei" was found in the person 
of Thomas Forsythe. No explanation was vouchsafed, Ijut meat and veg- 
etables were deinanded, and promptly furnished. The soldiers dispersed 
about town and committed various outrages, such as breaking into Felix 
La Fontaine's store and taking from it two casks of wine. Nunibtis 
got drunk, and entering houses, helped themselves to whatever pleastd 
them. It was after dark ])efore Captain Craig succeeded in getting thtm 
on board the boats and pushed the l)oats from shore to prevent further 
outrages upon the citizens. 

During the night a high wind arose, and to escape the waves the boats 
raised theii* anchors and dropped down into "the narrows," a half mile 
below, where they remained till morning. About daylight several guns 
were fired in quick succession in the adjoining tember. Captain Craig, 
thinking it the signal for an attack by the Indians, ordered the boats 
})ushed farther from shore and cannon trained to sweep the woods. 

A council of war was held on board, and it was determined to burn 
the towii and make the men prisoners of war, as a punishment for incit- 
ing the Indians to attack the boats. The Frenchmen afterward claimed 
the iu'ing was done by huntei's, and as no attack was made and no enemy 
appeared, the statement is doubtless correct. 

Capt. Craig next landed his ti'oops, and taking all able-bodied men 
prisoners, set fire to their houses and burned tliem down, while the women 
and children looked on in teiTor from a vacant lot wliere they had congre- 
gated, in the rear of their burning church. The church, with its sacred 
vestments and fui'niture, was destroyed. The wind-mill on the bank of 
the lake, filled with grain, the stables, corn bins, and everything about the 



GOMO'S HOSPITALITY TO THE HOMELESS. 73 

town of any value were reduced to aslies ! The stores of La Fontaine, La 
Croix, Des Champs, and Forsyth, full of valual)le goods, shared the same 
fate. An old man named Benit, a former trader, who had amassed some 
money, rushed through the flames to rescue it, and perished, his charred 
remains being found the following spring. Mrs. La Croix, a lady of 
refinement and great personal attraction, who afterward became thowife 
of Governor Reynolds, being alone with three small children, aj)})ealed in 
vain to the soldiers to save the clothes of herself and little ones. 

Thomas Forsythe, a short time previous, had been appointed a Govern- 
ment agent here, and on exhibiting his commission to Captain Craig, he 
pronounced it a forgery! 

When the destruction was complete, the boats returned down the 
liver with their pi'isoners. Two miles below the present site of Alton, 
they were set ashore in the thick timbei* without blankets, tents or pro- 
visions, and told they might return to their homes ! Meantime, the women 
and children, left without food or shelter, were in a pitiful condition. 
Some of them had been left without sufficient clothing, and suffered 
greatly. It was growing cold, and the nights were freezing. Snow fell, 
sharp frosts came, and the roaring wind lashed the troubled waters 
or moaned in the leafless oaks. Could any situation have been more 
desolate ? The hungry mothers could only weep and pray, and draw the 
forms of their little ones to their bosoms ! 

While thus brooding over their despair, an Indian chief named Gomo 
made his appearance. He lived in a village of his tribe, where Chilli- 
cothe now stands. On the approach of Captain Craig's forces, his people 
fled and secreted themselves in the grove of timber at Kickapoo Creek, 
and now the invaders were gone, he had come to render such aid as it was 
in his power to give. Provisions were supplied, temporary huts erected 
for all who desired to remain, and homes in his village given to the older 
women and the children. Afterward, the women (fearing a return of the 
soldiers, and crazed with anxiety to know the fate of those they loved,) 
prevailed upon Gomo to furnish them with canoes and rowers to go down 
the river, hoping their presence might mitigate the fate of their captive 
kindred. After several days of hardship, camping each night on the 
banks, suffering from fatigue, cold and storm, they reached Cahokia, where 
they were provided for by their countrymen, and afterward joined by 
their husbands.'"" 

*Matson's "French and Indians." 



74 



EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER XII. 




EXTERMINATION OF THE BUFFALO. 

ARLY travelers assert that the Illinois Valley was the favor- 
ite resort of the American buffalo, or bison, and though 
they had disappeared years before, the first settlers found 
the ground strewn with countless thousands of bones, re- 
mains of the great herds that had been destroyed. Their 
range was confined to no particular locality, except in 
winter, when they resorted to groves and river bottoms 
for shelter and greater supplies of food. It does not 
appear that the white man had much to do with their 
final disappearance. The French were the only settlers, and they so few 
in number that the buffalo slaughtered by them and the Indians were 
insignificant as compared with their annual increase. 

About ninety years ago, according to Indian tradition, there came an 
Arctic winter, which foi' depth of snow and severity never had a parallel 
in Indian tradition. Nearly all living animals perished. The intense cold 
drove them to the ravines for shelter, where thousands were overwhelmed 
and suffocated. According to the statements of the Indians, they huddled 
together for warmth, and died in countless droves; and not the buffalo 
alone, but the deer likewise; and when the first settlers crossed the big 
prairie this side of the Wabash River, the ground was strewn with ant- 
lers, skulls and the larger bones of both deer and buffalo. The statement 
that the sur\dvors voluntarily left the country after the cold winter is not 
borne out by the evidence, and the writer who di'ew the fanciful picture 
^vhich follows must have relied largely upon his imagination for facts. 

"Next spring a few buffalo, poor and haggard in appearance, were seen 
going westward, and as they approached the carcasses of their dead com- 
panions, which were lying on the prairies in great numbers, they would 
stop, commence pawing and bellowing, and then start off again on a lope 
for the west."* 

Father Buche, a missionary al)out Peoria in 1770, in a manusci'ij)t left 
*Matson's 'Trench and Indians." 



NARROW ESCAPE OF FATHER BUCHE. ib 



by him, describes a buffalo liimt. He says lie accompanied tliirty-eight of 
his countrymen and about three hundred Indians when they killed so 
many buffalo that only their hides could be taken away, their carcasses 
being left for the wolves. Three leagues west of the gi-eat bend in the 
Illinois River they discovered a herd of many thousand buffalo, feeding on 
a small prairie surrounded on three sides by timVjer (now probably known 
as Princeton prairie). It being about sundown, the hunters encamped for 
the night in a grove near by, with the intention of attacking them the 
next day. Next morning before it was light, the Indians, divested of 
clothing, mounted on ponies, and armed with guns, bows, arrows, spears, 
etc., anxiously awaited the command of their chief to commence the 
sport. They formed on three sides, secreting themselves in the timber, 
while the French occupied a line across the prairie. At a given 
signal the advance began, when as soon as the animals scented the ap- 
proaching enemy, they arose and fled in great confusion. On approaching 
the line the Indians fired, at the same time yelling at the top of their 
voices. The frightened creatures turned and fled in an opposite direction, 
where they were met by the hunters and foiled in like manner. Thus they 
continued to run back and forth, while the slaughter went on. As they 
approached the line, the Indians would pierce them with spears or bring 
them down with the more deadly rifle. The line continued to close in, 
and the frightened buffalo, snorting and with flashing eyes, charged the 
guards, broke through the line, overthrowing horses and riders, and made 
their escape. 

Father Buche continues: "By the wild surging herd my pony was 
knocked down, and I lay prostrated by his side, while the frightened 
buffalo jumped over me in their flight, and it was only by the interposi- 
tion of the Holy Virgin that I was saved from instant death." 




7() 



RECORDS OF TJIE OLDEN TIME. 



ILLINOIS BECOMES A STATE. 



CHAPTER XIII. 




©< — - 



THE COMPACT OF FREEDOM. 

FTER the War of the Revolution and the recognition of 
American Independence, the Western Territories wei'e 
chiinied by Virginia, New York, and other States. After 
much discussion, the claimants agreed to transfer their sev- 
eral interests to the General Government, and in pursu- 
ance of the arrangement, Virginia, in 1784, ceded the ter- 
ritoiy that now constitutes the States of Indiana, Wiscon- 
sin, Ohio and Michigan, to the Federal Government, with 
the stipulation that when divided into States they were to 
be guaranteed a i-epublican form of government, " with the same sover- 
eignty, freedom and independence as the othei' States." The celebrated 
"Compact of 1787" followed. It was the triumph of Thomas Jefferson's 
foresight and unceasing labors in the cause of freedom. He was ably as- 
sisted by Dr. Cutler, of Massachusetts, and to them jointly is mainly due 
the credit that " slaveiy was forever excluded from this great territory." 
Yet slaves were held in Southern Illinois for years, having been brought 
thither by the early French settlers, and it was not until 1850 that the 
last bondsmen disappeared from the census. 

On the 18th of July, 1787, Congress established the Northwest Ter- 
I'itory, and General St. Clair was appointed Governor. He came to Kas- 
kaskia in 1790, and organized the county of St. Clair, the first in the 
State. 

The population of Illinois was then about 2,000, and it took ten years 
to add another 1,000. 

May 7, 1800, Indiana Territory — including our State — was set apart. 
Gen. William Henry Harrison appointed Governor, and Vincennes made 
the capital. The first Legislature assembled in 1805, but its doings were 
not popular with the Illinoisans, who termed it the " Vinsain Legislater." 



THE RANDOLPH COUIsTY COVENANTERS. 77 

In that year the population numbered about 5,000, wliicli in 1810 iiad in- 
creased to 12,282. 

In 1809 the State was severed from its "Hoosier'^ connection, and 
pennitted to set up a territorial government of its own, with Ninian Ed- 
wards for its first Governor. 

In 1812, a Legislature was chosen, consisting of five Councillors and 
seven Representatives, which met at Kaskaskia, November 25. War with 
Great Britain was raging at the time, and much anxiety was felt as to the 
Indians, who, bought over with liberal promises, had generally arrayed 
themselves with the enemy. In 1815 peace was restored, and a great im- 
petus given to immigration. 

In January, 1818, the Territorial Legislature of Illinois petitioned 
Congi'ess for admission into the Union as a State. A bill was introduced 
at once, but was not acted on till April, when it became a law. 

As first intended, the northern boundary of the State was to begin 
at the southern shore of Lake Michigan, miming westward, but as this 
would have left Chicago in what is now Wisconsin, the Delegate in Con- 
gress sought and obtained a change to the line that now exists, thus secur- 
ing to the State fourteen additional counties in the fairest portions of the 
West. 

Wisconsin afterward claimed the territory, denying that Congress had 
a right to alter tlie petition of the Illinois Territorial Legislature, but the 
question quieted down, and the disputed territory is now ours as much 
as any other portion of the State. A Convention was called to frame a 
constitution in the summer of 1818, and assembled in Kaskaskia. During 
the session, the Rev. Mr. Wiley and his congregation, a sect of so-called 
" Covenanters," in Randolph County, sent a petition asking the members 
to declare in the instrument they were preparing, that "Jesus Christ was 
the head of all governments, and that the Holy Scriptures were the only 
ride of faith and practice." The Convention not only failed to embody 
this doctrine in the Constitution, but treated the petition with no especial 
courtesy beyond its mere reception. Therefore, as Gov. Ford states, "The 
Covenanters refused to sanction the State Government, and have l^een con- 
strained to regai'd it as an heathen and unbaptized government, which de- 
nies Christ, for which reason they have constantly refused to work on the 
roads, serve on juries, hold any oftice, or do any act whereby they are sup- 
posed to recognize the Government." The}^ steadily refused to vote until 
1824, when the subject of admitting slavery was submitted to the popular 



78 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

vote. Their suffrages were unanimously cast for freedom and a free State. 

Sliadracli Bond was elected tlie first Governor, in October, 1818. Nin- 
ian Edwai'ds and Jesse B. Thomas were chosen Senators, and John Mc- 
Lean, Representative in Congress. Joseph Phillips was chosen Chief Jus- 
tice, and Thomas C. Brown, John Reynolds and William B. Foster, Asso- 
ciate Justices of the Supreme Court. Gov. Ford, who afterward wrote a 
history of the State, did not speak in flattering terms of some of these 
men, and was particulai'ly severe on Foster, whom he styled a "great 
I'ascal." He was a polished gentleman, and drew his salaiy with commend- 
able regularity, ])ut never sat upon the bench, and after one year resigned 
and left the State. 

The iirst Legislature assembled at Kaskaskia in 1818, from whence the 
seat of government was changed the succeeding year to Vandalia. 

In 1823, Peoria County was formed, with Peoria as the county-seat. 
In 18 20 the Commissioners of that county iixed the boundaries of Fox 
River Precinct, which extended from Senachwine Creek to the River La- 
Page (Du Page), or from Chillicothe northward, including the counties of 
Putnam, Marshall, Bureau and La Salle, and the territory west to the 
Mississippi River. 

Gideon Hawley and James Beersford were Justices of the Peace, with 
jui'isdiction equal with the territory. The voting place was at David 
Walker's house, at the mouth of Fox River (Ottawa). 

Mari'iages were solemnized only at Peoria, and the first on record 
T^nthin the jurisdiction was as follows : 

State of Illikois, Peoria Co., July 29, 1829. 
This is to certify that Willard Scott and Caroline Hawley were this day united in mar- 
riage by me. Isaac Scarrett, Missionary. 

The ceremony, if short, was binding, and we may believe the parties 
enjoyed quite as much happiness as follows the elaborate nuptials of to- 
day, supplemented with cards, cake, bridesmaids, an expensive trousseau, 
a trip to Europe, and winding u]^, as is too often the case, with a sensa- 
tional suit for divorce. 




ORGAlflZATION OF PUTNAM COUNTY. 79 



Putnam County, 




CHAPTER XIV. 



GUEDEN S. HUBBAED. 



''HE earliest know white settlers who came to what is now 
Putnam County were certain fur traders, who located at the 
most eligible points for their business along the Illinois 
River. The first of these represented the American Fur 
Company. Antoine Des Champs, a Canadian Frenchman, 
was the general agent. He established himself at Pe- 
oria in 1816, and in 1817 was succeeded by Gurden S. 
Hubbard, now (1880) of Chicago, who will introduce him- 
self in the letter below, addi'essed to the Hon. A. T. Purviance, County 
Clerk of Putnam County: 

Chicago, April 8th, 1867. 
A. T. Purviance : 

Bear Sir .-—Yours of the 4th received. The trading house occupied by Thomas Hart- 
zell was erected in 1817, and occupied by Beaubien, in the employment of the American Fur 
Company. The following year I was with him as his clerk, for he coi;ld not read or write ; 
besides, was old, and passed most of his time sick in bed. I was then sixteen years old, and 
the had entered the employment of American Fur Company in May of that year. Hartzell was 
at that time trading on the river below, in opposition to the American Company. Some years 
after, I think about 1834 or 5, he succeeded Beaubien in the employment of the American 
Fur Company. There was a house just below, across the ravine, built by Antoine Bourbon- 
ais, also an opposition trader, who, like Hartzell, went into the employ of the American Fur 
Company under a yearly salary. My trading post, after leaving Beaubien, was at the 
mouth of Crooked Creek till 1826, when I located on the Iroquois river, still in the employ o^ 
the American Fur Company, and so continued till 1830, when I bought them out. 

The last time that I visited the old spot where the trading house stood, the chimney was 
all that remained. This was made with clay and sticks. Four stakes were driven firmly m 
the ground, then small saplings withed across about two feet apart. Clay mortar tempered 
with ashes laid on long hay cut from the low lands, kneaded and made into strips about 
three feet long and three thick, laying the center over the first round of saplings, twisting 
them in below, until the top was reached, when the chimney inside and out was daubed 
with the clay and mortar smoothed off with the hand. The hearth of dry clay, pounded. It 
was our custon5 to keep rousing fires, and this soon baked and hardened the chimney, which 
gave it durability. The roof was made of puncheons, I think ; that is, split boards, the cracks 



ftO RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

well daubed with clay, and then long pfrass put on top, held down by logs of small size to 
keej) the grass in its i);ace. The sides of the house consisted of logs, laid one on top of the 
other, about seven feet high. The ends of these logs were kept in place by posts in the 
ground. Tlie ends were sa[)]ing logs set in the ground, upright to the roof, pinned to a beani 
laid across from the top of the logs, comprising the upper sides of the building. A rough 
door at one end, and a window at the other, composed of one sheet of foolscap paper, well 
greased. It was a warm, comfortable building, where many an Indian was hospitably enter- 
tained, and all were jolly and hai)py. There I first knew Shanbena. His winter lodge was 
on Hureau River, at the bluffs. I became very much attached to him, and he to me. I never 
knew a more honest man, and up to the time of his death our friendship did not seem 
diminished. Yours, etc., 

G. S. Hubbard. 

We copy the a))ove because it is reliable and valual)le as historical 
fact, and for the reason that it describes the first house ever built by a 
white man in this section of country. 

At these trading houses pelts and furs were obtained fi'ora the Indians 
in exchange for powder, balls, tobacco, knives, and beads and other trink- 
ets, and shii)ped in boats called hatteaux to the headquarters of the Fur 
Company, or to the larger independent traders at New Orleans oi' in 
Canada. 

In 1821, two cabins were built near that of the Fur Company, one of 
which was occupied by Bourbonais, or '^ Bulbona," as he was called, and 
the other by Rix Ko])inson, a Connecticut Yankee. Both had mari'ied 
scpiaws, and were raising half-breed children. The Frenchman went to 
what became known as Bulbona's Grove, and established a trading post, 
which he occupied for many years. 

At this time there were few white people n(»rth of Spring-field, and 
the entire northern part of the State was a wilderness, inhabited by In- 
dians and wolves. Hubbard affirmed that in passing from his trading post 
at Hennepin he found no white settlers until within eighteen miles of 
St. Louis, 

In 1825, says PecFs Gazetteer: "In Northern Illinois there was not 
an organized county, a post-road or a considerable settlement. Chicago 
was little more than a village in Pike County, situated on Lake Michigan, 
at the mouth of Chicago Creek, containing twelve or fifteen houses and 
about sixty or seventy inhabitants. Peoria was a small settlement in 
Pike County, situated on the west bank of the Illinois Biver about two 
hundi-ed miles above its junction with the Mississippi. A few lead miners 
had clustered about the lead mines at Galena, but a road through the wil- 
derness was not made until late this year, when ' Kellogg^s Trail ' pointed 



PIKE, PEORIA AND PUTNAM COUNTIES. 81 

the devious way from Peona to Galena. Not a white man's habitation 
nor a ferry was to be seen along its entire route." 

The Military Bounty Land Tract was the first to be settled by Ameri- 
can emigrants. It was surveyed by the Government, in 1815 and 1816, 
and the greater part subsequently appropriated in bounties to soldiers of 
the war of 1812. It extended from the junction of the Illinois and Mis- 
sissippi Rivers, running north 169 miles to a line drawn from the great 
bend of the river above Peru to the Mississippi, containing 5,360,000 
acres. 

Pike County was laid off in 1821, and was immense in its boundaries. 
It included all that part of the State north and west of the Illinois River, 
from its junction with the Kankakee to the Mississippi River, and east of 
the Kankakee to the Indiana line, and running north to Wisconsin ! In 
1823 it had seven or eight hundred inhabitants. 

January 13, 1825, among other counties, Putnam was created. It em- 
braced a territory extending from the present noi'thern limit of Peoria 
County, along the Illinois and Kankakee Rivers to the Indiana line, and 
thence north to Wisconsin, and west to a j)oint thii'ty-five miles from 
the Mississippi ; thence due south 105 miles, and east to beginning, com- 
prising 11,000 square miles! In 1830, Putnam and Peoria Counties 
united contained 1,310 whites, Putnam alone about 700. But this county 
was never organized, however. Its judicial business appears to have been 
transacted at Peoria, when there was any. 

In 1829, '30 and '31, settlers had begun to come in and locate along 
the margins of the timber and at the edges of the larger groves. But still 
they were few and far between. There being no ferries, goods were taken 
across the river in canoes, while horses were made to swim. 

In 1831 Thomas Hartzell established a ferry at Hennepin, the first on 
the river above Peoria. 

In 1831 Putnam County was again created, with new boundaries, and 
in the spring of that year organized in accordance mth the act of the 
Legislature of the January previous. 

Chicago had not then a municipal existence, but was a lively \'illage 
of 250 inhabitants, including the garrison of Fort Dearborn. The Indian 
title to most of the land in Northern Illinois had not been extinguished, 
and no land outside of the military tract was for sale. But a single 
steamer had yet troubled the waters of the Illinois River above Peoria. 
There were a few settlers in the vicinity of Lacon and Hennepin, and on 



82 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Roiiud and Half Moon Prairies, in what is Marshall County now, as well 
as on tlie Ox Bow Prairie, and at Union Grove, in Putnam County. 

The new coiuity, as created in I80I, comprised thirty-eight full and 
thirteen fractional townships, and included nearly the whole of what is 
now Bureau, Putnam, Marshall and Stark Comities — a greater territory 
than the entire State of Bhode Island. Commissioners to locate a county 
seat were appointed, consisting of John Hamlin, of Peoria; Isaac Perkins, 
of Tazewell, and Joel Wright of Canton. The act of incorporation pro- 
vided it should be located on the Illinois River, "as near as practicable in 
the centei' of the county, with a just regard to its present and future sus- 
ceptibility of population, and to be named Hennepin." 

The Commissioners accordingly met early in May, and after examina- 
tion of the various sites along the river, were about deciding to locate the 
county seat where Henry, in Marshall County, now stands, when the 
inhabitants of the Spoon Kiver region interposed a plea that its location 
there would delay them in the formation of a new county, which they 
desired to have set off as soon as population would justify. The Commis- 
sion gave due attention to this plea, and resolved upon another site. As 
an understanding had already gone abroad that the location would be 
made at Henry, a chalked board was set up at that point, giving notice 
that another locality had been chosen. On the 6th of June, a report 
was made to the County Commissioners' Court, then sitting near Henne- 
pin, that "they have selected, designated, and permanently located the 
said seat of justice" where it now is. Provision was made in the organic 
act for its location upon Congress lands, if deemed advisable.* 

The boundaries of the new county, as fixed by the act of January 15, 
1831, were defined as "commencing at the south-west corner of Town 12 
north. Range 6 east, running east to the Illinois River; thence down the 
middle of said, river to the south line of Town 29 north; thence east with 
said line to the thu'd principal meridian ; thence north with said meridian 
line fortj^-two miles ; thence west to a point six miles due north of the 
north-west corner of Town 17 north, Range 6 east; thence south in a 
right line to the place of beginning." 

The first election under the law was to choose county ofiicers, and was 
held at the house of Wm. Hawes, on the first Monday of March, 1831. 
The judges of election were Thomas Hartzell and Thomas Gallaher, 
while James W. Willis performed the duties of clerk. 

*rord's " History of Marshall and Putnam Counties." 



FIRST PUTNAM COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT. 83 

The day was cold and dreary; roads were unknown save here and 
there a bridle-path ; there were no bridges, and not a gi-eat deal of en- 
thusiasm was manifested. 

But twenty-four votes were cast, and as there was but one set of can- 
didates, they were declared elected. They were: Thomas Gallaher, 
George Ish and John M. Gay for County Commissioners, Ira Ladd* for 
Sheriff, and Aaron Cole for Coroner. 

Hooper Warren was Clerk of the Circuit Court, Recorder of Deeds, 
County Clerk, and also, when he had nothing else to do, was Justice of 
the Peace. 

Putnam was assigned to the Fifth Judicial Circuit, comprising fifteen 
counties, of which Hon. Richard M. Young was Judge and Hon. Thomas 
Ford (afterward Governor) District Attorney. 

The new county seat was named in honor of Father Hennepin, the 
well-known explorer, and the first white man who is supposed to have 
set foot on the shores of the Illinois at this locality. The name was fixed 
by the law creating the county, so that all the different places seeking the 
location of the seat of justice, and failing, thus escaped the honor of bear- 
ing the name of Hennepin. 



Circuit Court. 



The first Circuit Court in Putnam County was held on the fii'st Mon- 
day of May, 1831. In accordance with law, the County Commissioners' 
Court had selected the house of Thomas Gallaher, Esq., on the bank of 
the Illinois River, about one-fourth of a mile above Thomas Hartzell's 
trading house, as a suitable place for holding court. 

Accordingly, on the day named the Court met, and there being no 
Clerk as yet provided, the Judge appointed Hooper Warren to the posi- 
tion, and fixed his oflicial bond at $2,000. John Dixon and Henry 
Thomas became his sureties. The Sheriff made due proclamation, and the 
Circuit Court of Putnam was declared in session. 

The Grand Jurors for the term were: Daniel Dimmick, Elijah Epper- 
son, Henry Thomas, Leonard Roth, Jesse Williams, Israel Archer, James 
Warnock, John L. Ramsey, William Hawes, John Strawn, Samuel 
Laughlin (foreman), David Boyle, Stephen Willis, Jeremiah Strawn, 
Abraham Stratten, and Nelson Shepherd, 



84 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 

Summoned, Init did not appear : Thomas Wafer, George B. Willis, 
John Knox, Humphrey, Jesse Roberts, and Lemuel Gaylord, Sr. 

The Petit Jurors were : Wm. Boyd, Hugh Warnock, Wm. H. Ham, 
Lems Knox, Samuel Patterson, Joseph Ash, Christopher Wagner, Joseph 
Wallace, John Whittakei-, Wm. Cowan, Wm. Wright, Ashael Haunum, 
Anthony Turk, John Burrow, John Myers, Ezekiel Thomas,' Mason Wil- 
son, Smiley Shepherd, Justin Anient, and William Morris. 

The Grand Jury held its sessions on a log under the shade of the 
trees. The only work done was the finding of an indictment against a 
man named Resin Hall and a woman named Martha Wright. He had a 
caliin in the woods, where he openly lived with two wives, to the great 
disgust of his bachelor neighbors, who thought where women were so few 
there should be a more equal distribution. Before the setting of the next 
court, Mr. Hall and his two wives folded their tents and disappeared. 

There was no further business before this court, which lasted but one 
day and adjourned. At the next term, September, 1831, James M. Strode, 
Esq., was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, pro tem, in the absence of State's 
Attorney Thomas Ford, and Clark Hollenback indicted for malfeasance 
in office as Magistrate. 

Court was afterward held at the house of Geo. B. Willis, and where- 
ever it could find room for a year or two, until more permanent quarters 
could be had. 

At the May term, 1832, John Combs, summoned as a juror, failed to 
appeal-. The Coui't sent an officer, armed with an attachment, after the 
delinquent, brought him in a prisoner, and fined him $5.00 and costs. 

David Jones, of rather tempestuous fame, was recognized to keep the 
peace, and gave bonds in the sum of $50.00, with Roswell Blanchard and 
Elijah Epperson as his sureties that he would be peacefid to all the 
world, and especially as to George Ish. 

In May, 1832, Clark Hollenback's case came uj), but for some unknown 
reason the State's Attorney quashed it. He had been indicted for some 
crookedness as Justice of the Peace, but tlie affair never came to trial. 



Court Houses and Jails. 

A new Court House and jail had been contemplated, and October 8th, 
1831, the County Commissioners "ordered that a new Court House be 
built on plans furnished by John M. Gay, Escp, by May, 1832." 



CONSTRUCTIOlSr OF COURT HOUSES AND JAILS. 85 

December 9th, 1831, a jail was ordered to be built. It was to be seven 
feet in the clear, the u])per and under floors to be made of hewn timber, 
one foot square, the roof ^^ raved clapboard," three feet long. "The 
door to be made of inch boards doubled, nailed together with hammered 
nails six inches apart, to be hung with iron hinges, the hooks one inch 
square, six inches long, boarded, the hasp of the lock to go two-thirds of 
the way across the door, the window to be a foot square, mth two bars 
of iron each way. To be twelve feet square, and cost eighty dollars." 

This costly structure was erected according to specifications, and ac- 
cepted ; and it is on record that one of its first prisoners, with a little out- 
side help, pried out a log and escaped. 

August 14th, 1832, "Notice was ordered given in The Sangamon 
Journal (Springfield), that three several jobs of building a court house 
will be sold the third Monday of September, 1832. 

"1st. The foundation to be of stone, fifty feet on the gi'ound each 
way, out to out; wall three feet high, two feet thick, one foot six inches 
under ground. 

"2d. Brick wall to be equal in extent to foundation, twenty-two feet 
high, fij'st story twelve feet, two and a half brick thick; second story ten 
feet high, two brick thick. 

"3d. Carpenter work all to be done in good style, and the whole to 
be finished by September, 1833." 

Until 1833, the Circuit Court had no regular place for holding its ses- 
sions, and among bills audited were several for payment of rent of room 
used, the usual price charged being two dollars for the term, which if in 
winter included the firewood used. 

In March, 1833, Ira Ladd was employed to build a new jail, of the 
following dimensions : 

"Lower floor to be double, of hewn timber — white or burr oak, one foot 
square — sixteen feet square ; the lower tier of timber to be laid close side 
by side; second tier to be of same material and size laid crosswise, so as to 
make both solid — making it two feet thick, sixteen inches square, and 
sunk in the ground to a level with the top of the floor, four to eight 
inches above the ground. The outer wall to be sixteen feet from out to 
out, and each way sixteen feet high, of square timber hewn or four-sided ; 
walls one foot thick, logs to be close, the corners pluml), notched dove- 
tail, corners cut down true and smooth, iron spikes in each log at the cor- 
ners, of three-quarter inch iron, to be diiven in in presence of ^Yii- 



86 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

nesses; the lower seven feet to be of white or burr oak. Inner wall 
twelve feet S(][iiare, one foot thick, seven feet high, corners notched; 
one foot of space between inner and outer wall, to be filled with good 
hard timber, except walnut or ash. Space to be filled with one foot 
square timber seven feet long, set on end. Second floor of timber one foot 
scpiare, sixteen feet long; upper story nine feet nine inches high. One 
window, one foot scpiare, in lower story between the foui'th and fifth logs, 
grated double, with one and one-quarter inch iron rods, and a door and 
window in upper story, secui'ely made. A hatchway connected the upper 
and lower stories. The cost of this model log fortress was fixed at $334 ! 

The next important I'ecord is found January 7, 1836, when it was 
"ordered that $14,000 be appropriated for a court house," and Wm. M. 
Stewart was appointed to make out the plans. The contract was to be 
let March 3, 1836, and an advertisement was ordered inserted in the 
Chicago Democrat and Sangamon Journal to that effect. 

Goi'ham Sz Dui'ley obtained the conti'act for Wm. C. Flagg, a promi- 
nent contractor and builder of the Bloomington, Ottawa, and other court 
houses. The building cost $14,000. 

The temporary court house ordered constructed September 2, 1833, 
was not completed and occupied until December, 1835, and in the June 
following it was formally accepted in behalf of the county, by James G. 
Patterson, Commissioner. The new building being now well under way, 
the temporary one was offered for sale almost immediately upon its 
completion. 

The Records of Deeds. 

In early times deeds were not as promptly recorded as now. The fact 
that a man had given a warranty deed to a tract of land was accepted as 
conclusive evidence of his right to do so. The title was still in the United 
States Government for the great body of land in the country, and the con- 
veyances fi'om one individual to another were few. When a settler had ac- 
quired his " patent " he felt safe enough, and was content to exhibit this 
un(|uestionable proof of his ownership, the very highest title known. 
The precious document was safer with the proprietor of the land it de- 
scribed than elsewhere, and these "patents" were seldom placed upon 
record, — not one. in fifty ever finding its way to the Recorder's office, at 
least for yeai's after. There was little danger of the Government issuing 



TRANSFERS OF REAL ESTATE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 87 

two patents for the same land, and the man in possession had the " nine 
points" of the law. 

Until possible cities began to be thought of, there was but little chang- 
ing of titles among the people. The pioneer having made his claim 
through much hardship and toil, regarded it a^ his future homestead, and 
was loth to part with it. 

The first conveyance on record in Putnam County is a deed from 
Kobert Bird and wife to John Strawn, for a piece of the north end of the 
north-east fractional quarter of Section 35, Town 30, Eange 3 west, in 
Columbia (Lacon), August 15, 1831, for $38.00, acknowledged before 
Colby F. Stevenson, Notary Public. This was followed by other convey- 
ances of town lots here and there, and now and then a certificate of entry, 
for its better preservation, for its loss was a serious obstacle to getting the 
coveted "patent." About 1834, Eastern capitalists were attracted to 
the West as affording new and profital)le fields for speculation, and 
occasionally a deed turned up for a township or so of land, bought 
" unsight unseen." July 30, 1834, we find a deed for forty-six quarter 
sections of land, from South wick Shaw to Dr. Benjamin Shurtliff , of Bos- 
ton, for $4,500, — 7,360 acres. Also, another from Humphrey Rowland 
to Arthur Mott, for sixty-four quarter sections, or 10,240 acres, for $8,320. 
Another from John Tillson, Jr., to Walter Bicker, of 18,040 acres, for 
$8,000. One dated October 7, 1834, from John Tillson, Jr., to Walter 
Mead, for 30,360 acres, and another to Mead for 57,910 acres, June 30, 
1835. The largest deed, however, is dated December 7, 1835, from 
Stephen B. Munn and wife to Charles F. Moulton, for $220,000, and 
conveys several counties of land. The descriptions in this deed occupy 
twenty-three pages of the record. 



County Commissioners' Court. 

The old financial court of the county, the simple and inexpensive sys- 
tem of county government, which for the sole reason of its economy, has 
many advocates as against the cumbrous, half legislative body called the 
"Board of Supervisors," first met "in special session" at Hennepin, April 
2d, 1831. Present— "The Hon. Thomas Gallaher," Judge of the Pro- 
bate Court, and George Ish and John M. Gay, "Associate Justices of the 
Peace," for such were the high sounding titles of those gentlemen of that 
day. Hooper Warren was appointed Clerk. 



88 RECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

Ii'a Ladd hud been elected Sheriff of the new county, but his commis- 
sion not having arrived to give him such power as the court couhl confer, 
"he was appointed to discharge the duties of the office of Sheriff of said 
county till said commission should come"! He was also requested to 
designate the place of holding this honorable court, which he did by 
selecting a place in the Avoods on the river bank ! He was likewise re- 
quired to furnish a table, benches, and stationery for the court ! 

On the Gth of June the Commissioners' met, and heard the report 
of Joel Wright, John Hamlin, and Isaac Perkins, Commissioners to lo- 
cate the seat of justice of Putnam County, which was ordered filed. It 
fixed the honor upon the south-west fractional quarter of Section 9, Town 
32, Range 2 west. 

The Court having examined said report, find that the Commissioners 
have made a mistake in the quarter section, and directed the County Sur- 
veyor to examine the levies of said quarter section and report. 

Thornton Wilson, Geo. Hildebrand and John Whittaker were ap- 
pointed the first School Trustees in the county, for the school section in 
their neighborhood — Section 16, Town 31, Range 1 west. 

Also, on the petition of Wm. Smith and nineteen others, John B. 
Dodge, Charles Boyd and Sylvanus Moore were appointed Commissioners 
to locate a road from Hennepin to Smith's Ford, on Spoon River, and 
required to meet and begin their labors July 4th, 1831. 

June 17th, 1831, the Court, on the petition of Christopher Hannum 
and seventeen others, appointed Ashael Hannum, John Strawn and Ira 
Ladd to locate a road from Hennepin to the county line between Taze- 
well and Putnam Counties. 

The first tax levied in the county was fixed by the Commissioners' 
Court at one-half of one per cent on personal property only, foi' county 
purposes. 

James W. Willis was appinted the first County Treasurer, and his 
bond required to l^e one thousand dollars. Thomas Wafer, Samuel D. 
Ltuighlin and Stephen D. Willis became sureties, and the bond accepted. 

The county was at this term divided into four election precincts, viz : 

Sandy — Including all the coimty south of the south branch of Clear 
Creek to the Illinois River. 

Hennepin — All the county south-east of the Illinois River, and north 
of the above mentioned line. 

Spoon River — To include all of the county south of the direct line 



THE FIRST ELECTION IN PUTNAM COUNTY. 89 

from the head of Crow Prairie to Six Mile Grove, thence north-west to the 

county line. 

B^^i-eau — All of the county north-east of the above and northwest of 

the Illinois River. 



The First Election. 



The first election after the organization of the county was held 
August 1st, 1834, and the officers to be elected were, a Member of Con- 
gi-ess, a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate, as they were known, and a 
Constable for each precinct. The vote was small, and was taken by each 
elector calling the name of the party for whom he desired to cast his bal- 
lot, which the clerk reported, and, along with his name, inscribed in the 
poll book. This is what is termed voting "\dva voce." We give for the 
benefit of their descendants a list of persons who voted at that election : 



SANDY PRECINCT. 



Judges — Wm. Cowan, Ashael Hannum and John Strawn. Election 
held at the houses of Jesse Eoberts, John H. Shaw and Abner Boyle. 
The voters were: Ashael Hannum, Wm. Cowan, John Strawn, George 
H. Shaw, Abner Boyle, Lemuel Gaylord, William Hart, Lemuel Horram, 
Robert Bird, Wm. Hendiick, John Knox, James Finlgy, George Hilde- 
brand, Hiram Allen, Daniel Gunn, Zion Shugart, Jesse Roberts, Isaac 
Hildebrand, John S. Hunt, William Eads, Wm. H. Hart, John Hart, 
Ephraim Smith, Peter Hart, Obed Graves, Hartwell Hawley, William 
Graves, Wm. Lathrop, Jesse Berge, Ezekiel Stacey, Litel Kneal, William 
Hawes, Wm. Knox, Marcus D. Stacey, J. C. Wright, Thos. Gunn, John 
Bird, Samuel Glenn, Elias Thompson, Robert Barnes, James Adams and 
John G. Griffith— 42. 

HENNEPIN PRECINCT. 

The Judges of Election were: Thornton Wilson, Aaron Payne and 
George B. Willis; Smiley Shepherd and John Short, Clerks. Election at 
the ferry house, opposite the mouta of Bureau Creek. 

The voters were: James W. Willis, Ira Ladd, Hooper Warren, Chris- 
topher Wagner, David Boyle, James C. Stephenson, Samuel McNamara, 
Alexander Wilson, John McDonald, Wm. H. Hannu, John Griffin, James 
G. Dunlavy, Colby T. Stephenson, James A. Warnock, John E. Waruock, 



90 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Jeremiah Strawn, Aaron Whittaker, Aaron Thomasson, Aaron Payne, Jos, 
Warnock, Stephen D. Willis, Madison Study vin, Samuel D, Laughlin, 
Hugh Warnock, Anthony Turck, Jonathan Wilson, Joseph Wallace, 
James Grarven, George Ish, Joseph D. Warnock, Robert W. Moore, James 
G. Ross, James Hayes, John L. Ramsey, Williamson Durley, Thos. D. 
Hayless, Thornton Wilson, John Shoi't, George B. Wilson, Smiley Shep- 
herd, James S. Simpson — 41. 

SPOON RIVER DISTRICT. 

Judges — Wm. Smith, Greenleaf Smith and Wm. B. Essex; John C. 
Owing and Benj, Smith, Clerks, Election at the house of Benj. Smith. 

The voters were: W. D. Garrett, Sewell Smith, John B. Dodge, Syl- 
vanus Moore, Benj. Essex, Thomas Essex,- Thomas Essex, Jr., David 
Cooper, Harris W. Miner, Isaac B. Essex, — Greenleaf, B. Smith, Wm. 
Smith, Benj. Smith, John C. O wings — 14. 

BUREAU PRECINCT. 

Judges — Henry Thomas, Elijah Epperson, and Leonard Roth, at the 
house of E. Epperson. 

The voters were : Henry Thomas, Elijah Epperson, Leonard Roth, 
John M. Gay, Mason Dimmick, Samuel Gleason, Curtis Williams, Justice 
Ament, John Anient, John W. Hall, Henry M. Harrison, Abner Strat- 
ton, Elijah Thomas, Hezekiah Epperson, Edward W. Hall, Adam Tay- 
lor, Daniel Dunnic, Thomas Washburn and Anthony Epperson. 

In all the precincts there were but one hundred and sixteen votes 
cast. 

Sources of Revenue, Surveys, Etc. 

By order of the County Court, all business men were required to take 
out licenses, for which :^es were charged according to their suj^posed 
profits. Peddlei's were looked on with suspicion, and a fee was exacted 
double that required of the merchant, who could secure one while court 
was in session for eight dollars, but in vacation the Clerk was directed to 
assess sixteen. This we suppose was to make men respect the Court's 
dignity. 

The county being hard up, George Ish and Thomas Gallaher were au- 
thorized to borrow $200 on its credit, to purchase the land of the United 



SALE OF LOTS AT PUBLIC AUCTIOK. 91 

States Grovernment upon wbicli the State had located the seat of justice, 
but here a new diificulty arose ; for County Surveyor Stevenson ha\dng, 
in accoi-dance with the request of the Court, surveyed the fractional (quar- 
ter section upon whicli the Commissioners had located the new county- 
seat, and found it to contain only twelve acres — far too little for the 
future great metropolis, — the Court appointed John M. Gay to proceed 
to the residence of any two of said Commissioners and get them to alter 
their report so as to include the south-east quarter, or else to make 
a new location. They were easily persuaded to amend it in accord- 
ance with the meidts of the case; so they designated the south-east 
fractional quarter of Section 9, Town 32, Range 2 west as the future seat 
of justice, and George Ish was sent to Springfield to enter the same at the 
Government Land Office, for the benefit of the County of Putnam. 

September 5, 1831, John B. Dodge, Thomas Gunn, William Smith 
and Thomas G. Ross, having been elected Constables in August, pre- 
sented their bonds, and the same were approved. 

September G, Dunlavy & Stewart took out a license to sell merchand- 
ise from August 1, 1831; also a like legal authority to sell goods was 
granted to J. <fe W. Durley, from August 11, 1831. 

September 7, 1831, twelve blocks of the future town of Hennepin 
were ordered to be surveyed, and Ira Ladd allowed eighteen and three- 
fourths cents per lot for surveying. 

A road leading from Hennepin west to the State road fi*om Peoria to 
Galena, was ordered to be surveyed ; also a road to Smith's Ford, on Spoon 
River, to be re-surveyed and marked, -and another to be laid out from 
Hennepin to Holland's settlement. in Tazewell County (now Washington); 
another was laid out from the county seat to the McComas place. 

The first sale of lots in Hennepin was ordered to be made, at public 
auction, on the third Monday of September, 1831, haH the purchase money 
to be paid down, and the balance in two payments, in six and twelve 
months. A general sale was ordered to take place on the first Monday of 
December, 1831, on similar terms, to be advertised in the newspapers at 
Springfield and Galena, Illinois, and Terre Haute, Indiana, the then most 
considerable papers in the west. 

The first Commissioner of School Lands was Nathaniel Chamberlain, 
who was appointed September 26, 1831. 

The ground where the new town was located was hea^'ily timbered, if 
we may credit the following notice "from the Court," which "Ordered, 



92 RECORDS OF THE OLBEK TIME. 

that notice be given to all persons cutting timber on the sti'eets of Henne- 
pin^ to clear the whole tree they cut down from the street even with the 
ground, and all who infringe upon this rule will be prosecuted." 

Ira Ladd was next called upon to survey eight additional blocks, and 
he complied by laying out eighteen, for which he was paid $3.50. Sam- 
uel Patterson was auctioneer at this sale, and was allowed the surprising 
sum of one dollar for " crying " them. 

December 8, 1831, George H. Shaw, Thomas Wafer, Elijah Smith and 
Benjamin Smith were appointed Overseers of the Poor — the first in this 
county. The same day the Court confirmed a permit issued in vacation 
to James S. Simpson, to sell goods; and also tranf erred a license from Ira 
Ladd to Thomas Hartzell, for merchandizing. 

March 6, 1832, James W. Willis was appointed Treasurer, and filed 
his bond at the same time. 

Up to March 7, 1832, all efforts had failed to acquire title to the land 
set apart as the seat of justice, and a new endeavor was made. 

The taxes of 1832 were fixed at one and a half per centum on all per- 
sonal property. 

At this session of the Court, Erastus Wright and Wm. Porter, who 
were running a ferry at the mouth of Sandy Creek, were taxed $5.00 for 
the privilege. This was March 16, 1832, and was probably the first feny 
established at Henry. 

July 2, 1832, the Precinct of Columbia was created out of Sandy Pre- 
cinct, and embracing "all the country east of the Illinois Eiver, south and 
south-west of Geo. H. Thompson's. Robert Bird, James Dever and Rob- 
ert Barnes were appointed judges, and the first election was ordered to be 
held at the house of John Strawn. 

No title to the land where Hennepin stands had yet been acquired, 
although Hooper Warren had specially visited Springfield for the pur- 
pose, and at the July session James G. Dunlavy was dispatched to St. 
Louis upon the same errand. 

Elisha Swan was granted a license to sell goods at Columbia, Septem- 
ber 3, 1832. 

James W. Willis, for assessing the entire property of the county, was 
allowed $25.00. 

September 3, 1832, Thomas Gallaher, Jr., for selling goods without a 
license, was brought before Hooper Warren, a Justice of the Peace, and 
fined $10.00. 



FERRY RATES PUBLIC SCHOOLS ROADS. 93 

September 10, 1832, Aaron Whittaker was employed to build a "stray 
pen, according to law." 

John Lloyd, John Myers, and Bradstreet M. Hays were appointed to 
locate a road from Hennepin to Ottawa, and a former survey on that 
route was ordered to be vacated. 

The Commissioners of Peoria County having granted a license, De- 
cember 3, 1830, to Thompson & Wright to keep a ferry at the mouth of 
Sandy Creek (Henry), the Commissioners of Putnam, October (j, 1832, 
ordered the same continued in the name of E. Wright and Wm. Porter, 
who seem to have in some way succeeded the former owners. 

The new ferrymen were required to pay to the county $2.00, and give 
bonds in the sum of $100 that they would run the ferry according to law 
and the following ferry rates : 

Foot passengers, each 6 J cents. 

Man and horse 12J " 

Dearborn, or one-horse wagon 25 " 

Sulky, gig, pleasure carriage with springs, chaise or other wheel car- 
riage drawn by one horse 50 " 

Same, or wagon or cart drawn by two horses or beasts 37i " 

Same, by four horses or beasts 75 " 

Each additional horse 6^ " 

Each head of cattle 6i " 

Hog, sheep o r goat, each 3 " 

Goods, per 100 pounds 6^ " 

When the water is out of its banks, double the above rates. 

Ira Ladd was authorized to keep the Hennepin ferry. 
October 6, 1832, it was ordered that a lot be donated in Hennepin for 
the benefit of the public schools, and lot 17 of block 7 having been se- 
lected, the same was deeded to the school district. 

October 6, 1832, a road was ordered surveyed from Columbia (Lacon) 
past Strawn's and Dever's places, south to the county line of Putnam 
and Tazewell. John Pobinson, Anthony Turck, and B. M. Hays, Com- 
missioners. 

October 6, 1832, "Lemuel Gaylord came before the Court and made 
affidavit that he was aged sixty-seven years ; that he entei'ed the service 
of the United States Government for one Ithurial Hart, of the Quarter- 
master's Department, under command of Captain Tuttle, in June, 1780; 
continued till December, 1780; re-enlisted in April, 1781; drove team till 
December 27, following; was with the expedition to Yorktown, and after 
the taking of Cornwallis, hauled a piece of artillery to Newburg, and 



94 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

baggage back. In April, 17H2, enlisted again; went to lieadquarters at 
Newbui'fif, remained under the command of Major Skidmore till December 
20, following, and believe myself entitled to, a pension," etc. 

This atBdavit beal's the signature of Edward Hale and Peter Ellis, 
ministers of the Grospel, who certify to Gayloixl's good character and 
truthfulness. 

In further explanation, it should be stated that Gaylord was a minor 
at the time, and his father was entitled to the pension, but thje latter liav- 
ing been killed by the Indians at tbe massacre of Wyoming, it had never 
been allowed. Mr. Graylord was fortunate in securing what he was so 
justly entitled to, and spent fiis remaining days at his home on Sandy. 
He was universally respected, and after living to an advanced age, was 
gathered to his fathers, and sleeps in an honored grave in Cumberland 
Cemetery. 

December 25, 1832, Roswell Blanchard surrendered bis license to sell 
goods, and in its stead applied for one to keep a tavern at Hennepin, 
which was granted for a fee of fifty cents, and bonds required in the 
amount of $200 that he would, among the duties of landlord, strictly live 
up ^o the following rates of charges : Horse one night, 25c. ; one feed, 
12ic. ; one horse twenty-four hours, 37|c. ; man, one meal, 18|c; night's 
lodging, 6^c. ; whisky — one gill 6^c., half-pint 12^c., one pint 18fc. ; 
brandy, rum, gin and mne, one gill 12^c; half -pint 25c., pint 50c. 

December 29, 1832, Captain Brown's Rangers, a body of militia organ- 
ized to protect the white people of the frontier against the' Indians, were 
quartered near Hennepin, and occasionally had to use the feriy. The 
Court made the following special order: "Captain Brown's company of 
Bangers are granted the use of the ferry to cross at Hennepin, for $2.00 
over and back, or $2.00 per week, as Captain Brown may choose. 

March 6, 1833, Hooper Warren, Justice, rej^orted that he had fined 
Boswell^ Blanchard $3.00 for an assault upon Leonard Both. Also, George 
Wilmarth seems to have perpetrated an assault and battery upon the de- 
voted person of David Jones, somewhat noted as a pugilist. George hav- 
ing apparently got the best of this encounter, the Justice fined him $5.00 
and costs. 

The entire taxes collected in 1832, ii\ the County of Putnam, amounted 
to — cash, $88.19, and county orders, $104.62^ 

A road from the mouth of Crow Creek, uj) the Illinois Biver, under 
the bluffs, through Columbia, and along the bottom to the mouth of 



DIVISION OF PUTNAM INTO THREE COUNTIES. 95 

Sandy (opposite Henry), was ordered to be laid out, and Jesse Sawyer 
and the County Surveyor were appointed Commissioners to perform the 
labor, June 3, 1833, 

Peter Earnhardt, paymaster of the Fourth Illinois Militia, filed his 
bond in $200, as by law required, and the same was approved. 

September 2, 1833, J. W. Willis was sent to Springfield to get patents 
for the land occupied by Hennepin and the county buildings. All pre\'i- 
ous efforts in this direction had regularly failed. The county had been 
selling and conveying property to which it had as yet no title, and ner- 
vous purchasers and tax-payers who feared that some audacious claim- 
jumper might steal the county property, or that which had been claimed 
for court house and jail purposes, kept the Honorable Commissioners' 
Court in the warmest of hot water, and every previous attempt to get titles 
having so wretchedly miscarried, they were becoming desperate. 

December 1(), it was ordered that the Conmiissioners' Clerk and Sheriif 
relinquish their fees for this term of Court. No explanation is vouch- 
safed, and we are left in the dark as to whether the county was unable to 
pay its public servants, or the Treasurer had grown so weak he could not 
di-aw the necessary orders. 

FERRY LICENSES. 

September 1, 1834, Alex. Tompkins was granted a license to run a 
ferry at the mouth of Negro Creek, at the house of John Cole. 

Elisha Swan was allowed a ferry license at Columbia, March 2, 1835, 
and was taxed $15.00; and at the same time was granted a merchant's 
license. 

March 2, a license was given Wm. Hammett to run a ferry at the 
mouth of Crow Creek. 



Formation of Marshall County. 

By 1835 Putnam had 3,948 whites and eight negroes, of whom two 
were registered servants, or more plainly, slaves. 

The county was gi-owing rapidly, and the location of the county seat 
being found inconvenient for many, the project for a new county was agi- 
tated, and the result was the formation of the magnificent county of Bu- 
reau, with Princeton for its county seat. 



96 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Tliis was followed by another division, and Marshall County was 
formed. Tims from being tlie largest county in the State and leading all 
others in p()j)ulation, wealth and political iniluence, Putnam was shorn 
of its fair pro})()rtions, and made the very smallest. The student of his- 
tory as lie reads this will wonder why this wrong was permitted, and ask 
if there were none in the Legislature to plead for and protect her just 
I'ights. We cannot ans^ver. 

In the "Bribery Act" of 18o7, whereby millions of money was voted 
to railroads never constructed, the consent or silent approval of counties 
not benefitted was secured l)y loans of money, and under its provisions 
Putnam was entitled to and received $10,000 as her portion of the "steal." 
But "ill gotten gains are treacherous friends," the proverb hath it, and 
so it turned out, for the Treasurer, Amnion Moon, loaned it out so se- 
curely that it has never been recovered. 

The last act of the Commissoners was to divide the county into town- 
ships in accordance with an act of the Legislature and vote of the people, 
and this duty was assigned to Guy W. Pool and Jeremiah Strawn, 

The labors of the old County Commissioners' Court ceased April 1 (>, 
IX.V), when the iiew County Supervisors met at Hennepin and took uj)on 
themselves the dignity of office. The first Board consisted of Townsend 
G. F}^e, of Magnolia, who was elected chairman, and James S. Simpson 
of Hennepin, Benjamin F. Carpenter of Senachwine, and Joel W. Hopkins 
of Granville. 



Records of the Probate Court. 

Col])y F. Stevenson was the first Profeate Judge of Putnam County, 
and performed its duties in addition to those of Surveyor. 

The first case for adjudication was the estate of Daniel Bland, of Round 
Prairie, who died on the 8tli day of February, 1831. The circumstances 
of his death will be more particularly referred to hereafter. His widow, 
Nancy Bland, was appointed administratrix, under bonds of $1,250. Rob- 
ert Bird became her surety. 

John P. Blake was the next Judge, and his first official act was admin- 
istering upon the estate of Zion Shugart, who died February 13, 1833. 
His widow was appointed administratrix, and Samuel Glenn became her 
surety. Di-. Condee, of Columbia (Lacon), appears to have been physician 
to deceased, since his bill is allowed. 



DEATH NOTICES OF EAELY SETTLEES. 97 

Aaron Payne, tlie missionary, presents a bill of $11.25 for officiating at 
tlie inquest of Daniel Gunn, wlio hanged himself on Oxbow Prairie, and 
tlie same was allowed, 

December 8, 1831, James Reynolds died, and Jane M. Reynolds was 
made executrix. 

Another record is the indenture of Caleb Stark to Elias Isaacs, who 
agrees "for three years' service" to instruct his apprentice in the "art, 
trade or mystery of currying." After one year's service the conti'act was 
abrogated. 

September 7, 1831, Wm. Wauhob, Sr., died on Round Prairie. January 
5, 1835, Robert, his son, comes to the County Court and complains that 
his brother William has appropriated the entire estate of their father, 
and wants an account rendered and a division. After a long contest over 
the matter, the parties got into court and settled. 

James Dever died in December, 1834, and his will was proven in Jan- 
uary, 1835. 

We close our records with the following death notices of settlers whom 
many will remember: Thornton Wilson died March 9, 1835; Jos. Babl), 
April 7; Oliver Johnson, August 6; Alexander Wilson, July 22; William 
Britt, June 25; and Naomi Ware, October 3, of that year. The last named 
left by will a considerable portion of her estate to the New School Pres- 
byterian Church of Hennepin. 




98 RECORDS OF TIIK OLDEN TIME. 



THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 




CHAPTER XV. 

THE TREATY OF 1804. 

*H1S important episode in tlie history of Marshall and Putnam 
Counties demands extended notice, and for what follows we 
are mainly indebted to Ex-Governor Thomas Ford, who 
was a personal actor thei'ein, and probably the very best 
man that could be found to tell the stoiy. In order to a 
full and complete understanding of the causes that led to it, 
it will be necessary to refer to a treaty made by General 
Harrison, at St. Louis, in 1804, with the chief of the Sac 
and Fox nations of Indians, by which those Indians ceded to the United 
States all their lands on Pock River, and much more elsewhere. 

"This grant was confirmed by a part of the tribe in a treaty with 
Governor Edwards and Auguste Chouteau, in September, 1815, and by 
another part in a treaty with the same Commissioners in May, 1816. The 
United States had caused some of these lands, situate at the mouth of 
Rock River, to be surveyed and sold. They included the great town of 
the nation, near the mouth of the river. The purchasers from the Gov- 
ernment moved on their lands, built houses, made fences and fields, and 
thus took possession of the ancient metropolis of the Indian nation. It 
consisted of about two or three hundi-ed lodges made of small poles set 
U2)right in the ground, upon which other poles were tied transversely 
with bark at the top, so as to hold a covering of bark peeled from the 
neighboring trees, and secured with other strips sewed to the transverse 
poles. The sides of the lodges were secured in the same manner. The 
principal part of these Indians had long since moved from their town to 
the west of the Mississippi. 

"But there was one old chief of the Sacs, called Mucata Muhicatah, 
or Black H*wk, who always denied the validity of these treaties. Black 
Hawk was now an old man. He had been a warrioi' fi'om his youth. He 
had led many a war party on the trail of an enemy, and had never been 



CHARACTER OF BLACK HAWK. 99 

defeated. He had been in the service of England in the war of 1812, and 
had been aid-de-camp to the great Tecumseh. He was distinguished for 
courage and for clemency to the vanquished. He was an Indian patriot, 
a kind husband and father, and was noted for his integrity in all his deal- 
ings with his tribe and with the Indian traders. He was firmly attached 
to the British, and cordially hated the Americans. At the close of the 
war of 1812 he did not join in making peace with the United States, 
but himself and band kept up their connection with Canada, and were 
ever ready for a war with our people. He was in his personal deport- 
ment grave and melancholy, with a disposition to cherish and brood over 
the wjongs he supposed he had received from the Americans. He was 
thirsting for revenge upon his enemies, and at the same time his piety con- 
strained him to devote one day in the year to visit the grave of a favorite 
daughter buried on the Mississippi River, not far from Oquawka. Here he 
came on his yearly visit, and spent a day by the grave, lamenting and ])e- 
wailing the death of one who had been the pride of his family and of his 
Indian home. With these feelings was mingled the certain and melan- 
choly prospect of the extinction of his tribe, and the transfer of his coun- 
try, with its many silvery rivers, rolling and green prairies, and dark 
forests, the haunts of his youth, to the possession of a hated enemy; 
while he and his people were to be driven, as he supposed, into a strange 
country, far from the graves of his fathers and his children. 

" Black Hawk's own account of the treaty of 1804 is as follows. He 
says that some Indians of the tribe were arrested and imprisoned in St. 
Louis for murder; that some of the chiefs were sent down to provide for 
their defence ; that while there, and without the consent of the nation, 
they were induced to sell the Indian country ; that when they came home, 
it appeared that they had been drunk most of the time they were absent, 
and could give no account of what they had done, except that they had 
sold some land to the white people, and had come home loaded with 
presents and Indian finery. This was all the nation ever heard or knew 
about the treaty of 1804. 

" Under the pretence that this treaty was void, he resisted the order 
of the Government for the removal of his tribe west of the Mississij^pi. 
In the spring of 1831 he re-crossed the river, with his women and chihlren 
and three hundred warriors of the British band, together ^^atli some allies 
from the Pottawatomie and Kickapoo nations, to establish himself upon 

his ancient hunting-grounds and in the principal village of his nation. He 

L.of C. 



100 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

ordered the white settlers away, threw down their fences, unroofed their 
lioiises, cut up their grain, drove off and killed their cattle, and threat- 
ened the people with death if they remained. The settlers made their 
complaints to Grovernor Reynolds. These acts of the Indians were con- 
sidered by the Governor to be an invasion of the State. He immediately 
addressed letters to General Gaines, of the United States army, and to 
General Clark, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, calling upon them to 
use the influence of the Government to procure the peaceful removal of 
the Indians, if possible ; at all events, to defend and protect the American 
citizens who had purchased those lands from the United States, and were 
now about to be ejected by the Indians. General Gaines repaired to Rock 
Island with a few companies of regular soldiers, and soon ascertained 
that the Indians were bent upon war. He immediately called upon Gov- 
ernor Reynolds for seven hundred mounted volunteers. The Governor 
obeyed the requisition. A call was made upon some of the northern and 
central counties, in obedience to which fifteen hundred volunteers rushed 
to his standard at Beardstown, and about the 10th of June were organ- 
ized and ready to march to the seat of war. The whole force was divided 
into two regiments, an odd battalion and a spy battalion. The first regi- 
ment was commanded by Col. James D. Henry, the second by Col. Daniel 
Lieb, the odd battalion by Maj. Nathaniel Buckmaster, and the spy bat- 
talion by Maj. Samuel Whiteside. The whole brigade was put under the 
command of Maj. Gen. Joseph Duncan, of the State Militia. This was 
the lai'gest military force of Illinoisans which had ever been assembled in 
the State, and made an imposing appearance as it traversed the then un- 
bi'oken wilderness of prairie. 

The army proceeded in four days to the Mississippi, at a place now 
called Rockport, about eight miles below the mouth of Rock River, where 
it met General Gaines in a steamboat, with a supply of provisions. Here 
it encamped for the night, and the two Generals concerted a plan of 
operations. General Gaines had been in the vicinity of the Indian town 
for about a month, during which time it might be supposed that he had 
made himself thoroughly acquainted with the localities and topography of 
the country. The next morning the volunteers marched forward, with an 
old regular soldier for a guide. The steamboat with General Gaines 
ascended the river. A battle was expected to be fought that day on Van- 
diniff's Island, opposite the Indian town. The plan was for the volun- 
teers to cross the slough on to this island, give battle to the enemy if 



GENEEAL GAINES' FEUITLESS CAMPAIGN. 101 

found there, and then to ford the main river into the town, where they 
were to be met by the regular force coming down from the fort. The 
island was covered with bushes and vines, so as to be impenetrable to the 
sight at the distance of twenty feet. General Gaines ran his steamboat 
up to the point of the island, and hred several rounds of grape and can- 
ister shot into it to test the presence of an enemy. The spy battalion 
formed in line of battle and swept the island ; but it was soon ascertained 
that the ground rose so high within a short distance of the bank, that 
General Gaines's shot could not have taken effect one hundred yards from 
the shore. The main body of the volunteers, in three columns, came fol- 
lowing the spies; but before they had got to the northern side of the 
island, they were so jammed up and mixed together, officers and men, 
that no man knew his own compan)^ or I'egiment, or scarcely himself. 
General Gaines had ordered the artillery of the regular army to be sta- 
tioned on a high bluff which looked down upon the contemplated battle- 
field a half mile distant, from whence, in case of battle with the Indians 
in the tangled thickets of the island, their shot were likely to kill moi'e of 
their friends than their enemies. It would have been impossible for the 
artillerists to distinguish one from the other. And when the army arrived 
at the main river, they found it a bold, deep stream, not fordable for a 
half mile or more above by horses, and no means of transportation was 
then ready to ferry them over. Here they were in sight of the Indian 
town, with a narrow, deep river running between, and here the princi- 
pal part of them remained until scows could be brought to feriy them 
across it, 

"When the volunteers reached the town they found no enemy there. 
The Indians had quietly departed the same morning in their canoes for 
the western side of the Mississippi. Whilst in camp twelve miles below, 
the evening before, a canoe load of Indians came down with a white flag 
to tell the General that they were peaceable Indians, that they expected a 
great battle to come off the next day, that they desired to remain neutral, 
and wanted to retire with their families to some place of safety, and they 
asked to know where that was to be. General Gaines answered them 
very abniptly, and told them to be off and go to the other side of the 
Mississippi. That night they returned to their town, and the next morn- 
ing early the whole band of hostile Indians re-crossed the river, and thus 
entitled themselves to protection." 

Says Governor Ford: "It has been stated to me by Judge William 



102 RECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

Thomas, of Jacksonville, ^^•ll() acted as Quartermaster of the l)rigade of 
volunteers, that Gaines and Duncan had reason to believe, before the 
commencement of the niMi'cli from the camp on the Mississippi, that the 
Indians had de})arted from their village, that measures had been taken to 
ascertam the fact before the volunteers crossed to Vandruff ^s Island, that 
Genei'al Duncan, in company with the advanced guard, following the spies, 
preceded the main body in crossing, and that this will account for the con- 
fusion and want of order in the march of the troo])s, 

"I was myself in company with the spies, ariiving at the river a mile 
in advance of the army. I saw General Gaines ascend with his boat to 
the point of the island; was within one hundred yards of him when he 
fii'ed into the island to test the presence of the Indians; I marched ahead 
with the spies across the island, saw with my own eyes the elevation of 
the land near the shore, which would have prevented cannon shot from 
taking effect more than one hundred yards. I alsQ knew the condition of 
the island as to bushes and vines, and saw the artillery firing from the fort 
stationed on the high bluff on the opposite side of the river. I was on 
the Ijank of the main river when General Duncan came up, followed soon 
after by his brigade in the utmost confusion, and heard him reprimand 
John S. Miller, a substantial and worthy citizen of Rock Island, for not 
letting him know that the main I'iver was on the north side of the island ; 
and I heard Miller curse him to his face at the head of his troops for re- 
fusing his services as guide when offered the evening before, and then cen- 
suring him for not giving information which he had refused to receive. I 
give the facts as I personally know them to be true, and leave it to others to 
judge whether the two Generals, knowing of the departure of the Indians, 
had taken proper measures to ascertain the presence of an enemy, or had 
made the best disposition for a battle if the Indians had been found either 
at their village or on the island. Much credit is undoubtedly due to Gov- 
ernor Reynolds and General Duncan for the unprecedented (quickness with 
Avliich the brigade was called out, oi'ganized, and marched to the seat 
of war, and neither of tliem are justly responsible for what was arranged 
for them Ijy General Gaines. 

"The enemy having escaped, the volunteers were determined to be 
avenged upon something. The rain descended in torrents, and the Indian 
wigwams would have furnished a comfortable shelter ; but notwithstand- 
ing the rain, the whole town was soon wrapj)ed in flames, and thus per- 
ished an ancient village which had once been the delightful home of six or 



A BRIEF PEACE RENEWAL OF HOSTILITIES. 103 

seven thousand Indians ; where generation after generation had been born, 
had died, and been buried ; where the old men had taught wisdom to the 
young ; whence the Indian youth had often gone out in parties to hunt or 
to war, and returned in triumph to dance around the spoils of the forest, 
or the scalps of their enemies ; and where the dark-eyed Indian maidens, 
by their presence and charms, had made it a scene of delightful enchant- 
ment to many an admiring wari'ior. 

"The volunteers marched to Kock Island next morning, and here they 
encamped for several days, precisely whei'e the town of Rock Island is 
now situated. It was theit in a complete state of nature, a romantic wil- 
derness. Fort Armstrong was built upon a rocky cliff on the lower point 
of an island near the center of the river, a little way above; the shores 
on each side, formed of gentle slopes of prairie extending back to bluffs 
of considerable height, made it one of the most picturesque scenes in the 
Western country. The river here is a beautiful sheet of clear, swift-run- 
ning water, about three-quarters of a mile wide ; its banks on both sides 
were uninhabited except by Indians, from the lower rapids to the fort, 
and the voyager up stream, after several days' solitary 2:)rogTess through a 
wilderness country on its borders, came suddenly in sight of the white- 
washed walls and towers of the fort, perched upon a rock surrounded by 
the grandeur and beauty of nature, which at a distance gave it the ap- 
pearance of one of those enchanted castles in an uninhabited desert so 
well described in the Arabian Nights Entertainment. 

General Gaines threatened to pursue the Indians across the river, 
which brought Black Hawk and the chiefs and braves of the hostile 
band to the fort to sue for peace. A treaty was formed with them, by 
which they agreed to remain forever after on the west side of the river, 
and never to recross it without the permission of the President or the 
Governor of the State. And thus these Indians at last ratified the treaty 
of 1804, by which their lands were sold to the white peoj^le, and they 
agreed to live in peace with the Government. 

"But notwithstanding this treaty, early in the spring of 1832, Black 
Hawk and the disaffected Indians prepared to reassert their right to the 
disputed territory. 

"The united Sac and Fox nations were divided into two ])arties. 
Black Hawk commanded the warlike band, and Keokuk, another chief, 
headed the band which was in favor of peace. Keokuk was a bold, sa- 
gacious leader of his people, was gifted with a wild and stirring eloquence 



104 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

rarely to be found even among Indians, by means of whicli lie retained 
the greater part of his people in amity with the white people. But nearly 
all the bold, turbulent spirits, who delighted in mischief, arranged them- 
selves under the banners of his rival. Black Hawk had with him the 
chivalry of his nation, with which he re-crossed the Mississippi in the 
spring of 1832. He directed his march to the Rock River country, and 
this time aimed, by marching up the river into the territory of the Potta- 
Avatomies and Winnebagoes, to make them his allies. Governor Reynolds, 
upon being informed of the facts, made another call for volunteers. In a 
few days eighteen hundred men rallied under his banner at Beardstown. 
This force was organized into four regiments and. a spy battalion. Colonel 
Dewitt conunanded the First Regiment, Colonel Fry the Second, Colonel 
Thomas the Third, Colonel Thompson the Fourth, and Col. James D. 
Hemy commanded the spy battalion. The whole brigade was put under 
the command of Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside, of the State 
militia, who had commanded the spy battalion in the first campaign. 




STILLMAN S DEFEAT. 



105 



CHAPTER XVI. 




DEFEAT OF MAJOR STILLMAIST. 

>N the 27tb of April, General Whiteside, accompanied by Gov- 
ernor Reynolds, took up his line of march. The army pro- 
ceeded by way of Oquawka, on the Mississippi, to the mouth 
of Rock River, and here it was agreed between General 
Whiteside and General Atkinson, of the regulars, that the 
volunteers should march up Rock River about fifty miles, 
to the Prophet's town, and there encamp to feed and rest 
their horses, and await the arrival of the regular troops in 
keel boats, with provisions. 
Judge Thomas, who again acted as quartermaster to the volunteers, 
made an estimate of the amount of provisions required until the boats 
could arrive, which was supplied, and then General Whiteside took up 
his line of march. But when he arrived at the Prophet's town, instead 
of remaining there, his men set iire to the village, which was entirely con- 
sumed, and the brigade marched on in the direction of Dixon, forty miles 
higher up the river. When the volunteers had arrived within a short 
distance of Dixon, orders were given to leave the baggage wagons behind, 
so as to reach there by a forced mai'ch. And for the relief of the horses, 
the men left large quantities of provisions behind with the wagons. At 
Dixon, General Whiteside came to a halt, to await a junction with Gen- 
eral Atkinson, with provisions and the regular forces; and from here par- 
ties were sent out to reconnoitre the enemy and ascertain his position. 
The army here found upon its arrival two battalions of mounted volun- 
teers, consisting of 275 men, from toe comities of McLean, Tazewell, 
Peoria, and Fulton, under the command of Majors Stillman and Bailey. 
The officers of this force begged to be put forward upon some dangerous 
service, in which they could distingiush theiuselves. To gratify them, they 
were ordered up Rock River to spy out the Indians. Major Stillman be- 
gan his march on the 12th of May, and pursuing his way on the south- 
east side, he came to "Old Man's" Creek, since called "Stillman's Run," 
a small stream which I'ises in White Rock Grove, in Ogle County, and 



ion KECORBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

falls into tilt' river near Bloomiiigville. Here he encamj)ed just l)efore 
night, and in a short time a party of Indians on horseback were discov- 
ei'ed on a rising ground abont one mile distant from the encampment. A 
j)arty of Stillman's men mounted their horses without orders or com- 
mander, and were soon foHowed l)y others, stringing along for a quartei* 
of a mile, to pursue the Indians and attack them. The Indians retreated 
after displaying a red flag, the emblem of defiance and wai", but were over- 
taken and three of them slain. Here Maj. Samuel Hackelton, being dis- 
mounted in the engagement, distinguished himself by a combat with one 
of the Indians, in which the Indian was killed, and Major Hackelton after- 
w^ai'd made his way on foot to the camp of General Whiteside. Black 
HaAvk was neai' by with his main force, and ]>eing prompt to i-epel an 
assault, soon rallied his men, amounting then to about seven hundred 
warriors, and moved down upon Major Stillman's camp, driving the dis- 
orderly rabble, the recent pursuers, before him. These valorous gentle- 
men, lately so hot in pursuit when the enemy were few, were no less 
hasty in their retreat when coming in contact with superior numbers. 
They came with horses on a full run, and in this manner broke through 
the camp of Major Stillman, spreading dismay and terror among the rest 
of his men, who immediately began to join in the tiight, so that no effort 
to rally them could possibly have succeeded. Major Stillman, now too 
late to remedy the evils of insubordination and disorder in his command, 
did all that was practicable, by ordering his men to fall back in order, and 
form on higher ground; but as the prairie rose behind them for more than 
a mile, the ground for a rally was never discovered; and besides this, when 
the men once got their backs to the enemy, they commenced a retreat 
without one thought of making a further stand. A retreat of undisci- 
plined militia from the attack of a sujierior force is apt to be a disorderly 
and inglorious flight. And so it was here; each man sought his individual 
safet}', and in the twinkling of an eye the whole detachment was in utter 
confusion. They were j^ursued in their flight by thirty or forty Indians 
for ten or twelve miles, the fugitives in the rear keeping up a flying fire 
as they ran, luitil the Indians ceased pursuing. 

" But there were some good soldiers and brave men in Stillman's de- 
tachment, whose individual efforts succeeded in checking the career of the 
Indians, whereby many escaped that night who would otherwise have 
been the easy victims of the enemy. Among these were Major Perkins 
and Captain Adams, who fell in the rear, bravely figliting to cover the 



WHAT A BAEREL OF WHISKY DID. 107 

retreat of their fugitive friends. But Major Stillman and his men pur- 
sued their flight without looking to the right or the left, until they were 
safely landed at Dixon. The party came straggling into camp all night 
long, four or five at a time, each new comer being confident that all who 
had been left behind had been massacred by the Indians. The enemy was 
stated to be just behind in full pursuit, and their arrival was looked for 
every moment. Eleven of Stillman's men were killed, and it is only 
astonishing: that the number was so few. 



NARRATIVE OF EDWIN S. JONES. 



As this is mainly a local history, we give the individual recollections 
of Edwin S. Jones of this affair, now and for many years past a respected 
citizen of La Prairie. He was an Orderly Sergeant in Captain Eads' com- 
pany, and enlisted at Peoria, where they were several days in camp pre- 
vious to setting out. They were equipped with the old-fashioned musket 
of that day, and decidedly averse to discipline, each individual considering 
himself a free American citizen, able singly to subdue and capture a half 
dozen Indians. At Boyd's Grove, whei'e they camped for the night, they 
were joined by Captain Barnes- and his company, and at Bureau by Cap- 
tain Baughman and twenty-eight men, when they received orders to push 
on to Dixon, where the Indians stole many of their horses. While here 
they were joined by a detachment of the regular army under Col. Zack 
Taylor, and Lieuts. Jeif . Davis and Sidney Johnson. Between the volun- 
teers and regulars jealousy and ill feeling at once sprung up, the former 
looking upon the soldiers as "stuck up" and supercilious, while the reg- 
ulars fi'owned with contempt upon the "greenhorn farmers," fresh from 
the plow and hoe. Tlie volunteers, l)urning with impatience to pounce 
upon the foe and capture them, and fearing lest that honor might in any 
way be divided with the regulars, could hardly be held within l)ounds, 
and when their commander. Major Stillman, received orders to reconnoitre 
the enemy's position, the men hailed it as a permission to attack the 
Indians if found. 

On the 10th of May, 1832, they started up Kock Biver in the midst of 
a pelting storm, the volunteers being without tents or shelter. They 
marched several miles and went into camp, cold, wet and cheerless, re- 
maining until Monday, when they moved forward to Rock River, ^vhere 



108 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Major Stillman took charge of tlie detachment to which the wi'iter be- 
longed, known as the "odd battalion." A portion of the command came 
from Tazewell Connty, and were an uuusnally "hard lot." They had 
brought with them a bari'el of whisky, of which the men had partaken 
freely, and Major Stillman, fearing its demoralizing effects, ordered it 
taken in charge by Mr. Jones, which duty he performed until relieved, 
when he proceeded to join his company. As he was mounting his horse 
an order came to "Forward," but the Tazewell troops refused to go until 
they had got their "bitters." They smashed in the head of the barrel and 
filled their coffee pots, besides drinking freely; then joined in the march. 
Arriving at what has since been known as "Stillman's Run," then called 
"Old Man's Creek," they found a region of swamps and morasses, into 
Avhich they plunged, and found considerable difficulty in getting through, 
after which the command went into camp. While preparing their dinnei's 
a party of mounted Indians approached and fired from a distance, which set 
the horses to rearing, and created something of a panic. The cry of "In- 
dians! Indians!" was raised, when the drunken soldiers mounted their 
horses and went galloping forward, yelling like maniacs. The warriors 
came on in good style and began firing, by which several of our men fell, 
when, with scai'cely a i-eturn shot, the cowardly ral)l)le turned and ran 
for dear life, throwing away guns, hats and coats. They were frightened 
out of their wits, and their cowardly fear communicated to the whole 
camp, which broke up in wild disorder. But all were not cowards, and 
a feAv resolute men rode out and met the savages, giving them a blizzard 
which emptied a few saddles and sent them to the right about. Another 
party now appeared, and news came that the Indians had surrounded the 
men who had pursued them, and we pushed on to theii- relief. On the 
way sevei'al dead Indians were found, and three were taken prisoners. The 
captives said they came to make peace and not to fight. "We rode on a 
hard canter for five miles, until a wide swamp was reached, beyond which 
the retreating Indians were seen. Orders came to plunge in, and in we 
went. Horses were mired and the men too, and when we had got well 
into the trap — for trap it was — we were surrounded b}^ the painted devils, 
wlio came whooping and yelling and pouring the contents of their nmskets 
right in our faces. JSTo man who has ever heard an Indian yell will won- 
der that men who had never been under fire became panic-stricken. An 
ofticer in the rear shouted "Halt!" and then came the word to retreat 
to solid ground. We did so, but the Indians were shooting wickedly, 



PARTICIPANTS SINCE FAMOUS IN HISTORY. 109 

and it was impossible, to form aline. As fast as one was formed, the 
demoralized mob behind, covered with mud and mire, would break through 
and "streak it" as fast as theii' legs permitted. Captain Barnes came 
up and did his best to I'ally the men, but in vain. We ariived in camp at 
dark, the Indians in hot pursuit, yelling and firing upon us. A detach- 
ment of the savages got in our front, which filled our men with greater 
terror than ever. All order was now lost, each man being chiefly inter- 
ested in getting off with his scalp. Mr. Jones and a man named Miner 
struck up the creek and, in crossing. Miner's horse fell, but both got over 
safely and joined Captain Eads, who had formed some of his men, and hav- 
ing reloaded their muskets, felt better. The Indians were everywhere, 
and several times deluded the whites by crying "Help!" in good English, 
and shooting at any one who responded. The whites dare not shoot in 
the dark for fear of killing more friends than foes, and so the rout con- 
tinued until Dixon was reached, thirty-five miles away, the Indians dog- 
ging the I'etreatiug army at a distance, and watching f oi' stragglers. 

Jones reached Dixon the morning after the inglorious action, about day- 
light, and shared the same blanket with Stillman, who remarked: "Well, 
Sergeant, the war has begun, and the Lord knows how it will end!" 

Jones credits Stillman with being a brave man and a thoroughly 
skilled tactician, but unable to manage recruits unused to military re- 
straint, and who would not submit to discipline. But the chief cause of 
this shameful defeat and flight and the demoralization of the entire force, 
was that barrel of whisky. 

Our soldiers captured three Indians, whom they shot on the retreat 
while prisoners, an act of barbarity wholly without excuse or apology. 

While breakfasting at Dixon, Mr. Jones met at the same table a num- 
ber of men, some of whom in after years became famous, and others infa- 
mous in the history of the country. They were : Zach. Taylor, afterward 
President of the United States ; Jeff. Davis, Chief of the Southern Confed- 
eracy ; Gen. Sidney Johnson, one of his ablest Generals ; General Atkinson, 
then a man of deserved fame as a good soldier, and Major Stillman, the 
hero of the inglorious defeat mentioned in this chapter. 



INCIDENTS OF STILLMAN's DEFEAT. 

The baggage train of Stillman's army consisted of six wagons, drawn 



110 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

by oxen and guarded by fifty mounted Rangers, commanded by Captain 
Hat'kleton. Among liis recruits was a tall, raw-boned lad, said to be the 
liomeliest man in the company, and answering to the cognomen of "Abe." 
He was the wag of the command, and the best stoiy-teller in the service. 
A\nien tlie march was over they gathered about him in crowds, and list- 
ened to his wonderfid yarns with an interest that never slacked. In after 
years it was his foi'tune to command all the armies of the United States, 
and meet his death at the hands of an assassin. With such spirit of 
mischief embodied in one person as he possessed, fun was rife in the 
company, and Capt. Hackleton to test the courage of his conunand, man- 
ufactiu'ed an Indian scare. Having made his })lans known to the guards, 
^vith a few trusty fellows he repaired to the brush and i-aised a terrific 
war-whoop, while the pickets fired off their guns. 

The whole command was aroused, and the men, fearing Indian wari'iors 
had attacked them, and would in a few moments be in their midst, cuttino^, 
slashing and scalping, rushed pell-mell, swearing, praying, and nearly 
frightened out of tLelr wits, to the I'ear, where a guard with fixed l^ayonets 
stopped their retreat, explaining the joke. The surgeon of the company 
mounted his horse, but forgot to untie him from the tree. Under the spur 
the animal sprang forward the length of the rope, and then back again, 
striking the Doctoi'"'s head against the limb of a tree. Believing himself 
sti'uck by an Indian, the frightened surgeon, at the top of his voice, in sup- 
plicating tones exclaimed : " Mr. Injun ! I surrender. Spare my life ! " This 
became the by- word of the camp, and was the standing joke among the 
heroes of the Black Hawk war for years. 

"In the night, after their arrival at Dixon, the trumpet soiuided a sig- 
nal for the oflicers to assemble at the tent of General Whiteside. A 
council of war was held, in which it was agreed to march early the next 
morning to the fatal field of that evening's disaster. In consequence of 
the ill-advised and misjudged march from the Prophet's town, the waste- 
fidness of the volunteers, and leaving the baggage wagons behind to make 
a forced march without motive or necessity, there were no provisions in 
the camp, except in the messes of the most careful and experienced men. 
The majority had been living upon parched corn and coffee for two or 
three days. But Quartermaster Thomas, anticipating the result of the 
council, went out in search of cattle and hogs, which were obtained of 
Mr. John Dixon, then the only white inhabitant on Rock River, above its 
mouth. By this means, before daylight the next morning the army was 



SHAUBElSrA^S TIMELY WARNING UNHEEDED. Ill 

supplied witli fresh beef, wMcli they ate without bread; and now they 
began their march for the scene of the disaster of the night before. 
When the volunteers arrived there- the Indians were gone. They liad 
scattered out all over the country, some of them further up Rock River, 
and other toward the nearest settlements of white people. 

Soon as Black Hawk was relieved of the presence in his front of the* 
volunteers, he determined on a general slaughter of all the whites north 
and west of the Illinois River, in what now constitutes parts of Marshall, 
Putnam, Bureau and La Salle Counties. Shaubena, learning that such fate 
was in store for all the settlers, hastened to give them warning, riding 
night and day, and calling at every man's cabin. He performed his often 
thankless work of mei'cy so promptly and thoroughly that all might have 
escaped had they heeded his advice and urgent appeals. He appeared at 
Indian Creek on the 15th of May, and told them of Black Hawk's pur- 
pose. Mr. J. W. Hall started for Ottawa with his family, but at the 
cabin of a Mr. Davis, a Kentuckian, a large, powerful and resolute man, 
he was persuaded to remain. Here were also gathered the families of 
Davis and Pettigrew. Davis had fled to the block-house fort at Ottawa 
the year before, when the Indian scare occurred, and been taunted with a 
want of courage when it was found to have been only a false alarm. 
Rather than be again subject to a suspicion of cowardice, he resolved to 
stay and fight the Indians, should they come. 

In the afternoon of May 20, seventy or eighty redskins appeared and 
began an attack upon these almost defenseless people, killing fifteen per- 
sons and taking prisoners two girls, — Rachel Hall, aged fifteen, and Sylvia 
Hall, aged seventeen, the details of whose captivity given in the next 
chapter are mainly taken from Matson's " Reminiscences of Bureau County." 

"The Indians immediately retreated into the Winnebago country, 
up Rock River, carrying the scalps of the slain and their prisoners 
with them. Indian wars are the wars of a past age. They have al- 
ways been characterized hj the same ferocity and cruelty on the pai't of 
the Indians. To describe this massacre is only to repeat what has been 
written a hundi-ed times ; but the history of this war would be imperfect 
without some account of it. The Indians approached the house in which 
the three families were assembled, in the day-time. They entered it sud- 
denly, with but little notice. Some of the inmates were immediately shot 
down with rifles, othei's were pierced with spears or despatched with the 
tomahawk. The Indians afterwai'd related with infernal 2:lee how the 



112 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



women squeaked like geese when they were run through the body 
with spears, or felt tlie sharp tomahawk entering their heads. All the 
victims were carefully scalped; their bodies were mutilated and mangled; 
the little children were chopped to pieces with axes; and the women were 
tied up by the heels to the walls of the house ; their clothes falling over 
their heads, left their naked persons exposed to the public gaze. 




THE STOEY OF THE CAPTIVE GIRLS. 



115 



CHAPTER XVII. 




CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 

*HE story of the captured girls, whicli fitly follows, is taken 
from Matson's " Reminiscences of Bureau County," and is 
mainly the personal narrative of Rachel, the elder of the 
two sisters: 

"After being placed on horseback and guarded by two 
Indians, who rode by our side, holding on to the reins of 
the bridles, we commenced our long, tedious journey. We 
rode most of the time on a canter, and the Indians fre- 
quently looked back, as though they were afi-aid of being followed by 
the rangers, who were at that time roaming through the country. We 
continued to travel at a rapid rate until near midnight, when we halted to 
rest our horses. After waiting about two hours, we continued our jour- 
ney, traveling all night and next day until noon, when we again halted. 
Here our captors turned out their horses to graze, built a fire, scalded 
some beans, and roasted some acorns, of which they offered us some to 
eat, but we declined tasting. We remained in camp a few hours ; during 
that time the Indians were engaged in dressing the scalps, by stretching 
them on small willow hoops. Among these scalps I recognized my 
mother's, by the bright color of her hair. The sight of this produced in 
me a faintness, and I fell to the ground in a swoon, from which I was 
soon after aroused, in order to continue our journey. After leaving the 
camp we traveled more leisurely than before, until about nine o'clock at 
night we reached the camp of Black Hawk, after having rode near ninety 
miles in twenty-eight hours. 

" We found the Indian camp on the bank of a creek, surrounded by 
marshy ground, over which were scattered burr oak trees, being, as we 
afterward learned, near the Four Lakes, (now Madison City, AVisconsin). 
"On our arrival in camp, a number of scpiaws came to our assistance, 
taking us from our horses, and conducting us into a ^^dgwam. These 
squaws were very kind to us, and gave us some parched corn and maple 
sugar to eat, it being the first food that we had tasted since our captivity. 



116 m:cords of the olden time. 

"Our arrival in camp caused gi'eat rejoicing among the Indians. A 
lara:e l)ody of warriors collected around us, beating on drums, dancing, and 
yelling at tlie top of their voices. Next morning our fear of massacre or 
torture had somewhat subsided, and we were presented with beans and 
maple sugar for breakfast. They also offered us coffee to eat, which had 
been taken from Davis's house, not knowing that it required to be ground 
and boiled before being used. About ten o'clock, the camp was broken 
up, and we moved five or six miles, crossing a creek, and encamped on 
high ground, which was covered with timber. We were provided with 
horses to ride, and behind us was packed camp equipage, which consisted 
of tents, kettles, provisions, etc. On arriving at our new camp, a white 
birch pole was stuck into the ground, on which were hung the scalps of 
our murdered friends, being exhibited here as trophies of war. About 
fifty warriors, who were divested of clothing and their faces painted red, 
danced around this pole to the music of drums and rattling gourds. Every 
day during our stay with the Indians, this pole containing the scalps was 
erected, and the dance repeated. 

" One morning a party of warriors came to our lodge and took us out, 
placing in our hands small red flags, and made us march around the en- 
campment with them, stopping and waving the flags at the door of each 
wigwam. After this we were taken to the dance-ground, by the side of 
the white pole containing the scalps, and by the side of which a blanket 
was spread. After painting our faces, one half red and the other black, 
we were made to lie down on the blanket, with our faces to the ground. 
The warriors then commenced dancing around us, flourishing their toma- 
liawks and war clubs over our heads, and yelling like demons. We now 
thought our time had come, and quietly awaited our fate, expecting 
every moment to be our last. When the dance was over, we were taken 
away by two squaws, who we understood to be the wives of Black Hawk. 
By these squaws we were adopted as their children ; although separated, 
we were allowed to visit each other frequently. Each day our camp was 
moved a few miles, always traveling in a circular route. Along the trail, 
at short intervals, the Indians would erect poles, with tufts of grass tied 
on one side, shoAving to the hunters in what direction the camp could be 
found. Our fears of massacre had entirely disappeared, being adopted 
into the families of these squaws, not being required to do any work, but 
watched closely to prevent our escape. 

" Some days after our arrival in Black Hawk's camp, we were told that 



THEIR TREATMENT BY THE INDIAlSrS. 117 

we must go with two Winnebago chiefs, who had come for us. The 
S(|uaws with whom we lived were greatly distressed at the thought of 
parting with us. The Winnebago chiefs tried to make us understand that 
they were about to take us to white people, but we did not believe them. 
Thinking they intended to take us farther from home and fiiends, we 
clung to the squaws, and refused to go. 

"Contrary to our wish, we were placed on horses, behind each of the 
chiefs, and with us they galloped away, traveling twenty miles that same 
night. The chiefs said that they were afraid of being followed by some 
of the Sacs and Foxes, who were displeased at our departure. Every few 
moments the chiefs would look back to see if they were pursued, and then 
whip their ponies again into a gallop. 

"Some time after dark we arrived at the Winnebago camp, where we re- 
mained over night. Early next morning we continued our journey, trav- 
eling all day, when we arrived at an encampment on the Wisconsin Kiver, 
where there were about one hundred warriors. During next day a party 
of Sac Indians, dressed in the clothes of murdered white men, came into 
camp. These Indians commenced talking to us, but the Winnebago chiefs 
told us to turn away from them, and not listen to what they said, which 
we did." 

It was afterward ascertained that a petty chief who had captured the 
girls, was off on a hunt at the time they were given up to the Winnebago 
chiefs, and not receiving his portion of the ransom, immediately started 
with a party of warriors to retake them, or kill them in the attempt. 
These warriors did not overtake the girls until they arrived safe at the 
Winnebago camp. 

"White Crow asked if we thought the whites would hang them if they 
took us to the fort. We gave them to understand that they would not. 
White Crow then collected his horses, and with Whirling Thunder and 
about twenty of the Winnebagoes, we crossed the river and pursued our 
journey, my sister and myself each on a separate horse. We encamped 
about dark, rose early next morning, and after a hasty meal of pork and 
potatoes (the first we had seen since our capti^dty), of which we ate 
heartily, we traveled on until we reached the fort, near Blue Mounds, Wis- 
consin Territory. 

"Before our arrival there, we had become satisfied that our protectors 
were taking us to our friends, and that we had formerly done them injus- 
tice. About three miles from the fort we stopped, and the Indians 



118 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

cooked some venison, after wliicli tliey took a white handkerchief which I 
had, and tying it to a lon^ pole, three Indians proceeded with it to the 
foi't. About a quarter of a mile from there, we wei'e met by a French- 
man. Tlie Indians formed a ring, and tlie Frenchman rode into it, and 
liad a talk with our protectors. The latter expressed an unwillingness to 
give us up until they could see Mr. Gratiot, the agent. Being informed 
by the Frenchman that we should be well treated, and that they should 
see us daily until Mr. Gratiot's arrival, they delivered us into the French- 
man's care. 

"We repaired immediately to the fort, where the ladies of the garrison 
(who in the mean time had assembled) received us with the utmost ten- 
derness. We were thereupon attired once more in the costume of our own 
country, and next day stai'ted for Galena. 

" On I'eaching a little foi't at White Oak Springs, we were met by our 
eldest brother, who, together with a younger one, was at work in a field 
near the house when we were captured, and when the massacre began, 
fied, and arrived in safety at Dixon's Ferry. On leaving Galena, we went 
on board the steamboat "Winnebago," for St. Louis, which place we 
reached in five days, and were kindly received by its citizens and hospita- 
bly entertained by Governor Clark. Previous to our leaving Galena, we 
liad received an affectionate letter from the Rev. Mr. Horn, of Morgan 
County, Illinois, inviting us to make his house our future home. We ac- 
cepted the invitation, and left St. Louis in the steamboat "Caroline," for 
Beardstown, on the Illinois River, where we arrived on the third day 
thereafter. On landing, we were kindly received by the citizens, and in 
a few hours reached the residence of Mr. Horn, five miles distant, in the 
latter part of July, 1882, when our troubles ended." 

The Misses Hall's brother having married and settled in Putnam 
County, Illinois, about this time, he invited his sisters to come and reside 
with him. They did so in the fore part of August, 1832. The elder 
Miss Hall afterward, in March, 1833, married Mr. William Munson, and 
settled in La Salle County, about twelve miles north of Ottawa. The 
younger sister, in May, 1833, married Mr. William Horn, a son of the 
clergyman who had so kindly offered them a home in his family, removed 
to Morgan County, Illinois, and afterward to Nebraska. 

The Misses Hall were captured May 21, 1832. According to the 
foregoing account, they were three days in traveling with their captors, 
and continued five days with the Sacs at their camp. This would bring 



FURTHER OUTRAGES BY THE SAVAGES. 119 

the time up to May 29. Tliey were five days more in traveling with the 
Winnebagoes to the Blue Mounds, which comports with all the reliable 
statements of the time of their being delivered up to the whites, which 
was June 3, 1832. 

William Munson, who became the husband of Rachel Hall, a few 
years ago erected a beautiful marble monument at the grave where the 
fifteen victims were buried. It is in view of the public road leading fi'ora 
north to south in Freedom Township, near the banks of Indian Creek and 
the scene of the massacre. The inscriptions are: First — "Wm. Hall, 
aged 45; Mary J. Hall, aged 45; Elizabeth Hall, aged 8." Second — 

"Wm. Pettigrew, wife and two children, Da^ds, wife and five 

children, and Emery George." At the bottom, "Killed May 20, 1832." 

Mrs. Munson (Rachel Hall) died May 1, 1870. 



OTHER FIENDISH MURDERS. 

For some days after the massacre at Indian Creek the terrified settlers 
remained close around the Forts at Ottawa and Peru. As no Indians 
were seen, the whites took courage and sent out scouts here and there. 
Those who had hurriedly left their homes were becoming anxious to look 
after theii' stock and other property the savages had spared. For this 
purpose an expedition, accompanied by a few soldiers, left Ottawa for 
Holderman's Grove and Fox River. A Mr. Schemerhorn and his son-in- 
law, Hazleton, went up to Dayton, on Fox River, four miles north of 
Ottawa, and crossing there to join the expedition referred to, discovered 
on the Dunnovan farm a party of Indians, and turned and fled. A sol- 
dier who had lagged behind his comrades saw them, and also retreated, 
pursued by a dozen savages. The Indians, for fear of alarming the sol- 
diers, did not fire their guns, but threw their spears at him. He escaped 
to Ottawa, and getting helji, returned to find Schemerhorn and Hazleton 
both killed and scalped. A small scalp was taken fi'om Plazleton's head, 
but Schemerhorn being nearly bald, was flayed to the neck. On the same 
day, Capt. James McFaddeu, commander of a company of home guards in 
Ottawa, James Baresford, and Ezekiel and Daniel Warren were picking- 
strawberries south of Indian Creek. They had been thus engaged for 
some time, when one of the Warren's remarked that they were too near 
the bushes, for Indians might be concealed there, and mounting his horse, 



120 



RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



rode off. The others remained a short time, when a shot was iired from 
the timber, and a dozen Indians were seen. Baresford was killed and Mc- 
Fadden shot through the ankle, the bullet passing through the body of 
his horse, but the faithful animal carried his wounded master beyond the 
reach of Indians before it fell. The Warrens came to the assistance of 
the wounded man, and one of them dismounted and gave McFadden his 
horse, with the singular agreement that if the Indians pursued and were 
likely to overtake the man on foot, McFadden was to dismount and yield 



his scalp to the foe! 
escaped. 



But the Indians did not pursue, and the three 




THE MILITIA CALLED OUT. 



121 



CHAPTER XVIII. 




CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. 

jY order of Governor Heynolds, a call was made for two thou- 
sand additional volunteers, a part of wliom were directed to 
rendezvous at Hennepin, and a part at Beardsto^vn. The 
year previous the Adjutant General of the State had com- 
missioned John Strawn, of Putnam, a Colonel of Militia, 
and he was now ordei-ed to assemble his command, desig- 
nated as the Fortieth Regiment of Mounted Volunteers, 
and rendezvouz at Hennepin for further ordei's. Word was 
swiftly sent among the settlers asking their immediate at- 
.tendance, and in obedience to the request, nearly every able-bodied man 
presented himself for eni'ollment. Foui* companies were quickly organ- 
ized, commanded by Captain Barnes, Captain Willis, Captain Hawes, 
and Captain Stewart — the last three named at Hennepin, and the iirst at 
Columbia, Captain Thompson, of Putnam, also commanded a company. 
Sunday morning. May 20, 1832, the day appointed for the rendezvous, 
the settlers of the infant colony gathered on the site of the future city of 
Lacon, then without a single inhabitant. From the south came Babb and 
Cassell and Easter, and from the north the Sawyers, the Forbes, etc., 
while from the immediate vicinity came John Wier, the Bullmans, Wau- 
hobs, Reeders, Buckinghams, Iliff, Swan, and others; but Round Prairie 
sent the greatei' number, with Robert Barnes, then in the prime of life, as 
a leader. They met on the ground where the Eagle Mill stands, and 
Colonel Strawn, dressed in full regimentals, with military chaj)eau, nod- 
ding plume and golden epaulets, formed them in line, and assuming a 
warlike attitude, addressed them as follows: 

" Ye sons of thunder ! Our country is in danger, and the call is ' to 
amis ! ' The great chief Black Hawk, with ten thousand warriors at his 
back, has invaded our State, defeated our armies, and slain our citizens ! 
Not a soldiei' can be spared for the defence of our frontier, and the safety 
of our homes and our firesides, our wives and little ones, depends upon 
ourselves. Our country calls for volunteers. As many of you as are 



122 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

willing to eiii'oll youi'^elves among liei' defenders will step three 2)aces 
forward. Halt! The next thing is to choose your officers, and all who 
wish to pi'esent themselves as candidates for Cai)tain will step forward. 
All those who wish Robert Barnes to be their Captain will step to his side, 
and those who wish to lead them will join him." 

In this way the officers were elected, and in the afternoon of the same 
day the men were mustered in at Hennepin. The force thus organized 
was divided into detachments, and detailed for scout duty. A close 
watch, was kept at the various fords, all canoes were I'emoved fi'om the 
river, and a vigilant, active seai'ch for Indians ke})t u}) for weeks. They 
at one time went as far north as the Winnebago Swamp, but as a general 
thing service was confined to guai;ding the river from the mouth of Crow 
Creek to the mouth of the Vermilion. After the defeat of Stillman the 
Indians went northward, and the war was transferred to other fields. 
There being no longer any enemies to contend with, there was no necessity 
for keeping the men in the field, and they were paid off and nuistered out 
of service on the 18th day of June. For their one month of soldiering, 
each volunteer, and all who could "ring in," received at the hands of the 
Government a title to 160 acres of land. The Putnam Coimty volun- 
teers were also discharged. ^ 

The muster rolls of a portion of Captain Barnes' and Captain Hawes' 
companies are hereby given, copied from the returns in the War Depart- 
ment, and are cori'ect: 

Muster Roll of the Field and Staff Officers of the Fortieth Regiment of 
Mounted Volunteers, employed in the service of the United States, by 
order of the Governor and Connnander-in-ehief of the Militia of the 
State of Illinois, from the 2()th day of May, 1832, to the 18th day of 
June, 1832, the day of disbandment: 

5. Jeremiah Strawn, Qr. Master, 



1. John Strawn, Colonel. 

2. William Cowen, Lieut. Colonel. 

3. Elias Thom})son, Major. 

4. Hemy K. Cassell, Adjutant. 



(). Peter Barnhart, Paymaster. 
7. B. M. Hayse, Surgeon. 



NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 



8. Roland Mosley, Q. M. Sergeant. 

9. Richard Hunt, Surgeon's Mate. 
10. William Myers, Sergt. Major. 



11. Ward Graves, Drum Major. 

12. Michael Reeder, Fife Major, 



MUSTER ROLLS OF VOLUNTEERS. 



123 



Muster Roll of Captain Robert Barnes' Company of Mounted Volunteers, 
belonging to the Fortieth Regiment, Fourth Brigade, and First Division 
of Illinois Militia, called out by the Governor and Commander-in- 
chief; was mustered into the service of the United States by Colonel 
John Strawn, at Columbia, on the 20th day of May, 1832, and mus- 
tered out of service at Hennepin, Putnam County, Illinois, by the said 
Colonel John Strawn, on the 18tli day of June, 1832: 



COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Robert Barnes, Captain. | Wm. McNeal, 1 st Lieut. | JohnWier, 2d Lieut. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



1. James Dever, Sergeant. 

2. James Hall, 

3. James N. Reeder, Sergeant. 

4. Nathan Owen, " 



1. Belisha Griffith, Corporal. 

2. Wm. Gallaher, 

3. James Harris, " 

4. H. Buckingham, " 



PRIVATES. 



1. 


John Kemp. 


18. 


Hiram Barnhart. 


2. 


Joseph Burt. 


19. 


William Forbes. 


3. 


Joseph Phillips. 


20. 


Jordan Sawyer. 


4. 


Howell Doddy. 


21. 


Philip McGuyi^e. 


5. 


Milton Davis. 


22. 


Samuel Russell. 


6. 


William A. Hendricks. 


23. 


George Easter. 


7. 


John G. Hendi'icks. 


24. 


Benjamin Babb. 


8. 


Samuel Hawkins. 


25. 


Peter Barnhart. 


9. 


John Darnell. 


26. 


Jacol) Smally. 


10. 


William Burt. 


27. 


Joshua Bullman. 


11. 


William Davis. 


28. 


Robert Ileff. 


12. 


W. W. Davis. 


29. 


Elisha Swan. 


13. 


John Bird. 


30. 


John Johnson. 


14. 


Elmore Keys. 


31. 


David Stateler. 


15. 


Robert Bird. 


32. 


George H. Shaw. 


16. 


William Byrnes. 


33. 


Johnson Edwai'ds 


17. 


David Hamilton. 


34. 


Henry K. Cassell. 



124 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



Muster Roll of Captain William Hawes' Company of Mounted Volun- 
teers, belonging to the Fortieth Regiment, Fourth Brigade and First 
Division of Illinois Militia, commanded by Colonel John Strawn, 
called into service l)y the Governor of Illinois, and mustered out of 
the service 'of the United States at Hennepin, on the Illinois River, 
in the State of Illinois, on the 18th day of June, 1832 : 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Wm. Hawes, Captain. | Jas. Grarvin, 1st Lieut. | Wm. M. Hart, 2d Lieut. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



1. Thomas Gunn, Sergeant. 

2. George Hiltebrand, Sergeant. 
?). Jacol) Greenwald, Sergeant. 
4. John Hunt, Sergeant. 



1. John Hant, Corporal. 

2. William Kincaid, Corporal. 
?y William Knod, Corporal. 
4. William Lathi'op, Corporal. 



PRIVATES. 



1. Hiram Allen. 

2. Julius Stacey. 

3. Thomas Glenn. 

4. Asel Hannum. 

5. Obed Graves. 
(3. Samuel Glenn. 

7. Reuben Ash. 

8. Abner Boyle. 

9. George Dent. 
10. Joseph Ash. 



11. William Hart. 

12. John Loyd. 

13. Christopher Winters. 

14. Hartwell Healey. 

15. Little Neal. 

16. Aaron Whitaker. 

17. Elias Isaacs. 

18. Garrison Wilson. 

19. Hosea Stout. 

20. George Martin. 



LOCAL DEFENCES. 

Soon as the call w^as made for troops the settlers began building block- 
houses, or forts, which will be refei'red to more in detail hereafter. *The 
southernmost of these in the county was situated on the farm of James 
Dever, at the lower edge of Round Prairie, seven and a half miles from 
Columbia. It was about eighty feet in length from east to west, and seventy 

*Ford's History of Marshall and Putnam Counties. 



MEASURES TAKEN FOR LOCAL DEFENCE. 125 

in width ; and was built by strongly fastening pickets of some twelve feet 
height in the ground, with square bastions at the corners, pierced with 
port-holes and so placed as to rake the sides of the fort, in case of attack. 
The cabin of Mr, Dever was inside, and tents were pitched within to 
accommodate the numbers who fled there during the season of alarm. 

About twelve miles north-east of the Dever Fort, and four miles south 
of Magnolia, was a similar protection around the dwelling of Jesse Rob- 
erts, Esq., where seven or eight families gathered for safety; and 
five mile's east, on the farm of Mr. Darnell, near the "head of Sandy," 
was another, the outpost in that direction. Several forts were constructed 
on the Ox Bow Prairie — one on the land of Ashael Hannum, where Cale- 
donia now stands ; another in the woods within a few miles, at Mr. Boyle's; 
and a third around a large barn belonging t<» James W. Willis, near the 
site of Florid, where twenty-two families (including a hundred small chil- 
dren, one having been born there) and a number of rangers were "forted" 
at one time. This station was called Fort Cribs, from the niunber of 
corn-ci'ibs in and about the building, and was genei-ally in command of 
Captain Stewart. A portion is still standing. 

A good-sized block-house, well adapted to resist a siege, was erected 
on Front street, in Hennepin, chiefly of the timbers of Hartzell's old 
trading-house; and a smaller one at a little distance from Granville, on 
the farm of Joseph Warnock. Still farther north was the outermost fort 
toward the scene of warfare — a mere picket around the dwelling of Mr. 
John Leeper. There were no defenses of the kind west of the river in 
Putnam County, that region being quite or nearly deserted. 

In that part of the county which was thus defended, hostile Indians 
were very rarely seen; and it is believed that attacks were prevented 
solely by the completeness of the arrangements for protecti* m and the vig- 
ilance of the rangers. Black Hawk's spies were occasionally skulking 
about. Two were noticed in the edge of the woods near Fort Warnock, 
and their trail followed to the river. Others — in one instance a consider- 
able company — were seen near Hennepin; but the savages made no hos- 
tile demonstrations on the east side of the liver. 



THE MURDER OF PHILLIPS. 



On the 17th of June, Elijah Phillij)s was murdered at the Ament 
cabin, sixteen miles north-west of Hennepin. Along with J. Hodges, 



126 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TEVIE. 

Sylvester Brigliani, John S. Anient, Aaron Gunn, James G. Foristal and 
Zeba Dinnnick, a lad of sixteen, lie left Hennepin in the morning to 
look after their cattle, now running at large on the prairie. Arriving at 
Ament's cabin, in the edge of the timber, a mile and a half north of the 
present town of Dover, they prepared and ate their dinners, designing to 
return to Hennepin. Soon after it began to rain, and as no Indian signs 
had been seen, it was deemed perfectly safe, and the conclusion was 
reached to i-emain all night. 

The windows and doors were barricaded with puncheons, and the men 
with loaded rifles by their sides, extinguished the lights and lay down to 
sleej). Adjoining' Ament's cabin was an extensive sugar camp, which for 
nearly fifty years a band of Indians had run, and every spring made sugar 
on the premises. The place was sacred to them, and when the white man 
came and opened a farm, it created bitter feelings of resentment. When 
Pliillips and his compaiiy arrived at the cabin, a party of Indians from 
Black Hawk's camp were hiding in the woods. Cautiously they ap- 
proached to reconnoitre, with the intention of attacking the party as they 
came out of doors, but the rain continued to fall, and the party deciding to 
remain all night, no disturbance came, and at daylight Phillips rose 
first, and was going to the spring, when the Indians fired, and he fell 
pierced with two bullets. The savages, with deafening yells, rushed from 
their hiding places, tomahawked the victim, and surrounded the cabin. 
The inmates closed the door and made ready to fire, when the Indians re- 
treated, and as subsequently learned, went northward. 

After remaining on the watch for several hours, with Phillips' bloody 
corpse at the door, the settlers took courage and canvassed how best to 
extricate themselves. Young Dimmick volunteered to carry the news to 
Hennepin. It was a desperate undertaking, for the Indians were sup- 
])ost;d to be still in the vicinity, but calling a horse to the window he bri- 
dled and mounted it, and was off with the speed of the whirlwind. 
Eager eyes watched his departure, and they listened with beating hearts 
for the expected crack of the rifle that should tell of his death. But 
when he disappeared in the distance, still safe, they took hope again. 

At Hennepin was a coni])any of Rangers being mustered out of ser- 
vice. None dreamed of danger, and when the messenger, hatless and 
coatless, 

" Bloody with spurring, 
Fiery red with ^ speed," 



A PREACHER MURDERED AND MUTILATED. 127 

rode into town witli the fateful news, it created an excitement those 
present never forgot. As usual, a variety of counsel prevailed, and some 
were so base as to propose leaving them to their fate. But volunteers be- 
ing called for, thirty brave men responded, and were quickly ferried across 
the river to their rescue. A gallop of fifteen miles brought them into the 
vicinity, when a slower pace was struck to give the now well blown horses 
a breathing spell, preparatory to the expected sharp work ahead. Belts 
were tightened, primings looked to, and every preparation for deadly con- 
flict made, when they saw a white flag rise above the cabin, and knew 
the inmates were safe. The body of Phillips lay where it fell. One bul- 
let had pierced his heart, and another his stomach. Several strokes of 
the tomahawk were visible, but the villains had not taken his scalp, and 
the remains were taken to Hennepin and buried. His body was prepared 
for sepulture at the house of Hooper Warren, and he was the second per- 
son interred in the Hennepin cemetery. 

The Kangers followed the trail of the enemy a short distance and then 
returned. It afterward transpired that they remained in the vicinity 
until the next day, and then went north. 



DEATH OF ADAM PAYNE. 



Adam Payne, a Dunkard preacher, who had for many years been a 
missionary among the Indians, became a victim to savage barbarity during 
the fall of 1832. He had long been a preacher among the Indians, was a 
man of fervent piety, and guileless as a caild. When told of the risks he 
ran and warned to l)eware, he gave no heed, believing they would never 
harm one who had so often proven himself their friend. His long black 
beard reaching nearly to his waist gave him a venerable appearance, and 
every settler was his warm friend. He was murdered near Holderman's 
Grove, and when found his head had l)een cut off and stuck on a pole, 
where the red fiends had held a dance of juljilee around it. 




128 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER XIX. 




Q ^(O^^tr^" ^ CONTINUATION OF THE CAMPAIGN. 

Tv^^lflfYir^ now take up the general history of the campaign. While 
the new levies were being raised, a volunteer force was 
made up for temporary service, and placed under the 
conuuand of Colonel Fry. 

The different companies of this regiment were so dis- 
posed as to guard all the frontiers. Captain AdamW. 
Snider was sent to range through the country between 
Kock River and Galena ; and while he was encamped 
not far distant from Burr Oak Grove, on the night of the 17th of 
June, his company was fii-ed upon by the Indians; the next morning 
he pursued them, four in number, and drove them into a sink-hole in the 
ground, where his company charged on them and killed the whole of 
the Indians, with the. loss of one man mortally wounded. As he returned 
to his camp, bearing the wounded soldier, the men suffered much from 
thirst, and scattered in search of water, when they were sharply attacked by 
about seventy Indians, who had been secretly watching their motions and 
awaiting a good opportunity. His men, as usual in such cases, were taken 
by suriH'ise, and some of them commenced a hasty retreat. Captain Sny- 
der called upon General Whiteside, then a private in his company, to as- 
sist him in forming his men. The General proclaimed in a loud voice 
that he would shoot the first man who attempted to run. The men were 
soon formed into rank. Both parties took positions behind trees. Here 
General Whiteside, an old Indian fighter and a capital marksman with a 
rifle, shot the commander of the Indians, and they from that moment be- 
gan to retreat. As they were not pursued, the Indian loss was never as- 
certained; but the other side lost two men killed and one wounded. Cap- 
tain Snyder, General Whiteside and Colonel ( now General ) Semple are 
particularly mentioned as having behaved in the most honorable and 
courageous manner in both these little actions. 

On the 15th of June, the new levies had arrived at the places of ren- 
dezvous, and were formed into three brigades; General Alexander Posey 



THE MURDER OF ST. VRAIIT. 129 

commanded the First, General Milton K. Alexander the Second, and Gen- 
eral James D. Henry commanded tlie Third. On the march, each brigade 
was preceded by a battalion of spies, commanded by a major. 

The whole volunteer force at this time amounted to three thousand 
two hundred men, besides three companies of rangers, under command of 
Major Bogart, left behind to guard the frontier settlements. The object 
in calling out so large a force was to overawe the Pottawatomie and Win- 
nebago Indians, who were hostile in their feelings to the whites, and much 
disposed to join Black Hawk's party. 

But before the new army could be brought into the field, the Indians 
had committed several murders. One man was killed on Bureau Creek, 
some seven or eight miles above Princeton ; another in Buffalo Grove ; 
another between Fox River and the Illinois ; and two more on the east 
side of Fox River, on the Chicago road, about six miles north-east of 
Ottawa. 

On the 22d of May, General Atkinson had dispatched Mr. St. Vrain, 
the Indian agent for the Sacs and Foxes at Rock Island, with a few men, 
as an express to Fort Armstrong. On their way thither, they fell in 
with a party of Indians led by a chief well known to the agent. This 
chief was called "The Little Bear." He had been a particular friend of 
the agent, and had adopted him as a brother. Mr. St. Vrain felt no fear 
of one who was his friend, one who had been an inmate of his house, and 
had adopted him as a brother, and approached the Indians with the great- 
est confidence of security. But the treacherous Indian, untrue in war to 
the claims of friendship and brotherhood, no sooner got him in his 
power than he murdered and scalped him and all his party, with as little 
compassion as if he had never known him or professed to be his friend. 

Not long after the new forces were organized on the Illinois River, 
Black Hawk, with a hundred and fifty wai'riors, made an attack on Ap- 
ple Rivei' Fort, situate about three-quarters of a mile north of the present 
village of Elizabeth, within twelve miles of Galena, and defended by 
twenty-five men, under the command of Captain Stone. This fort was a 
stockade of logs stuck in the ground, with block houses at the corners of 
the square, by way of towers and bastions. It was made for the protec- 
tion of a scattering village of minei's, who lived in their houses in the 
vicinity during the day, and retired into the fort for protection at night. 
The women and children, as usual in the daytime, were abroad in the ^^1- 
lage, when three men on an express from Galena to Dixon, were fii'ed on 



130 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

by the Indians lurking in aniTmsli within a half mile of the village, and 
retreated into the fort. One of them was wounded ; his companions stood 
by him nobly, retreating behind him, and keeping the Indians at bay by 
pointing their guns first at one and then at another of those who were 
readiest to advance. The alarm was heard at the fort in time to rally the 
scattered iidialutants; the Indians soon came up within firing distance; 
and now commenced a fearful sti'uggle between the small party of twen- 
ty-five men in the fort, against six times their number of the enemy. The 
Indians took possession of the log houses, knocked holes in the walls, 
through which to fire at the fort with greater secui'ity to themselves, and 
while some were firing at the fort, others bi'oke the fui-niture, destroyed 
the provisions, and cut open the beds and scattered the feathers found in 
the houses. The men in the fort were excited to the highest pitch of des- 
peration ; they believed that they were contending with an enemy who 
never made prisoners, and that the result of the contest must be victory 
or death, and a horrid death, too, to them and their families ; the women 
and children molded the bullets and loaded the guns for their husbands, 
fathers, and brothers, and the men fired and fought with a fury inspired 
by des23eration itself. In this manner the battle was kept up about fif- 
teen hours, when the Indians retreated. The number of their killed and 
wounded, supposed to be considerable, was never ascertained, as they 
were earned away in the retreat. The loss in the fort was one man 
killed and one wounded. One of the men who first retreated to the fort 
immediately passed on to Galena, and there gave the alarm. Colonel 
Sti'ode, of the militia, who commanded in Galena, lost no time in march- 
ing to the assistance of the fort, but before his arrival the Indians had 
raised the siege and departed. Galena itself had been in imminent danger 
of attack ; at that time it was a village of four hundred inhabitants, sur- 
rounded on all sides by the enemy. . Colonel Strode, like a brave and pru- 
dent commander, took every possible measui'e for its defence. 

Even here, in this extremity of danger, a number of the inhabitants 
yielded their assistance unwillingly and grudgingly. There were a num- 
ber of aspirants for office and command, and quite a niunber refused oTjedi- 
ence to the militia commander of the regiment; but Colonel Strode took 
the most effectual mode of putting down these discontents. He immedi- 
ately declared martial law; the town was converted into a camp; men 
were forced into the ranks at the point of the bayonet; and a press war- 
rant from the Colonel, in the hands of armed men, procured all necessary 





0^^ ^.e^n^ — 



THE BATTLE OF PEC ATONIC A. 13S 

supplies ; preparations for defence were kept up niglit and day ; and tlie 
Indian spies seeing no favorable opportxmity foi' attack, no considerable 
body of Indians ever came nearer the town than Apple River Fort. 

About this time a band of Indians visited Fort Hamilton, near what 
is now Wiota, where they killed three men. Fortunately General Dodge 
arrived at this place a few houi's later, and hastily gathering what forces 
he could — twenty-one men in all, — pursued the savages, who hastily 
retreated. What follows is best told by Chas. Bracken, one of the 
actors, and if he still lives, a resident of Mineral Point, Wis. 

"The Indians re-crossed the branch at a point where it turned abniptly 
to the north, and ascended the hill; the General and those with him 
crossed after them, and bore to the right, toward some timber, as if to cut 
them off from it. Seeing this movement, I halted, and was at the same 
time joined by Fitch, Higgenbotham, and Deva. I said to them, 'That 
movement of the General will turn the Indians to the left; if you will 
follow me, we will get the first scalps.' They agreed to do so; turning 
up a hollow to the left, we ascended it to the ridge overlooking the East 
Pecatonica; turning then to the right, and looking down a hollow j)arallel 
to that which we had ascended, my surmise proved to be correct. There 
were the Indians approaching us; they were moving at what might be 
called common time. Theii' chief, a gray-headed warrior, was- walking 
backward, and appeared to be earnestly addressing his young men. After 
observing them for a few moments, we fired, but I think without effect. 
My comrades, after discharging their guns, retreated down the hollow 
which we had ascended, and I turned westwardly up the ridge overlook- 
ing the East Pecatonica, keeping out of gun-shot, l)ut watching the enemy 
closely. They descended the hill to the creek, tiu'ned up it a short dis- 
tance, and commenced crossing at some willows, a short distance l)elow 
where the bridge now stands. 

"At this movement I advanced within gun-shot; with the rej)ort of my 
gun, I sent forth a shout that told the General and my comrades yet in 
the rear that I had secured the first seal}); at the same time I received 
the fire of the Indians without injury. 

"The General and the principal part of our men having come up by the 
time the Indians had fairly crossed the creek, a I'unning fight took place, 
the enemy being on one side of the creek and we on the other, until they 
reached the thicket in the bend of the creek. Having effected a crossing 
at the old Indian ford, which is near Williams' Mill, and marching thence 



1S4 BECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

lip the_ stream, we formed on the open ground to the north-east of the 
thicket, so as to have tlie enemy in the bend of the creek. Parties were 
then, by order of the General, thrown oiit on the hills to give the alarm 
if the Indians shoidd attempt to escape from the thicket when we en- 
tered it. 

We were then ordered to renew onr flints, re-prime our guns, unbutton 
our shirt-collars, and tighten our l)elts. All being ready, the General ad- 
dressed us: he said, "Within that thicket are the foe, whose hands are yet 
reekinir Avitli the blood of our murdered friends! That it was his inten- 
tion to enter it, and in doing so, some of us must fall ; that it might be his 
fate, l)ut that his mind was made up to whip the enemy or die in the 
attempt ! If any feared to follow him, he wanted them to fall back then, 
and not when they encountered the Indians." The word was then given 
to advance, and in that little band no one was found who did not fear dis- 
honor more than death ! No one faltered or wavered, as with a coolness 
becoming veterans they followed the footsteps of their gallant leader, 
resolved with him to conquer or die. 

After advancing some distance into the thicket, the trail of the enemy 
was found; here the detachment was joined by Daniel M. Parkinson, who 
was on horseback. The center was ordered to keep the trail ; we then 
continued our advance slowly but firmly toward our hidden foe. The 
Indians had selected a most advantageous position for defense, had we 
fought them at long shot. It was the bank of a pond, once the bed of a 
creek ; on the edge of the bank was a natural breastwork nearly three feet 
high, formed by one of those tumuli so numerous in our prairies ; under 
this they awaited our approach. 

When they fired on us, our positions represented two sides of a triangle, 
they forming the base, and we the hypothenuse ; although we were close 
upon them, so dense was the thicket that we could not see the smoke of 
their guns. The Geiieral, who was on the light of the centre, and in 
front of their line, exclaimed, "Where are the Indians?" He was an- 
swered from the left, "This way." The order was then promptly given, 
" Charge 'em boys, damn them, chai-ge 'em!" My position was on the ex- 
treme right; in the charge we obliipied considerably to the left; when I 
got to the pond I found no enemy before me, and at the same moment I 
heard the General, who was a little to my left, say, "There 's an Indian, 
kill him!" I turned toward him and heard a shot; as I came up, the Gen- 



INSTANCES OF INDIVIDITAL HEROISM. 185 

eral said, "There, by God, I 've killed him myself!" This was the Indian 
connnander. 

" Passing on to the left, I mounted the natural embankment, and found 
myself in the midst of the Indians ; after discharging my gun, I turned the 
breech and struck at a warrior I saw lyiug under the bank before me, but 
seeing another very industriously snapping his piece at me, I fell back to 
reload. As soon as my gun was charged I advanced, mth the brave but 
unfortunate Wells on my left, and William Cams, of Dodgeville, on my 
right. On coming hand to hand with the Indians, Wells fell mortally 
wounded ; Cams first shot and then bayoneted the warrior that killed 
Wells, and I put another in a condition to take his scalp. At the same 
time the only surviving Indian attempted to save himself by flight; he 
plunged into the pond, and was shot as he got out of the water on the 
opposite side. 

" Thus ended the battle. The enemy were completely exterminated ; not 
one was left to tell Black Hawk, his chief, and warriors, how "Old Hairy- 
face" (the Indian name for General Dodge) and his warriors fouo-ht. Our 
trophies were seventeen scalps; our loss three men. Black, Wells and 
Morris moi'tally, and Thomas Jenkins severely wounded. 

"The annals of border warfare furnish no parallel to this battle ; never 
before was a« entire war party exterminated ^dth so small a loss on the 
part of the whites, when the numbers engaged were so nearly equal. Al- 
though on our advance into the thicket we outnumbered the Indians some 
five men, yet the advantage of their position, and our havino- to recc-ive 
their fire, equalized our numbers. 

"None of us, from the General down, had ever heard a hostile gun, or 
burned powder at a foe ; the men had been promiscuously assembled, and 
were untrained soldiers ; they proved, however, by their gallant conduct, 
that American volunteers, when individually bi'ave, will collectively fol- 
low to their death a brave and determined leader in whom they have con- 
fidence. 

"There were individual acts of devotion and desperate bravery per- 
formed, which ought to have immortalized the actors. Our surgeon, Dr. 
Allen Hill, fell into the line, and did duty as a private soldiei-. When 
the sections were told off, his lot fell number four, a horse-holder; num- 
ber five in the same section was a sickly-looking youth named Townsend 
about seventeen years of age. The doctor exchanged places with him re- 



136 HECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

marking tliat lie tliouglit lie was better al)le to i)erf<>riH a soldier's duty in 
tlie coming figlit than lie was. 

"In the charge, Levin Leach encountered a warrior armed with a spear. 
Parrying the thrust of the Indian with his hayonet, he dropped his gun, 
sprang on him, wrenched his spear from him, and ^v ith it, ran him through 
the body." 

About the beginning of the fight each man took a tree — Indian style. 
Thos. Jenkins, ^vlio was rather ])ortly, got l)ehind a small one, and when 
he saw an Indian aiming in his direction, drew himself up sideways as 
straight as possible. But the tree was too small to ])rotect all parts of 
his body, and the Indian's IniUet hit him in that portion of his anatomy 
where honor is supposed to abide. The slightest reference to being shot 
in the rear was always after sure to provoke his ire. 

One of those who afterward died was struck in the head, inflict- 
ing a severe scalj) wound, but by no means dangerous. There was no 
surgeon in the fort, and a long-legged, tow-headed young man, who had 
})een studying medicine, took the case in hand, prescril)ing a strong poul- 
tice of white oak bark. He did not improve under the treatment, and 
Dr. Philleo was sent for from Galena, but when he came the man was 
past surgery. The Doctor said that any old woman could have cured him 
Avith a poultice of bread and milk, but the bark had completely tanned 
tlie ])atient's head. The new doctor afterward became a noted physician, 
but it is not probable he again prescribed white oak bark for a scalp 

AVOUlld. 




CAPTAIN Stephenson's desperate skirmish. 



137 



CHAPTER XX. 




a vigorous campaign inaugurated. 

I BOUT tliis time Capt. James W. Stephenson, of Galena, 
with a part of his company, pursued a party of Indians 
into a small, dense thicket in the prairie. He commenced 
a severe tire upon them at random, within firing distance 
of the thicket, but the Indians having every advantage, 
succeeded in killing a few of his men, and he ■ordered a 
retreat. Neither he nor the men were willing to give up 
the fight, and they came to the desperate resolution of re- 
turning and charging into the thicket upon the Indians. The command 
to charge was given ; the men obeyed with ardor and alacrity ; the Captain 
himself led the way, but before they had penetrated into the thicket twenty 
steps, the Indians fired from their covert ; the fire was instantly returned. 
The charge was made a second and third time, each tune giving and receiv- 
ing the fire of the enemy, until three more of his men lay dead on the 
ground, and he himself was severely wounded. It now became necessary 
to retreat, as he had from the first but a small part of his company along 
with him. This attack of Captain Stephenson was unsuccessful, and may 
liave 1 >een imprudent ; but it equalled anything in modern warfare in dar- 
ing and desperate courage. 

The Indians had now shown themselves to be a courageous, active and 
enterprising enemy. They had scattered their war parties all over the 
North, from Chicago to Galena, and from the Illinois River into the Ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin ; they occupied every grove, waylaid every road, 
hung around every settlement, and attacked every party of white men 
that attempted to penetrate the country. But their supremacy in the 
field was of short duration; for, on the 2()th, 21st and 22d of June the 
new forces assembled on the Illinois River were put in motion by General 
Atkinson, of the regular army, who now assumed the command over the 
whole. 

Major John Dement, with a battalion of spies attached to the First 
brigade, was sent forward in advance, while the main army was to follow 



138 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 

and concentrate at Dixon, Major Dement pushed forward across Rock 
Kiver, and took position at Kellogg\s Grove, in the heart of the Indian 
country. 

Major Dement, hearing by express, on tlie 25th of June, that the trail 
of about five hundred Indians leading to the south, had been seen within 
live miles the day before, ordered his command to saddle their horses 
and remain in readiness, while he himself, with twenty men, started 
at daylight next morning to gain intelligence of their movements. His 
party had advanced about tliree hundred yards when they discovered 
seven Indian spies; some of his men inunediately made pursuit, but their 
conunander, fearing an ambuscade, endeavored to call them back. In 
this manner he had proceeded about a mile ; and being followed soon 
after by a lumiber of his men from the camp, he formed about twenty- 
five of them into line on the prairie, to pi'otect the retreat of those yet in 
pursuit. He had scarcely done this before he disco vei'ed three himdred 
Indians issuing from the grove to attack him. The Indians came up 
firing, hallooing and yelling to make themselves more terrific, after the 
Indian fashion ; and the Major, seeing himself in great danger of being 
surrounded by a su23erior force, slowly retii-ed to his camp, closely pur- 
sued by the Indians, 

Here his party took possession of some log houses, which answered 
for a fort, and Avere vigorously attacked hj the Indians for nearly an 
hour. There were brave soldiers in this battalion, among whom were 
Major Dement himself and Lieutenant Governor Casey, a private in 
the ranks, who kept up such an active fire upon their assailants, and 
with such good aim, that the Indians retreated with the certain loss 
of nine men left dead on the field, and jn'obably five others carried away. 
The loss on the side of the whites was five killed and three wounded. 
Major Dement had previously sent an express to General Posey, who 
marched with his whole brigade at once to his relief, but did not arrive 
until two hours after the retreat of t\w Indians, General Posey removed 
next day a little to the north in search of the Indians, then marched ])ack 
to Kellogg's Grove to await the arrival of his baggage-wagons ; and then 
to Fort Hamilton, on the Pecatonica, 

When the news of the battle at Kellogg's Grove reached Dixon, 
where all the volunteers and the regular forces were then assembled un- 
der command of General Atkinson, Alexander's brigade was ordered in 
the direction of Plum River, — a short stream with numei'ous branches, 



BLACK HAWK PURSUED NORTHWARD. 



139 



falling into the Mississippi thirty-five miles below Galena, — to intercept 
the Indians if they attempted in that direction to escape by re-crossing 
the river. General Atkinson remained with the infantry at Dixon two 
days, and then marched, accompanied by the brigade of General Henry, 
toward the country of the Four Lakes, farther up Eock River. Colonel 
Jacob Fry, with his regiment, was dispatched in advance by General 
Henry, to meet some friendly Indians of the Pottawatomie tribe, com- 
manded by Caldwell, a half-breed, and Shaubena, the war-chief of 
the nation. 

General Atkinson having heard that Black Hawk had concentrated 
his forces at the Four Lakes and fortified his position, with the intention 
of deciding the fate of the war by a general battle, marched with as much 
haste as prudence would warrant when invading a hostile and wilderness 
country with undisciplined forces, where there was no means of procuring 
intelligence of the number or whereabouts of the enemy. 

On the 30th of June he passed through the Turtle village, a consider- 
able town of the Winnebagoes, then deserted by its inhabitants, and en- 
camped one mile above it, in the open prairie near Rock River. He 
believed that the hostile Indians were in that immediate neighborhood, 
and prepared to resist their attack, if one should be made. That night 
the Indians were prowling about the encampment till morning. Con- 
tinual alarms were given by the sentinels, and the whole command was 
frequently paraded in order of battle. The march was continued next 
day, and nothing occurred until the army arrived at Lake Kuskanong, 
except the discovery of trails and Indian signs, the occasional sight of an 
Indian spy, and the usual abundance of false alarms amongst men but 
little accustomed to war. Here the army was joined by General Alexan- 
der's brigade; and after Major Ewing and Colonel Fry, with a battalion 
of the one and the regiment of the other, had thoroughly examined the 
whole country round about, and had ascertained that no enemy was near, 
the whole force again marched up Rock River on the east side, to the 
Burnt Village, another considerable town of the Winnebagoes, on the 
White Water River, where it was joined'by the brigade of General Posey 
and a battalion of a hundred men from Wisconsin, commanded by Major 
(now General) Dodge. 

During the march to this place the scouts had captured an old blind 
Indian of the hostile band, nearly famished with hunger, who had ])een 
left behind by his friends (for want of ability to travel), to fall into the 



J 10 RECOllDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

liaiids of liis enemies or to perish hy famine. Being, as he said, old, blind 
and helpless, he was never consulted oi- advised with by the Indians, and 
could give no account of the movements of his ])arty except that they 
had gone further up the river. One historian of the wai- says that the 
army magnaniniously concluded not to kill him, but to give him j)lenty to 
eat, and leave him behind to end his life in a pleasant way by eating him- 
self to death. The old man, however, was denied this melancholy satis- 
faction ; for falling in the way of Posey's men as they were marching to 
the camp, he was quickly despatched, even })efore he had satisfied his 
natui-al hunger. This barbarous action is an indelible stain upon the men 
of that brigade. At this place, also, Ca])tain Dunn, at present a Judge 
in Wisconsin, acting as officer of the day of one of the regiments, was shot 
by a sentinel, and dangerously wounded. 

Up to the time of reaching the Burnt Village, the progress of the com- 
mand had been slow and uncertain. The countiy was comparatively an 
unexplored wilderness of forest and j^rairie. None in the command had 
ever been through it. A few, who professed to know something of it, 
volunteered to act as guides, and succeeded in electing themselves to be 
military advisers to the commanding General. The members of the hos- 
tile party were unknown; and a few Winnebagoes who followed the 
camp, and whose fidelity was of a very doubtful character, were from 
necessity much listened to, but the intelligence received from them was 
always delusive. Short marches, frequent stoppages, and explorations 
always unsatisfactory, were the I'esult, giving the enemy time to elude the 
pursuing forces, and every 0])portunity of ascertaining their probable 
movements and intentions. 

The evening the anny arrived at the Burnt Village, Captain Early, 
with his company of spies, returned from a scout and reported the main 
trail of the Indians, not two hours old, to be three miles beyond. It was 
determined to pursue raj)idly next morning. At an early hour next day, 
before the troops were ready to march, two regidar soldiers, fishing in the 
liver one hundred and fifty yards fi'om camp, were fired upon by two 
Indians from the opposite shore, and one of them dangerously wounded. 
A part of the volunteers were immediately marched up the livei' in the 
direction indicated by Captain Early, and Colonel Fry's regiment, with 
the regulars, were left behind to construct bridges and cross to the point 
fi'om which the Indians had shot the regular soldier. A march of fifteen 
miles up and across the I'iver (fordable above), proved Ca])tain Early's 



THE BAD LANDS OF WISCONSIN. 141 

report to be incorrect. No trail was discoverable. On crossing the river, 
the troops entered upon the trembling lands, which are immense flats of 
turf, extending for miles in every direction, from six inches to a foot in 
thickness, resting upon water and beds of (piicksand. A trooj), or even a 
single horseman passing over, produced an undulating and quivering mo- 
tion of the land, from which it gets its name. Although the surface is 
quite dry, yet there is no difficulty in procuring plenty of water by cut- 
ting an opening through the stratum of turf. The horses would some- 
times, on the thinner portions, force a foot through, and fall to the shoulder 
or ham ; yet so great is the tenacity of the upper surface, that in no in- 
stance was there any trouble in getting them out. In some places the 
weight of the earth forces a stream of water upward, which carrying with 
it and depositing large quantities of sand, forms a mound. The mound, 
increasing in weight as it enlarges, increases the pressure upon the water 
below, presenting the novel sight of a fountain in the prairie i)ouriiig 
its stream down the side of a mound, then to be absorbed by the sand and 
i-eturned to the waters beneath. 

Discovering no sign of an enemy in this direction, the detachment fell 
back to the Burnt Village, and the bridges not being yet conq)leted, it was 
determined to throw over a small force on rafts the next day. The Win- 
nebagoes had assured the General that the shore beyond was a large 
island, and that the whole of Black Hawk's forces were fortified on it. In 
consequence of this information. Captain Early's company were crossed 
on rafts, followed and supported by two companies of regulars, under 
Captain Noel of the army, which last were formed in order across the 
island, while Captain Early proceeded to scour it, reporting afterward at 
headquarters that he had found the trail of a large body of Indians ; but 
Col. William S. Hamilton, having crossed the main river three miles below 
with a party of Menominies, reported the trail of the whole tribe on the 
main west shore, about ten days old, proceeding northward ; and it was 
afterward ascertained that no sign had been seen upon the island but that 
of the two Indians who had fired upon the regular soldiers. 

Eight weeks had now been wasted in fruitless search for the enemy, 
and the commanding General seemed further from the attainment of his 
object than when the second requisition of troops was organized. At that 
time Posey and Alexander commanded each a thousand men, Henry took 
the field with twelve hundred and sixty-two, and the regular force under 
Colonel Taylor, now Major General, amounted to four hundred and fifty 



142 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



more. By this time- the volunteer force was reduced nearly one-half. 
Many had entered the service for mere pastime, and a desire to partici- 
pate in the excellent fun of an Indian campaign, looked upon as a frolic ; 
and certainly hut few volunteered with well-defined notions of the 
fatigues, delays and hardships of an Indian war in an unsettled and ini- 
known coinitry. The tedious marches, exposure to the weather, loss of 
horses, sickness, forced submission to command, and disgust at the unex- 
pected hardshi})s and privations of a soldier's life, produced rapid reduc- 
tions in the nmnbers of every regiment. The great distance from the 
base of 0})erations ; the difficulties of trans])ortation, either by water or 
land, making it impossible at any time to have more than twelve days' 
provisions beforehand, still fui'ther curtailed the power of the command- 
ing General. Such was the wastefulness of the volunteers, that they 
were frequently one or two days short of provisions before new supplies 
could 1 )e furnished. 

At this time there were not more than four days' I'ations in the hands 
of the commissary ; the enemy might be weeks in advance ; the volun- 
teers were fast melting away, but the regular infantry had not lost a man. 
To counteract these difficulties, General Atkinson found it necessary to 
disperse his command, for the purpose of procuring supplies. 




A NEW DISPOSITION OF THE FORCES. 143 




CHAPTER XXI. 

THE CAMPAIGN RESUMED. 

CCORDING to previous arrangenients, tlie several brigades 
took up tlieir lines of march on the 10th of July, foi* their 
respective destinations. Colonel Ewing's regiment was 
sent back to Dixon as an escort for Captain Dunn, who was 
supposed to be mortally wounded ; General Posey marched 
to Fort Hamilton, on the Pecatoniea, as a guard to the 
frontier country. Henry, Alexander and Dodge, with their 
commands, were sent to Fort Winnebago, situate at the 
Portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin Rivers ; while Genei'al Atkin- 
son himself fell back with the regular forces near to Lake Koshkonong, 
and erected a fort, which he called by the name of the lake. There he 
was to I'emj'.in until the volunteer Generals could return with sup2)lies. 
Henry and Alexander made Fort Winnebago in three days, Major Dodt'-e 
having preceded them a few hours by a forced march, which so fatigued 
and crippled his horses that many of them were unable to continue the 
campaign. Their route had been in a direct line, a distance of eighty miles, 
through a country which was remarkably swampy and difficult. On the 
night of the 12th of July a stampede occurred among the horses. This is 
a general wild alarm, the whole body of them breaking loose from their 
fastenings, and coursing over the prairie at full speed. By this means a 
hundred or more of them were lost or destroyed in the swamps, or on a 
log causeway three miles in length, near the fort. 

Two days were occupied at the fort in getting provisions ; on the last 
of which the Winnebago chiefs there reported that Black Hawk and his 
forces were encamped at the Manitou village, thirty-five miles above Gen- 
eral Atkinson, on Rock River. In a council held between Alexander, 
Henry and Dodge, it was determined to violate orders by marching 
directly to the enemy, with the hope of taking him by surprise, or at 
least putting him between them and General Atkinson, thus cutting off 
his further retreat to the north. Twelve o'clock on the 15th was ap- 
pointed as the hour to march. General Henry proceeded at once to reor- 



144 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

gaiiize his brigade, Avith a view to disencum'ber liimself of Ms sick and 
dismoniited men, that as little as possil)le might impede the celerity of 
liis march. General Alexander soon announced that his men were un- 
willing, and had refused to follow; and Major Dodge reported his horses 
so nuich disabled by their late march that ^he coidd not muster a force 
worth taking along. General Henry was justly indignant at the insubor- 
dination and defection of his companions in arms, and announced his pur- 
pose to march in pursuit of the enemy alone, if he could prevail upon but 
fift\- men to follow him. But directly aftei\this a company of mounted 
volunteers, under the conunand of Caj)tain Craig, from Apple Rivei' and 
Galena, in Illinois, with fresh horses, ai-rived at Fort Winnebago to join 
Major Dodge's battalion, which now made his force of men and horses fit 
for sei'vice one hundred and twenty in the whole. General Henry's brig- 
ade, exclusive of Dodge's battalion, amounted to between five and six 
hundred men, but not more than foiu' hundi'ed and fifty had horses fit for 
service. 

From this place General Henry took up his line of march on the 15th 
of July, accompanied by Poquette, a half-breed, and the "White Pawnee," 
a Winnebago chief, as guides, in quest in the Indians. On the route to 
the head waters of Kock Rivei* he was frequently thrown from a direct 
line by intervening swamps extending for miles. Many of them were 
crossed, but never without difficulty and loss of horses. After three days' 
hard marching, his forces encamped upon the beautiful stream of Rock 
River. This river is not exceeded by any other in natural beauty. Its 
waters are clear; its bottom and banks rocky or pebbly. The country on 
each side is either rolling, rich prairie, or hills crowned with forests free 
from undergrowth, and its current sweeps to th^ Mississippi, deep and 
bold. Here three Winnebagoes gave intelligence that Black Hawk was 
encjimped at Cranberr}^ Lake, further up the rivei'. Relying upon this 
information, it was settled by General Henry to make a forced march in 
that direction the next morning. Doctoi* Mei'ryman, of Springfield, and 
W. W. Woodbridge, of Wisconsin, were despatched as expresses to Gen- 
eral Atkinson. They were acconq)anied by a chief called Little Thund(^r, 
as guide ; and having started about daik, and proceeded on their perilous 
I'oute about eight miles to the south-west, they came upon the fresh main 
trail of the enemy, endeavoring to escape by way of the Four Lakes across 
the Wisconsin River. 

At the sight of the trail the Indian guide was struck ^vith terror, and 



TREACHEROUS GUIDES A FORCED MARCII. 145 

Avltliout permission retreated back to the cam]:). Meriiman and Wood- 
})ridg:e returned also, but not until Little Thunder had announced his dis- 
CO very in the Indian tongue to his countrymen, who were in the very act 
of making their escape when they were stopped by Maj. Murray McCon- 
nell, and taken to the tent of General Henry, to whom they confessed 
that they had come into camp only to give false information, and favor 
the retreat of the Indians ; and then, to make amends for their perfidy, 
and perhaps, as they were led to believe, to avoid immediate death, they 
disclosed all they knew of Black Hawk's movements. General Henry 
prudently kept the treacheiy of these Indians a secret fi'om his men, for 
it would have taken all his influence and that of all his officers to save 
their lives if their perfidious conduct had been known throughout the 
camp. 

The next morning (July 19) by daylight, everything was ready for a 
forced march, but first another express was despatched to General Atkin- 
son. All cumbrous baggage was thrown away. The tents and most of 
the camp equipage were left in a pile in the wilderness. Many of the 
men left their blankets and all their clothes except the suit they wore, 
and this was the case in every instance with those who had been so un- 
fortunate as to lose their horses. Such as these took theu' guns, ammuni- 
tion and provisions upon their backs, and traveled over mountain and 
plain, through swamp and thicket, and kept up with the men on horse- 
back. All the men now marched with a better spirit than usual. The 
sight of the broad, fresh trail inspired every one with a lively hope of 
bringing the war to a speedy end ; and even the horses seemed to share 
somewhat in the general ardor. There was no murmuring, there was no 
excuse or complaining, and none on the sick report. The first day, in the 
afternoon, they were overtaken by one of those storms common on the 
prairies, black and terrific, accompanied by torrents of rain and the most 
fearful lightning and thunder; but the men dashed on through thickets 
almost impenetrable and swamps almost impassable, and that day marched 
upwards of fifty miles. Duiing this day's march. General Henry, Major 
McConnell and others of the General's staff often dismounted and 
marched on foot, giving theii* horses to tue footmen. 

That night the storm raged till two o'clock in the morning. The 
men, exhausted with fatigue, threw themselves supperless upon the muddy 
earth, covered with water, for a little rest. The rain made it impossible 
to kindle a fire or to cook, so that both officers and men contented them- 



14() RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

selves witli eating some raw meat and some of the wet flour which they 
carried in their sacks, and which was converted into a soft dough by the 
drenching rains. A similar repast served them next morning for break- 
fast. The horses had fared but little better than the men. The Govern- 
ment furnislied notliing for them to eat, and they were obliged to subsist 
that niglit upon a scanty grazing, confined within the limits of the camp. 

Next morning (July 20) the storm had abated, and all were on the 
march by daylight, and aftei' a march as hard as that on the day before, 
tlie army encamped at night upon the brmks of one of the four lakes form- 
ing the source of the Catfish Kiver in Wisconsin, and near the place where 
the Indians had encamped the previous night. At tliis place the men 
were able to make fires and cook their suppers, and this they did with a 
hearty good will, having traveled about one hundred miles without tast- 
ing anything but raw food, and without having seen a spark of fire. That 
niglit they again laid upon the ground, many of them with nothing but 
the sky for a covering, and slept soundly and sweetly, like men upon their 
beds at home. All were in fine spirits and high expectation of overtak- 
ing the Indians next day, and putting an end to the war by a general bat- 
tle. The night did not pass, however, without an alarm. One of the 
sentinels posted near the bank of the lake fired upon an Indian gliding in 
his canoe slyly and steathily to the shore. Every man was aroused and 
under arms in an instant, but nothing followed to continue the alarm. A 
small black speck could be seen by aid of the star-light on the surface of 
the lake, but no enemy was visible. 

This day's march was still harder than any which preceded it. The 
men on foot were forced into a run to keep up with the advancing horse- 
men. The men on horseback carried their arms and baggage foi' them by 
turns. 

Major William Lee D. Ewing (since a Major General) commanded the 
spy battalion, and with him was joined the battalion of Major Dodge, of 
Wisconsin. These two officers, with tlieir commands, were in the ad- 
vance ; but with all their ardor they wei'e never able to get out of sight of 
the main body. General Henry, who remained with the main body, dis- 
patched Major McConnell with the advance guard, so as to get the earliest 
intelligence of any unusual occurrence in front. About noon of this day 
the advance guard was close upon the I'ear guard of the retreating enemy. 

It is to be regretted that we have no account of the management, the 
perils, and hair-breadth escapes of the Indians in conducting their retreat. 



A RAPID KETREAT AND VI(40E0US PURSUIT. 147 

All that we know is that for many miles before they were overtaken their 
broad trail was strewn with camp kettles and baggage of various kinds, 
which they had thrown away in the hurry of their flight. The sight of 
these articles encouraged Henry's men to press forward, hoping soon to 
put an end to this vexatious border war which had so much disturbed the 
peace of our Northern settlements. About noon, also, the scouts ahead 
came suddenly upon two Indians, and as they were attempting to escape 
one of them was killed and left dead on the iield. Dr. Addison Philleo 
coming along shortly after, scalped this Indian, and for a long time after- 
ward exhibited this scalp as evidence of his valor. Shortly after this the 
rear guard of the Indians began to make feint stands, as if to bring on a 
battle. In doing so, their design was merely to gain time for the main 
body to secure a more advantageous position. A few shots would be ex- 
changed, and the Indians would then push ahead, while the pursuing 
force would halt to form in the order of battle. In this way the Indians 
were able to reach the broken ground on the bluffs of the Wisconsin 
River by four o'clock in the afternoon, before they were overtaken. 

About this time, while the advanced guard was passing over some 
uneven ground, through the high grass and low timber, they were sud- 
denly fired upon by a body of Indians who had here secreted themselves. 
In an instant Major Swing's battalion dismounted and were formed in 
front, their horses being removed to the rear. The Indians kept up a 
fire from behind fallen trees, and none of them could be discovered except 
by the flash and report of their guns. In a few minutes General Henry 
arrived with the main body, when the order of battle was formed. 

Colonel Jones' regiment was placed on the right, Colonel Collins' on 
the left, and Colonel Fry's in the rear to act as a reserve. Major Ewing's 
battalion was placed in front of the line, and Major Dodge's on the ex- 
treme right. In this order General Henry's forces marched into battle. 
An order was given to charge upon the enemy, which was handsomely 
obeyed by Ewing's battalion and Jones' and Collins' regiments. 

The Indians retreated before this charge obliquely to the light, and 
concentrated their main force in front of Dodge's battalion, showing a 
design to turn his flank. General Henry sent an order by Major McCon- 
nell to Major Dodge, to advance to the charge; but this oflicer being of 
the opinion that the foe was too strong for him, requested a reinforce- 
ment. Colonel Fiy's regiment was oi'dered to his aid, and formed on his 



14^ RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

right. And now a vigorous charge was inade from one end of tlie line to 
the othei'. 

Colonel Fry's regiment made a chai'ge into the bush and high grass 
where the^ Indians were concealed, and received the iire of their whole 
body. The fire was briskly returned by-Fry and Dodge and their men, 
who contiiuied to advance, the Indians standing their ground until the 
men came within bayonet reach of them, then fell back to the west, along 
the high, broken bluifs of the Wisconsin, only to take a new position 
among the thick timber and tall grass in the head of a hollow leading 
to the Wisconsin River l)ottom. Hei'e it seemed they were determined 
to make a tirm stand; ])ut l)eing charged upon in their new position by 
E wing's battalion and Collins' and Jones' regiments, they were driven 
out of it, some of them being pursued down the hollow, and others again 
to the west, along the Wisconsin heights, until they descended the bluffs 
to the Wisconsin bottom, which was here about a mile wide and very 
swampy, covered with thick, tall grass, above the heads of men on horse- 
])ack. It being no^v dark, further pursuit was stopped, and General 
Henry and his forces lay upon the field of ])attle. That night Henry's 
camp was disturbed by the voice of an Indian loudly sounding from a 
distant hill, as if giving orders or desiring a conference. It afterward 
appeared that this was the voice of an Indian chief, speaking in the Win- 
nebago language, stating that the Indians had their squaws and families 
with them, that they were starving for provisions, and were not able to 
fight the white people, and that if they were permitted to pass peaceably 
over the Mississippi, they would do no more mischief. He spoke this in 
the Winnebago tongue, in hopes that some of that people were with Gen- 
eral Henry and would act as his interpreter. No Winneb loes were 
present, they having nin at the commencement of the fight, i^^nd so his 
language was never explained until after the close of the war. 

Next morning early General Henry advanced to the Wisco, m Kiver, 
and ascertained that the Indians had all crossed it, and made their escape 
into the mountains between that and the Mississippi. It was ascertained 
after the battle that the Indian loss amounted to sixty-eight left dead on 
the field, and a large number of wounded, of whom twenty-five were 
afterward found dead along the Indian ti-ail leading to the Mississippi. 
General Henry lost one man killed and eight wounded. It appeared that 
the Indians, knowing they were to fight a mounted force, had be =in trained 
to aim high, but as General Henry had dismounted his forces and sent his 



^y-^S^t""'"^ 






C^r~iny^L^> 



^1h' 



Ot^<^-^ 




l/^' 



z^-T^^ 



CAPTAIN TimOCK^IORTON SALUTES A WHITE FLAG. 151 

horses to the rear, the Indians shot over them. This will account for 
so few of Henry's men being killed or wounded. 

After spending two days in preparation at the Blue Mounds, the whole 
force, now under the direction of General Atkinson, was again on the 
march in pursuit of the Indians. The Wisconsin Kiver was crossed at 
Helena, and the trail of the Indians struck in the mountains on the 
other side. Day after day the whole force toiled in climbing and descend- 
ing mountains covered with dense forests, and passing through swamps of 
deep, black mud lying in the intervening valleys. But the march was 
slow compared with that preceding the battle of the Wisconsin. In this 
march were found, all along the route, the melancholy evidences of the 
execution done in the battle. The path of the retreating Indians was 
strewn with the wounded who had died on the march, more from neglect 
and want of skill in dressing their wounds than from the mortal nature of 
the wounds themselves. Five of them were found dead in one place 
where the band had encamped for the night. 

About ten o'clock in the morning of the fourth day after crossing the 
Wisconsin, General Atkinson's advance reached the bluffs on the east side 
of the Mississippi. The Indians had reached the bank of the river some 
time before. Some had crossed, and others were making preparations to 
cross it. The steamboat " Warrior," commanded by Captain Throckmor- 
ton, descended to that place the day before. As the steamboat neared the 
camp of the Indians, they raised the white flag ; but Captain Throckmor- 
ton, believing this to be treacherously intended, ordered them to send a 
boat on board, which they declined doing. In the flippant language of 
the Captain, after allowing them fifteen minutes to remove their squaws 
and children, he let slip a six-pounder at them, loaded with canister shot, 
followed by a severe fire of musketry ; " and if ever you saw straight 
blankets, you would have seen them there." According to the Captain's 
account, the " fight " continued for an hour, and cost the lives of twenty, 
three Indians, and a number wounded. The boat then fell down the 
river to Prairie du Chien, and before it could return the next morning, 
the land forces under General Atkinson had come up and commenced a 
general battle. 

It appears that the Indians were encamped on the bank of the Missis- 
sippi, some distance below the mouth of the Bad Axe Kiver. They were 
aware that General Atkinson was in close pursuit ; and to gain time for 
crossing into the Indian country west of the Mississippi, they sent back 



152 RECORDS OF THE OLDP]N TIME. 

al)oiit twenty men to meet General Atkinson, within tliree or four miles 
of their cam]). This party of Indians were instructed to commence an 
attack, and then to retreat to the river three miles above their camp. 
Accordingly, wlien General Atkinson (the order of march being as before), 
came within three or four miles of the river, he was suddenly fired upon 
from ])ehind trees and logs, the very tall grass aiding the concealment of 
the attacking party. General Atkinson rode immediately to the scene of 
action, and in person formed his lines and directed the charge. The In- 
dians gave way, and were pursued by General Atkinson with all the 
army except Henry's brigade, which was in the rear, and in the hurry of 
pursuit was left without orders. When Henry came up to the place where 
the attack had been made, he saw cleai'ly that the wily stratagem of the 
untutored savage had triumphed over the science of a veteran General. 
The main trail of the Indians was plain to be seen leading to the river 
lower down. He called a hasty council of his principal officers, and Ijy 
their advice marched right forward upon the main trail. At the foot of 
the high bluff bordering the river valley, on the edge of a swamp densely 
covered with timber, drift-wood and underbrush, through which the trail 
led fresh and broad, he halted his command and left his horses. The men 
were formed on foot, and thus advanced to the attack. They were pre- 
ceded by an advanced guard of eight men, who were sent forward as a 
forlorn hope, and were intended to draw the first fire of the Indians, and 
to disclose thereby to the main body where the enemy was to be found, 
preparatory to a general charge. These eight men advanced boldly some 
distance, until they came within sight of the river, where they were fired 
upon by about fifty Indians, and five of the eight instantly fell, wounded 
or dead. The other three, protected behind trees, stood their ground 
until the arrival of the main body under General Henry, which deployed 
to the right and left from the centre. Immediately the bugle sounded a 
charge, every man rushed forward, and the battle became general along 
the whole line. These fifty Indians had retreated upon the main l)ody, 
amounting to about three hundred warriors, a force ecpial if not superior 
to that now confronting them. It soon became apparent that they had 
been taken by surprise. They fought bravely and desperately, but seem- 
ingly A^dthout any plan or concert of action. The bugle again sounded the 
insph-ing music of a charge. The Indians were driven from tree to tree, 
and from one hiding-place to another. In this manner they receded step 
by step, diiven by the advancing foe, until they reached the bank of the 



A TREATY OF PEACE SIGNED. 



153 



river. Here a desperate struggle ensued, but it was of short duration. 
The bloody bayonet, in the hands of excited and daring men, pursued and 
drove them forward into the waters of the river. Some of them tried to 
swim the river; others sought shelter on a small willow island near the 

shore. 

After the Indians had retreated to the island in the river, Henry dis- 
patched Major McConnell to give intelligence of his movements to his 
commander, "who, while pursuing the twenty Indians hi another direction, 
had heard the firing where Henry was engaged. General ^Atkinson had 
left the pursuit of the twenty Indians, and hastened to share in the en- 
gagement. He was met by Henry's messenger near the scene of action, 
in passing through which the dead and dying Indians lying around bore 
frightful evidence of the stern work which had been done before his 
arrival. He, however, lost no time in fomiing his regulars and Dodge's 
battalion for a descent upon the island. These forces, together mth Sw- 
ing's battalion and Fry's regiment, made a charge through the water up 
to their armpits to the island, Avhere most of the Indians had taken their 
last refuge. All the Indians who attempted to swim the river were 
picked off mth rifles or found a watery grave before they reached the op- 
posite shore. 

Those on the island kept up a severe fire from behind logs and tbift- 
wood upon the men as they advanced to the charge ; and here a number 
of regulars and volunteers under Dodge were killed and wounded. But 
most of the Indians secreted there were either killed, captured, or driven 
into the water, where they perished miserably, either by drowning or by 
the still more fatal rifle. During these engagements a number of squaws 
were killed. They were di'essed so much like the male Indians that, con- 
cealed as they were in the high grass, it was impossible to distinguish 
them. It is estimated that the Indian loss here amounted to one hundred 
and fifty killed, and as many more- who were drowned in the river. Fifty 
prisoners were taken, mostly squaws and children. The residue of the 
Indians had escaped across the river l)efore the commencement of the 
action. The twenty men who first commenc.Ml the attack, led by Black 
Hawk in person, escaped up the river. The American loss amounted to 
seventeen killed, one of them a captain of Dodge's battalion and one a 
lieutenant of Fry's regimen*t, and twelve wounded. 

September 21, 1832, General Scott and Governor Keynolds concluded 
a treaty of peace with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes, by which these 



154 HECOBDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tribes ceded to tlie United States vast regions of country, and agi-eed to 
remain at peace with the whites; and for the faithful performance of 
this promise, they surrendered Bhack Hawk and his two sons, "The 
Prophet," and six other leaders or chiefs of the hostile bands, to be re- 
tained as hostages during the pleasure of the President. These Indians 
were afterward taken to Washington, and shown around the cities of the 
east, our navy and arm}^, and our general arrangements for war, offen- 
sive and defensive. When presented to President Jackson, Black Hawk 
said : 

"I am a man and you are another. We did not expect to conquer the 
white people. I took up the hatchet to revenge injuries which could no 
longer be borne. Had I borne them any longer 'my people would have 
said, 'Black Hawk is a squaw; he is too old to be a chief. He is no Sac' 
This caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more of it. All is 
known to you. Keokuk was once here. You took him by the hand, and 
when he wanted to return, you sent him back to his nation. Black Hawk 
expects that like Keokuk, he will be permitted to return too." 

The President told him that when he was satisfied that all things 
would remain quiet. Black Hawk might return. 

Black Hawk died October 3, 1840, and was buried with considerable 
pomp, on the banks of the Mississippi River, near the scenes of his boy- 
hood. 




DESCRIPTION OF HENNEPUST TOWNSHIP. 



155 



& 



HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP, 




CHAPTEK XXII. 



TOPOGRAPHICAL. 



ENNEPIN commemorates tlie name of the great discoverer 
and explorer supposed to have been one of the first white 
men who set foot within its limits. It embraces about 
forty-five sections of land within its boundaries, or 29,800 
acres, in round numbers, as indicated by a recent county 
map. The Illinois Piver washes its borders for twelve 
miles or more, and its surface is made up of wide-extended, 
fertile bottoms, wooded hills and productive prairies. 
Punning through the Township is Coffee Creek, a considerable stream 
which rises in Section 18, thence runs in devious windings through Sec- 
tions 11, 12, 15 and 16, to the Illinois River below the city of Henne2:)in. 
South of Florid, in the edge of a small prairie united to Grand 
Prairie on the east, rises the stream known as "Nelson's Pun," which 
leads southwest through Section 2 to the river. 

Further south Cedar Creek flows through a broken, timbered country, 
and in the northern part of the Township, AUfork Creek, an extremely 
tortuous stream rising in the prairie south of Greenville, makes a detour 
into Hennepin Township, in Section 3G, and running west a mile and 
north another, enters the Illinois. 

East of the city is a fine prairie, covered with fertile and highly culti- 
vated farms. The southern portion is broken and diversified with deep 
ravines, wide valleys, rugged hills, "hog-backs," and small patches of bar- 
rens, or little sections of openings and praii'ies which industrous Germans 
have long since transformed into fine farms, thrifty orchards and large 
meadows. 

There is, or rather was, an abundance of excellent timber in this section 
of the County, but in many localities it has been cut down and the ground 



15G RECORDS 01 rilK OLDEN TIME. 

become cultivated fields. Saw mills put up here and there have been for 
years transforming the monarchs of the forest into lumber. 

There are small prairies here and there, one to the east of Hennepin, 
anotlier at Union Grove and Flo^jd. Here the first settlers built their 
houses, and a few still remain on farms taken up l)efoi'e the red man had 
ceased to be the sole possessor. The soil is fertile and adapted to raising 
grain, live stock or fruits, in all of which the township excels. 



The City of Hennepin. 



Hennepin, or rather the j^rairie on which the town stands, was an- 
ciently called Prairie de Prue, in honor of a Fi-ench voyageur and trapper 
who once had a cabin there. The circumstances which called the town 
into being have been narrated elsewhere, and it need only be stated that 
under an act of the Legislature a committee was sent to examine vari- 
ous localities with a view to the location of a county seat, and select the 
one most appropriate and best fulfilling the required conditions. 

At this time a heavy belt of timber ran along its front, extending back 
to the Court House and beyond, so densely filled with underbrush as to 
shut out all view of the river, the bank of which in front of the town rose 
abruptly forty or fifty feet high, l)ut has since been graded down to suit the 
demands of commerce. Properly the town should date back to 1817, 
when Beaubien, a Frenchmen in the employ of the American Fur Com- 
pany, built a trading house one mile above the town, on land now owned 
by A. T. Purviance. Thomas Hartzell at this time was trading at some 
point below in opposition to the American Fur Company, but in 1824-5 
he became their agent and removed here. Beside the old building first 
I'eferred to he had erected a substantial store of hewn logs, which he con- 
tinued to occupy until the location of Hennej)in, when he removed there. 
Across the ravine south of Hartzell a Frenchman named Antoine Bour- 
bonais had a cabin built somewhere about 1820. 

The town was surveyed in 1831 by Ira Ladd, Sr., on Congress land. 
Twelve blocks were laid off at first, and eight afterward, to which several 
additions have since been made. Lots were extensively advertised, and 
the first sales were made at prices ranging fi*om $11.68 to $87.86 each. 
(Ford's History). The first lot was sold to J. and W. Hurley, at that 
time trading with the Indians in a cabin built by James Willis, opposite 



THE SETTLEMENT OF HENNEPIN. 157 

the moutli of Bureau Creek, one mile above Hennepin. They proceeded 
at once to build on this lot, now the site of the Town Hall, corner of 
Front and Court streets, and when finished, removed their stock there. 

Dunlavy & Stewart built a trading house at the same time, preceding 
the Durleys a few days in commencing business. 

J. S. Simpson and a man named Gleason each built log cabins that 
fall, and Ira Ladd, first Sheriff of the county. 

In the spring of 1832, the first hotel was built. It was a double log 
cabin, built by James S. Simpson, and run by John H. Simpson. About 
this time Hartzell built a stoi'e and removed here his stock of goods. 

The old trading house deserves more special notice. Its foundations 
are still seen adjoining the pleasant residence of A. T. Purviance, and 
are a pleasing reminder of the days when the red man held sway over this 
territory, and neither steamboats nor commerce, in the modern acceptation 
of the term, existed on the river. 

In 1832 came the Black Hawk war, and Hennepin was made the head- 
quarters and rallying point of the rangers. When news of the outbreak 
arrived, there was great consternation. Few of the settlers were armed, 
and no means of defense were available. 

In this predicament, Thomas Hartzell came forward and offered to 
donate his log store for a block house. It was a noble act, and bespeaks 
his character. Every man and team in the settlement was set at work, 
and in two days the building was taken down, the logs hauled to the vil- 
lage, and a commodious block house, with embrasures foi' riflemen and an 
upper story, constructed, in which the families of settlers took refuge until 
the scare was over. It stood on Front street, and for a dozen years was 
one of the landmarks of the town until the authorities ordered its re- 
moval. 

When the old building was torn down to be reconstructed into a fort, 
the chimney was left standing. A Frenchman with a half-breed wife oc- 
cupied the Beaubein cabin, and she often repaired to the old chimney to 
do her cooking. One day while thus engaged a high wind blew it down, 
killing her instantly. 

The fii'st election in the new County was held at the house of William 
Hawes, near Magnolia, and beside the Judges of Election, but one voter 
appeared (Warner). Of course there were no ''split tickets," and Thomas 
Gallaher, George Ish and John M. Gay were declared elected as County 
Commissioners, Ira Ladd as Sheriff, and Aaron Paine as Coroner. James 



158 KECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

W. Willis was subsequently appointed Treasurer, Hooper Warren filled 
tlie offices of Recorder, Clerk of the Circuit and Coiuity Courts, and 
Justice of tlie Peace. 

Among the members of the bar who attended Court here were : Sen- 
ator David Davis, who came from Bloomington on horseback, and Judge 
John B. Caton, who came down from Chicago, riding an Indian pony.'=' 

The first death in the Counties of Bureau, Putnam or Marshall was 
in the family of Aaron Mitchell, who lost a child in August or Septem- 
ber, 1829. There being no lumber in the country, a puncheon coffin was 
made by N. and S. Shepherd, and the child was interred near Captain 
Price's. 

The fii'st corpse buried in Hennepin Cemetery was that of Phillips, 
shot by the Indians, June 4, 1831. No memorial stone marks the place, 
and his grave is unknown. 



Old Time Pecords. 



Most of the early settlers were young men, and in those days a woman 
or a baby was as much of a novelty and excited as lively an interest as 
ever they did in " Roaring Camp." Some of the men, however, brought 
their wives," and with them came their "sisters, their cousins and their 
aunts," who speedily found husbands; and we find among the early 
records the following marriages : 

John Shepherd to Tennessee McComas, July 5, 1831; by George Ish, 
County Judge. 

Elisha Swan, of Lacon, was married to Zilpha Dent, February 25, 
1832; by Rev. Zadok Hall. 

Livingston Roberts to Margaret Dent, January 24, 1843; by Hooper 
Warren, Justice of the Peace. 

Lemuel Russell to Sarah Ann Edwards, February 23, 1823; b}^ Rev. 
Edwai'd Hale. 

Wm. Munson to Rachel Hall, March 7, 1833, by John M. Gay, Jus- 
tice of the Peace. 

Wm. S. Horn to Sylvia Hall, May 5, 1833 ; by Rev. R. Horn. 

The ladies whose names appear in the last two notices were the Hall 
gii-ls, whose thrilling experience with the Indians is given elsewhere. 

*WaiTen. 



LIST OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF HENNEPIN. 159 

The early ministers of the township were Revs. John McDonald, 
Elijah Ei)person, Wm. Heath and Joel Arlington. 

The first farm opened in the township was that of James Willis, at 
Union Grove, in 1828, and his was the first dwelling house outside of the 
village of Hennepin. 

Elizabeth Shepherd was one of the first white women in this locality, 
coming in 1829. 

Austin Hannum is claimed as the first white child born in the county. 
His parents lived in Magnolia. 

Isabel Patterson, since Mrs. R. W. Bowman, was born in 1832, and 
Augustus Shepherd in 1830. 



The Pioneers. 



In the Coui't House at Hennepin hangs a large fi-ame with the por- 
traits and names of many old settlers, and the date of their coming to the 
County. It will better preface what follows than aught else we can give : 

1 8 1 7 — Thomas Hartzell. 

1827 — Thos. Gallaher, Jas. W. Willis. 

1828 — Stephen D. Willis, Smiley Shepherd. 

1829 — James G. Ross, Nelson Shepherd, Elizabeth Shepherd. 

1830 — Harvey Leeper, Flora Zenor, Augustus She2:)herd, Wm. Pat- 
terson, L. E. Skeel, David Richey, Lucy Dick, Olive Skeel, Wm. M. Ham, 
Anthony Turk. Samuel D. Laughlin, Catherine Shepherd. 

1831 — Alvira Zenor, Lewis Durley, Lucy Durley, Mary Stewart, 
Mary Shepherd, George Dent, Comfort Dent, Williamson Durley, H. K. 
Zenor, Emeline Durley, E. G. Powers, Louisa Nash, John Gallaher, Aaron 
Gunn. 

1832 — John G. Ross (born here), Stephen W. Stewart, Nancy Skeel, 
Sarah Stewart, John W. Stewart, B. F. Whittaker, J. W. Leech, Mary 
Leech, Robert Leech, Mary A. Templeton, S. G. Leech, Sarah Brumfield 
Thomas Brumfield, Mary Ann Noys, John Brumfield, Aaron Barlow, 
John N. Laughlin. 

1833 — Bayliss Culter, Wm. H. Zenor, Elizabeth Durley, Joseph Fair- 
field, Wm. E. Fairfield, Joseph Cassell, Augustus Cassell, Thomas Cole- 
man, Chas. Coleman, Oaks Turner, Wilson Everett, Jeremiah Everett 
Alex. Ross, Milton Robinson. 



160 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

1834 — Cyrus Sliej^lierd, William Baxendale, Thomas W. Shepherd, 
Guy W. Pool, Thomas Atwater (the first lawyer), H. J. White, Wash- 
ington Webb. 

1836 — Lyle Shepherd, Samuel Holmes, Sr., Alfred Turner, David 
Cryder. 

Smiley Shepherd, the oldest living person of Hennepin, visited 
this country in August, 1828, on a prospecting tour. He bought a claim 
from James Willis, at Magnolia, but sold it and selected the w^ell-known 
farm east of Hennepin, where he has ever since lived. Returning to Ohio 
in December, 1828, he married, and in June, 1829, settled permanently at 
Heiniepin. 

When he came to Hennepin in 1828, Hartzell, the Indian trader, was 
doina; a prosperous business. He was operating in his own name, and 
had several Indians, squaws and half breeds around him. He was assisted 
by a young man named Benny, who had charge of the business, buying 
and preparing the furs for mai'ket, and supplying hunters and ti'aders in 
other localities, shipping his furs to Montreal. 

The American Fur Company had three stations at and near the mouth 
of Bureau Creek, under the management of Gurden S. Hubbai'd, who gen- 
erally made his headquarters at Chicago, but was often here to look after 
the interests of the company. 

Williamson Durley came to Hennepin August 8, 1831, and opened 
a store along with his uncle, John Durley. They bought their goods at 
St. Louis, brought them up on a boat to Pekin, and hauled them "by 
land" to their new store in the village, which had been laid out in Sep- 
tember, the goods reaching here in October, 1831. 

Ml'. Durley first visited this locality in 1828, stopping on the way at 
Bailey's Point, La Salle County, where himself and friends found shelter, 
with permission to "board themselves" in the cornfield. The corn was 
but partially ripe, and had to be planed off the ears and then boiled. 
They found this fare and the hospitality of the people so agreeable that 
they remained two days on these terms. During their stay they explored 
the country thereabouts, returning to their host each night, who on their 
departure refused to take pay for their keeping, saying, "as he had freely 
given them the best he had, and didn't want to be insulted." 

At Covel Creek they found an Indian burial ground, in which the de- 
parted were placed in a sitting posture, back to back, between white oak 



EARLY SETTLERS OF IlEI^NEPIlsr TOWNSHIP. 161 

poles fixed in the ground. Mr. Diirley likewise remembers one two miles 
south of Hennepin, where the corpses were similarly arranged. 

The mails in early days were irregular. A line extended from Peoria 
to Galena, and a route was established about 1831 running from Henne- 
pin to Boyd's Grove. A few years later a stage line between Chicago 
and Peoria was established, with a cross line to Hennepin, connecting at 
Robert's Point. The next change was from Ottawa via Peru, Hennepin 
and Lacon to Peoria, making three trips a week each way. 

Mr. Durley's recollections of the old pioneers are valuable. He re- 
members Thomas Hartzell as a man of generous disposition, open-hearted 
and easily duj^ed. He believed all men honest like himself, and lost his 
property by going security for others. About this time a wealthy rela- 
tive in Pennsylvania died and opportunely left him a considerable sum, 
which went in like manner. Again he inherited property, and not long 
after removed to Waukegan, where he died. 

Daniel Dimmick — The Township of Dimmick, in La Salle County, 
takes its name from an early settler who formerly lived in this vicinity. 
He came to Peoria in 1828, to Princeton in 1829 or '30, and not long 
after to Putnam County, building a cabin in the timber near Hartzell' s 
trading house. He is said to have made the first claim and broken the 
first prairie in Putnam County, and sold his "betterments" to George 
Mills. They are now a part of the farm of William Ham. Dimmick lived 
in great seclusion, avoiding society and companionship, and was chiefly in- 
tent on making money. It is said he never had a floor to his cabin, and 
never washed. His single tow shirt sufficed so long as it held together. 
He slept on a bundle of straw in the corner, and his coat was patched 
with an old saddle blanket. In 1833 he sent his son Elijah to Dixon to 
learn if it was safe to venture to the north side of the Illinois River, and 
if the Indians were really at peace with the whites, and the war over. 
On getting satisfactory answers, he packed up his household goods and 
moved over to the pi'airies and began his new and permanent home, where 
he built a fine residence in after years, and died much respected. 

The Gallaher Family played an important part in the early history of 
Putnam, and deserves a more extended notice. The first representative, 
Thomas Gallaher, Sr., came here in September, 1827, and settled on the 
south-east cpiarter of Section 30, Town 32, Range 1 west, 3d principal 



1G2 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TBIE. 

meridian, four miles south-east of Hennepin. He was accompanied here 
1)}' liis wife and eight cliildren, viz: 

Thomas, Jr. — Born Mai'ch 17, 1810; afterward moved to Henry, and 
died August 17, 1854. 

Eliza — Born November 13, 1811; now Mrs. Ladd, wife of Ira Ladd, 
first Sheriff of Putnam County. She is now a resident of New Orleans. 

Mary — Born March 17, 1814; married B. Willis, and afterward went 
to Hannibal, Mo. 

James — Born April 13, 1816; lives at Sioux City, Iowa. 

William — Born July 19, 1818; moved to Henry in 1851, where he 
now resides. 

Nancy J. — Born February 8, 1821; married Mr. Heath; died in Sep- 
tember, 1848. 

Samuel — Born April 18, 1823; died in August, 1879. 

Margaret H.— Born August 6, 1825; died May 27, 1874. 

After arri\ang here, there were born : 

Robert K.— May 20, 1828, the "first white child born in Putnam 
County." ■ Died March 4, 1845. 

John McDonald — October 6, 1830; living on the old farm. 

Nathaniel C. — August 12, 1833; died of wounds received at Fort 
Done! son. 

Elizabeth, Margaret and Robert, born subsequently, remained on the 
old homestead until .their death. 

Thomas Gallaher, Sr., was born April 22, 1782, and died of cholera, 
while on his way to Pennsylvania, June 5, 1852, aged 70 years. 

His wife (Elizabeth Kelly) was born March 17, 1792, and died April 
23, 1878, aged 86 years. 

Mr. Gallaher, after arriving here put up a cabin in the fall of 1827, 
and in 1828 broke prairie for eighty acres of corn and wheat. 

The cabin was eighteen feet square, with a "shake" roof, and a fire- 
place so big that logs were hauled through the room by oxen to feed its 
capacious mouth. His first crop was exceeding fine, and Major Elias 
Thompson and Wm. Studyvin helped cut the wheat in 1829; wages, 
twenty-five cents per day. 

In 1828 he built a hewn log cabin, fifteen feet square, the first of the 
kuid in this region of country. 

These were the first houses in this neighborhood of any description, 
and their ruins may yet be seen on the old historic ground. 



AVEBAGE WAGES OF FARM HANDS. 163 

In tlie fall of 1827, after Gallaher had put up his log dwelling, James 
Willis built a house on ground afterward enclosed within the village 
23lat of Florid. H^ left his family on this claim during the winter of 
1827-8, and went to Bond County, 111., to close up some business 
affairs. He had in his employ a likely colored boy who was a fugi- 
tive from slavery, whom he left in charge. The boy worked faithfully 
all winter, but when spring came and he found himself in debt, he con- 
cluded there was not so nmch difference between freedom and slavery 
as he had supposed. 

During the winter of 1827, there were no settlers south of Gallaher's, 
none at Magnolia, Roberts' Point, Lacon, or Crow Creek; no one at all 
nearer than the Dillon settlement, on Mackinaw River. 

In those days f ai'm laborers were not numerous, yet the prices for work 
were not extravagantly high, as three bushels of meal, equal to three 
"bits," was considered a just equivalent for cutting and splitting one hun- 
dred 11 -feet fence rails, and eight dollars per month and board and wash- 
ing were the wages for farm hands. 



The Hennepin Ferry. 



Prior to 1831, when Putnam was set apart as a county, with a tangi- 
ble boundary and a real organization, the ferry at Hennepin, or rather at 
and above Hartzell's trading house, had been a private enterprise, and was 
generally "run" by whomsoever came along, white, red, or mixed. The 
Indian traders claimed to own the boats, and every one used them, — such 
as they were. At the first term of the County Commissioners' Court, that 
wise body took the subject in hand and " Ordered that public notice be 
given of the letting of the building of a ferry boat." Alexander Wilson 
put in the lowest bid and got the job, for a sum not stated, to build the 
first boat capable of carrying loaded wagons. 

September 8, 1831, Ira Ladd, the Sheriff, was appointed to tak<^ charge 
of the ferry boat when finished. 

August 14, 1832, James Laughlin was appointed to take charge of the 
ferry boat till next term ; also to pi'ocure a skiff for the same. 

September 3, 1832, J. S. Simpson was allowed $11.00 for keeping the 
ferry. 

B. M. Hays was appointed to run the Hennepin ferry fi'om December 



104 RECORDS OF TTIE OLDEN TIME. 

17, 1<S32, one year. A committee was appointed to watch him, see that 
he did his whole duty, and say when the boat should or should not run 
in the season of ice, high water and other dangers. This committee were 
E,. Blanchard, John H. Simpson, Geo. B. Willis, Williamson Durley and 
Nathan Skeel. 

In Marcli, 1803, John H. Simpson, then ferryman, was instructed by 
the Court to allow footmen to go free; and citizens upon horseback on 
muster, election and court days, were not to be charged for themselves or 
their beasts. 

The ferry boat having been carried away by ice, Jonathan Wilson fol- 
lowed it down to the island below Henry, captured and returned it, and 
the Court, March o, 1836, allowed him $6.00 for that service. 

The ferry, instead of proving a blessing to the County of Putnam, was 
a constant source of annoyance, and though its income some years was con- 
siderable, by reason of accidents and the large proportion of patrons who 
managed to shirk pa}anent, it rarely made any profit for its managers. An 
embankment a mile or two in length was needed on the west side, be- 
sides expensive bridges. This territory was in Bureau County, beyond 
the jurisdiction of the Commissioners of Putnam County, and the people 
of Princeton could see no advantage in improving a road or biulding em- 
bankments and Ijiidges for the convenience of a rival market at Hennepin. 
Things wore on for years until a goodly settlement of tax-paying people 
had gathered in the bottom and prairies beyond, w^ho demanded a road to 
the river as an outlet for their products, and at length the Commissioners 
of Bureau County consented to meet with their eipially exalted brethi'en 
of Putnam- County, and jointly take action in the all-important (|uestion 
of improving the bottoms and making a road and suitable bridges across 
Bureau Creek and other water courses toward Hennepin. 

Accordingly these august bodies met at Hennepin, September 8, 
1845, and after much deliberation leased the ferry for a term of eleven 
years to one Hugh Feeu}", who, at his own expense, was to make all 
necessary improvements in the roadway, and in addition to the rents 
and profits of the ferry was to have the sum of $275 in cash paid him, one- 
half of said sum by each of the counties. 

This arrangement lasted a couple of years, when Feeny failed to keep 
his contract. We find the two high joint powers at Hennepin again in 
session, declaring that Feeny had forfeited the contract, and legal proceed- 
ings in the nature a quo vxirrcmto were instituted to make him surrender 



TRIBULATIONS OF FRONTIER TRAVELERS. 1()5 

tlie ferry. After tedious litigation, lasting until February, 1850, Feeny 
voluntarily abandoned tlie fight, and tlie ferry was placed in charge of Wil- 
liam Ray. 

Subsequently an act of the State Legislature was passed giving the 
entire ferry and rights of way in Bureau and Putnam Counties to the ex- 
clusive control of the corporation of Hennepin, where they now- rest. 



Frink and Walker. 



This enterprising firm were the pioneer stage proprietors of Central 
Illinois. They controlled and operated most of the lines, with general 
headquarters in Chicago. Their monopoly of the business covered a per- 
iod of about thirteen years, from 1838 or 1889, during which their head- 
quarters in Hennepin were with John Lyons, an old hotel keeper. At 
first they ran from Peru to Magnolia, and on to Peoria, but afterward 
took in Hennepin on the route, passing thence through Lacon and down 

the river. 

One night in the winter of 1839 the stage coach was lost upon the 
Hennepin Prairie. There were two passengers inside, and the driver vain- 
ly sought to find his destination. Afterward it was found he had traveled 
in a circle most of the time. 

Mr. Nicholls related how an old English " milord " was once his guest, 
and the trouble the great man experienced. The hotel was a good-sized 
log cabin, and had but a single sleeping room for the accommodation of 
guests, who were expected to be reasonable and share their^ beds with 
strangers. As nine o'clock came the traveler signified a desire to retire, 
and asked to be lighted to his quarters. Nicholls showed him up, and 
stated that one-half the bed would be occupied by another party. " Do 
you expect me to sleep in this room with other men?" said "milord," al- 
most gasping for breath. Nicholls said he could either do that or sit up, 
as he preferred; and the old fellow sat in his chair all night, groaning over 
his aches and cursing the "blarsted country." 



Religious Organizations. 



The early settlers were pre-eminently a religious people, and one of 
the first things provided for was the pi-eaching of the Gospel. There was 



\C)C) EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

no lack of earnest, devoted, self-sacrificing ministers, and in the absence of 
suitable places of worship, services were held at private houses or in the 
groves. These services were invariably well attended, and received 
earnest, respectful attention. The good these men did was not interred 
with their l)ones — for most of them have gone to their reward, — but it 
lives after them, and bears fruit to this day. 

THE M. E. CHURCH OF HENNEPIN. 

This society is an old one, dating back to 1833, when the first class 
was formed. The record of the first proceedings, if any was made, has 
l)een lost, and such history as can be gathered of the organization thereof 
depends upon the recollection of one or two persons who helped at its 
inception. In July or August of the year named, a few of the earnest 
Methodists of Hennepin and vicinity bethought them that as their num- 
bers were nearly large enough to form a church society, it would be well 
to take initiative steps in that direction. After some preliminary conver- 
sation a small meeting was held at the house of Dr. Ritchie, in the vil- 
lage, and the first class was enrolled, consisting of the following members : 
Hiram P. White and wife, Dr. David Ritchie and wife. Miss Betsey Car- 
penter, afterward Mrs. Hays, Mrs. Sarah Bloomfield, and perhaps one or 
two other persons whose names have been forgotten. Another meeting 
was held at the same place in November, 1833, and further steps taken 
toward forwarding the work. About this time Linas B. Skeel was added 
to the list as the first convert, and Mrs. Olive Skeel and Mrs. Emeline 
Durley also added their names to the membership. 

For some time after they had no meeting house nor any convenient 
place of worship, and met from time to time at the dwellings of the 
brothers. • 

In 1834, Rev. Zadok Hall, the first minister, on February 16, at Dr. 
Ritchie's, preached a sermon, taking his text from Matt, ix., 12. Rev. 
Wm. Arrington came the same season at a later date, and also Rev. John 
St. Clair, as Presiding Elder. 

Rev. Father Walker, from Ottawa, occasionally came here to look after 
the infant flock, as also did Rev. Jesse Hale and Wm. Royal, all Indian 
missionary preachers. 

During the year 1834 there was a revival of considerable strength, 
and many new converts were made and the Society largely increased in 
numbers and influence. 



HENNEPIN METHODIST EPISCOPAL OIIURCII. 167 

In 1885, Eev. A. E. Phelps officiated, and Rev. Asa McMurtry in 

1836. Mr. Phelps contributed his personal efforts largely toward build- 
ing the old church. The latter part of 1836, Hennepin and Pekin circuits 
were divided and changed to Hennej^in and Washington circuits. In 

1837, Rev. Wm. Condiff was the preacher, and died at the close of the 
year, at Caledonia. 

In 1838, Rev. Zadok Hall and Rev. Mr. Moffit were sent here to the 
work, and were aided by Rev. S. W. D. Chase, of Bloomington, who 
with them made excellent progress in procuring new members. 

Among the other reverend gentlemen who appeared at Hennepin fi'om 
time to time from 1829 to 1835, was Rev. Mr. Cook, a Presbyterian, father 
of Hon. B. C. Cook, formerly of Ottawa, now of Chicago. Rev. Mr. 
Hays was a local preacher of Hennepin and vicinity for many years, and 
among the first who came to this locality. He put up the first frame 
house on Henry prairie, and one of the first frame houses in the village. 

In 1839, Rev. John Morris came and officiated occasionally, and Rev. 
John appeared and took charge of the Church about 1840. 

The first records commence in the Trustees' book, June 14, 1836. 

Efforts had been made to raise money to build a meeting house, but 
with ill success, and we find them in 1837 adopting an order to refund 
the small sums of money which had been raised for that purpose. 

At a meeting of the Lacon and Hennepin Conference, February 25, 
1839, Joseph Caterlin, David Markley, Thomas Forney, Jacob G. Forney, 
Hiram P. White, Linus B. Skeel and J. P. Hays were appointed Trus- 
tees of the Hennepin Church, the first Board regularly chosen for this 
Society. 

March 2, 1839, the Trustees "met at Hennepin for the purpose of 
attempting to build a church." They figured out a plan for a modest 
frame meeting house, twenty-six by thirty-six feet. A subscription paper 
was cii'culated and the cash returns were such as to warrant the immedi- 
ate prosecution of the work. The house was accordingly built and occu- 
pied the same fall and for years after, and now stands, used as a private 
dwelling, a few rods to the rear of the larger and more pretentious struc- 
ture. The old house, however, was for some time under a cloud of debt, 
which for a long time the young and struggling pioneer church could not 
lift. At length they succeeded in removing this incubus, and on the 13th 
of August, 1842, the Trustees met and adopted a resolution, "That all 



1G8 l^EOOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

persons having claims against the Church present the same forthwith, by 
Saturday folhiwing, for full settlement." This seems to have been done, 
and the church dedicated on the next Sabbath, by Elder A. E. Phelps. 

In 1858, the congi-egation having outgrown the capacity of the old 
building, proceeded to erect the present church edifice, a handsome struc- 
ture of two stories, forty feet by sixty, divided below into lecture and 
class rooms, and above a finely decorated, finished and furnished church 
room, which bids fair to afford ample accommodations for the people for 
many years to C(mie. It cost $10,000, has two good organs, and is well 
seated, having comfortable pews for 450 to 500 persons. It was dedicated 
November 29, 18GG, by Rev. Joseph Cummings, of Lacon. Before being 
finished the basement was completed, and services held therein by Rev. A. 
C. Price. 

A neat parsonage stands neai* l)y in the same lot with the church, cost- 
ing about $600. 

In 1879, the Presiding Elder was J. D. Smith; Pastor, J. M. Murphy; 
Recording Steward, L. E, Skeel. 

The Society numbers about seventy-five in good standing, and the 
church and parsonage are free from debt. 

HENNEPIN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

As early as 1845 the Catholic people of Hennepin and vicinity began 
to hold public religious exercises, and the Brothers of the Lazarus So- 
ciety of La Salle sent different priests there to minister to the spiritual 
wants of the communicants of the Cliurch. The first remembered priest 

who visited this place was an Italian, Rev. Father , who also 

occasionally conducted services in Henry. 

Among the other earlier missionaries of this faith were Rev. Fathers 
Gregory and Anthony, the latter in 1848, both coming at intervals de- 
pending upon circumstances, such as deaths or the sickness of some Cath- 
olic who tlesired the last sacrament. When here upon such occasions, the 
people would be notified, an altar improvised in some one of the more 
commodious dwellings, and mass duly celebrated; and now and then a 
priest would come from Peoria, or even St. Louis, to minister to the spir- 
itual wants of the faithful and look af tei' the temporal affairs of the Church. 

There was no successful attempt to have regular services oftener than 
once a month, until about June, 1852, when sufficient money was raised 



A CONGREGATIONAL CIIITRCH ORGANIZED. 169 

for the erection of a cliurcli building. It was a plain frame structure 
twenty-four by forty feet. Tliis furnished ample room for the congi-ega- 
tion till about 186(j, when an addition was put up, making the building 
twenty-four by sixty feet, with fifteen feet ceiling. The cost of both was 
about $2,500, and the organ, altars, seats and lamps about $1,000 more. 
About seventy-five fanjilies now constitute its regular membership. 

Those who next to the priests took the lead of the Church were An- 
thony Failing, Chas. Trerweiler, Henry Keavey and Peter Feltes. The 
first resident priest was Kev. Father Deifenbrock, who came about 1867. 

The Congregational Church. 

In September, 1874, Miss Ella DeVoe, of Hennepin, wrote to Rev. 
Wm. E. Catlin, detailing the needs of a church at this place, and set forth 
the prospects of effecting an organization in such an eloquent manner as 
to induce that gentleman to come and co-operate in the m.»vement. He 
arrived October 17, and on the following Sabbath preached by invitation 
in the M. E. Church, and at the Court House on Sunday, October 25. 

At a meeting for consultation immediately after the Sabbath morning 
service, it was decided to not then take any steps toward the form- 
ation of a society, but a prayer-meeting was appointed for the next Wed- 
nesday evening, and the following paper presented : 

We, the undersigned, believing that another Evangelical Church in this community 
would be for its spiritual and temporal good, have thought it best for the present to asso- 
ciate ourselves together for the purpose of holding public and social worship at such times 
and places as shall appear best, hoping in that way, with God's blessing, to develop such an 
interest as may in time warrant a more perfect organization. To this endeavor we pled^-e 
ourselves, and invite the hearty co-operation of all who are like-minded. 

This was circulated, but did not receive a single signature ! 

Weekly prayer-meetings were kept up and well attended, but Mr. 
Catlin, discouraged with the propect, finally left the place. The next 
appeal was to John E. Roy, a Home Missionary, who came December 12 
began and pursued his labors with great industry, and soon accomplished 
the desired end. 

The numbers increased from two to fifteen, when the Church was or- 
ganized with the following membership : Aug. Shepherd, Mrs. Ellen Shep- 
herd, David Field, James Adams, Miss R. Ellis and Mrs. Lucy Ham by 
letters from the Congregational Church, Grranville; Martin Nash letter 



170 llECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

from the Presbyterian Cliurcli of Granville; Miss Ella DeVoe, letter from 
the Congregational Church of Forrest ; T. J. Nicholl, certificate from Epis- 
copal Church; Mrs. Ellen Nicholl, same; Chas. M. Shepherd, letter from 
the PresI)}- terian Church, Mempliis, Tenn. ; Miss Clara Lanun, Miss Emma 
Connelly, Mrs. Elizabeth Durley and P. B. Durley, on profession. 

The officers chosen were : David Field and Jamas Field, Deacons ; Wil- 
liamson Durley, Aug. Shepherd and T. J. Nicholl, Trustees; Miss Ella 
DeVoe, Clerk; P. B. Durley, Treasurer. 

A council was called, and the Church organized December 22, 1874. 
Rev. A. J. Bailey was at once called as pastor, and began his labors Jan- 
uary 24, 1875, the Church in the meantime having been supplied by Rev. 
F. Bascom. Services were held in a room at the public school building, 
the exclusive use of which was offered the Society by the School Board. 

A Sunday School class was organized December 27, 1874. April 5, 
1875, a business meeting was called for the purpose of considering the 
building of a church edifice. A building committee was appointed, and 
by the imited efforts of the Society ground was broken May 16, 1875, and 
liberal aid obtained from the citizens generally. The Congregational 
Union contributed $450 in aid of the building, which was completed and 
dedicated December 22, 1875, just one year from the date of the organi- 
zation. The building and site cost $4,317.90. In 1878, a 1,050 pound 
l)ell was hung, at a total expense of $330.58. 

Forty persons had united with the Church up to April, 1878, in addi- 
tion to the original fifteen, but a few deaths and dismissals had made the 
membership forty-six persons. 

This religious Society, called the "Congregational Church of Christ of 
Hennepin," is organized on the "Declaration of Faith" adopted by the 
National Council of the Congregational Churches held at Boston in June, 
18G5, on the spot where the first meeting-house of the Pilgrims stood. 

This Church, in a series of resolutions adopted soon after its organiza- 
tion, and circulated in a history of the Society published in 23amphlet 
form, declared that. 

Whereas, There is a tendency to the desecration of the Lord's day, by turning it from 
its proper use to a day of social visiting, a time for unusual feasting, for walking the streets 
and driving for pleasure, and in many other ways destroying its sacredness and hindering its 
usefulness for religious edification ; therefore, ^ 

Jiesolved, That we do earnestly protest against this prevailing sin, and call on Christians 
and all others to honor the Lord by a proper observance of His day ; and we do earnestly en- 



EARLY EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. 171 

treat all to " Remember the Sabbath clay" by reading the Scriptures, by appropriate religious 
exercises at home, by meditation and prayer, by attending the ordinances of God's house, and 
by observing the day in every way as the Scriptures direct.'- 

Another resolution recommends daily family worship, another de- 
nounces intemperance, and a fourth is as follows : 

Resolved, That any deviation in business, society or politics, from the strict principles of 
integrity, as taught in the Scriptures, we deem a sufficient cause for censure. 



The Schools. 



The first school in Hennepin was taught l^y Thomas Gallaher in 1833, 
in a log house almost diagonally opposite the present flouring mill site, 
on the lot now occupied by the public Hall. 

In 1835, school was kept in the old Simpson Tavern, in the room used 
sometimes as a hall. 

In 1836 there was a school in the old Presbyterian meeting house. In 
1837 another was held in the old Court House. 

Calvin Dickey in 1842 conducted a private school in a log cabin near 
where Mrs. Reed now lives. 

In 1843 a frame school house was erected on High street, and soon 
after moved further up to near and east of the present public school build- 
ing, where a school was taught until the new house was completed. 

All these schools were run on the subscription plan. The free public 
schools began in 1845, in the building put up by subscription as an acad- 
emy, that scheme having been abandoned and the property tui'ned over to 
the district. 

School houses were poorly constructed, and the rooms were shared by 
others than those seeking to climb the hill of science. One person tells us 
of finding a huge rattlesnake coiled beneath the benches, and occasionally 
a skunk would get under the floor and make it decidedly "warm" for^he 
inmates while he remained. Mice were frequent visitors, and one of 
the pupils, now a staid and dignified business man, remembers how 
he and a chum used to place a boy's cap on the floor, with a stick to 
hold one edge up and a string to pull the stick out when the unsuspect- 
ing mouse went under to eat a bit of bread temptingly displayed, and how 



172 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

they caught the mouse and then a wholesome flogging at the hands of the 
ii'ate pedagogue. 

Benevolent Societies. 

MASONS. 

October 3, 1849, the Masons of Hennepin obtained a charter and or- 
ganized Lodge No. 70. The first members, as named in that instrument, 
were John Pulsifer, Thomas Hartzell, Ben. K. Wardlaw, Wm. D. Mann, 
Nathaniel Applegate, John Folger, John Hall, Abram Phillips, Brown 
Searls and E. Mott. The officers were : Abram Phillips, M. ; John Seai-ls, 
S. W.; John Pulsifer, J. W. 

The first lodge rooms were in Hartenbower's house, north-west of the 
Court House. Tliey now occupy rooms in Mrs. Flora Zenor's building. 
A Chapter is connected with this Lodge, organized in 1879. 

The fraternity are in a good financial condition, and keep their So- 
ciety in an active and sound state, numbering among its members many of 
the leading citizens of the community. 

HENNEPIN ODD FELLOWS. 

Hennepin Lodge No. 118, I. O. O. R, was installed March 24, 1853. 
The charter members were : Oakes Turner, Thomas H. Bradway, N. Pick- 
ering, John S. Margison and Wm. H. Smith. The first officers of the 
Lodge were: O. Turner, N. G.; J. S. Margison, V. G.; Wm. Eddy, Sec- 
retary; N. G. Pickering, Treasurer. 

The persons initiated the evening of the installation of the Lodge 
were: A. H. Turner, L. E. Skeel, Wm. Allen, Wm. Eddy, S. B. Wharton 
and Willard White. 

The Society is in a prosperous condition, and numbers among its mem- 
bers many of the prominent citizens of the town. 



The Buel Institute. 



This is not only the oldest Agricultural Society in Central Illinois, 
but the first formed in the entire West. The initiatory steps were taken 
to organize it, February 23, 1846, at Lowell, LaSalle County. J. S. Bui- 



FIRST AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY IN THE WEST. 173 

lock was Chairman of tlie meeting, and Elmer Baldwin, Secretaiy. After 
some general debate and informal talk among the four or five farmers 
assembled, a resolution was adopted "To form a society out of the friend^ 
of the movement living in that part of La Salle County south of the Illi- 
nois River, and so much of the counties of Putnam and Marshall as may 
choose to unite." 

Elmer Baldwin, R. C. Elliot and L. L. Bullock, of La Salle, Ralph 
Ware, of Putnam, and Wm. M. Clarkson, of Marshall, were appointed a 
committee to draft a constitution and report. 

March 18 another meeting was had at the same place, where a consti- 
tution was reported by the committee, and adopted. The first officers 
were then elected, and were: Elmer Baldwin, President; Ralph Ware, 
Wm. M. Clarkson and John T. Little, Vice Presidents; Dr. J. S. Bullock, 
Treasurer; Oakes Turner, Corresponding Secretary; L. L. Bullock, Re- 
cording Secretary. 

They adjourned to meet at Granville the first Tuesday of June, when 
Mr. Baldwin was appointed to deliver an address. At this meeting and 
subsequent ones within a short time, one hundred and seventy persons 
were induced to sign the Constitution and pay into the treasury fifty 
cents, which constituted the membership fee. At this meeting arrange- 
ments were made for discussing important topics connected with farming, 
stock-raising, fruit-growing and the like, the question to be agreed upon 
at the previous meeting. 

These meetings were to be held every three months, at some place easy 
of access within the boundaries of the Society. 

At the first meeting at Granville the subject was, "The best mode of 
cultivating corn." At this meeting also an annual fair was decided upon, 
to be held at Lowell, on the first Tuesday of October. 

These discussions took a wide range as to subjects, biinging mthin 
their scope everything relative to the farming interest, and at an early 
day, almost from the first meeting, people attended from a distance, com- 
ing on horseback many miles at inclement seasons of the year ; and the 
ladies, too, became regular attendants at these gatherings, looking forward 
to their recurrence with pleasing anticipation. They were really profita- 
ble to the thinking farmer, and should be a feature of every agricultiu-al 
society. 

The meetings for debates were fixed for the first Tuesdays of Decem- 
ber, March, June and September each year, the place to be chosen at the 



174 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

previous (quarterly meeting; also, every member was requested to keep a 
memorandum of each crop planted, how tended, harvested, and the re- 
jgidts, and report. 

The Fair of 1846 was abandoned, in consequence of the great amount 
of sickness then prevailing throughout the country. The quarterly meet- 
ings, however, were regularly held at Lowell, Caledonia, Point Republic, 
Cedar Point, Granville and Magnolia in turn, and leading members deliv- 
ered addresses and read essays, while oral discussions were freely in- 
dulged in. 

Though the general Fair was not held, a local exhibition was gotten 
up at the farm of Wm. Groom, October 3, 1847, and held under the aus- 
pices of the Society, but the record makes no mention of any premiums 
having been awarded. 

The second regular Fair was appointed to be held at Granville, Octo- 
ber 6, 1848, and premiums were offered, — probably badges and honorable 
mention, as no amount of premiums is stated. 

At the Third Annual Fair, which was held at Lowell, one hundred 
dollars was voted for prizes, and "two solicitors " were chosen to circidate 
among the people to raise the funds therefor. "The Executive Commit- 
tee were also notified that they place on their show bills a request that 
there be no horse I'acing in or near the show ground " ! 

All f utm-e fairs were to last two days ; evidence that the last fair had 
been too extensive to be satisfactorily viewed in one day. 

Granville was honored with the Fourth Fair. Uj^on this occasion 
the Society adopted a resolution as follows : 

Resolved, That this meeting recommend that all male animals be not allowed to run at 
large. 

They also considered it wise to advertise the coming exhibition, and to 
this end directed the committee to procure one hundred show bills and 
one hundred premium cards, and the committee were directed if possible 
to procure a "c/e?"ometer " / 

The membership fee in 1850 was raised to 11.50 per anmun, and tlie 
next fair appointed at Henne])in. 

The Fifth Annual Fair, the first at Hennepin, was duly held, and was 
i-ather more expensive than any of its predecessors, but seems to have 
been proportionately successful. The musicians cost $5.00, and the door- 



MR. 



175 



keeper $2. The exhibitors of fruits donated their samples to the Society, 
which goods being sold at auction, netted as follows : 

C. R. *fe N. Overman, Canton, Fulton County, $1.50. 

Arthur Bryant, Bureau, 60 cents. 

Underhill <fe Co., La Salle, 65 cents. 

A. ll. Whiting, Lee County, $1.10. 

C}a-us Bryant, Bureau, 65 cents. 

McWhorter & Co., Mercer County, $1.22. 

L. P. Pennington, Whiteside County, ^1.20. 

H. N. Shooler, Putnam County, 70 cents. 

This indicates that the Fair was widely known and well patronized. 

The Treasurer's report for 1851 exhibited: Admissions $74.00. Ex- 
penses — music $5.00; printer $22.25; premiums in full, $15.50; and cash 
above all expenses, $144.80. 

This Society is entitled to the credit of iirst suggesting to the Govern- 
ment a Bureau or Department of Agriculture. In June, 1851, the sub- 
ject came up and was fully discussed l)y the Institute, and the result of 
this debate was a petition, signed by the leading farmers of Putnam, Mar- 
shall and La Salle Counties, which was forwarded to our Representatives 
at Washington, in which was set forth the importance to the country of 
agriculture, the basis of all pursuits, and urging upon Congress to protect, 
foster and encourage it. Thus the matter came before that body from a 
respectable source, and was not only heard, but acted upon, and resulted 
in forming the Department of Agriculture, as stated. 

The Fairs were held at Peru one or two years, but the disadvantage 
of moving aljout without permanent buildings or grounds ; the growth of 
the Society, and the importance and increasing size of its annual exhibi- 
tions made a permanent location necessary, and the Society settled upon 
Hennepin as central and sufficiently accessible from all du'ections for the 
purpose. 

Fairs are held here every year, but of late years the exhibitions of this 
veteran Society are overshadowed by the greater magnitude of the neigh- 
boring fairs at Princeton, Wenona and Ottawa. 



The Gallatier and Other Mills. 

The pioneer mill for grinding any kind of grain in all this region of 
country was put up by Thos. Gallaher, Sr., in the fall of 1828. The 



176 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Ijurrs were "nigger-heads," or dark granite boulders found upon the 
prairies, such as geologists tell us belong to the "drift" period, and were 
brought here from high northern latitudes some hundreds of centu- 
ries ago. Mr. Gallaher dressed these firm-grained rocks himself, drilled 
holes in them and wrought upon them at odd spells for a long time, ex- 
hausting a large stock of patience upon their stubborn and ragged outlines 
before he could reduce them to a fit shape and finish for his purpose. The 
mill was built on a hill or slight elevation in Section 30, one mile south 
of Florid. The building was of logs, sixteen feet square. A shaft was 
set up outside, and holes mortised in it for arms. A raw-hide band was 
stretched around, connecting the shaft with the upper stone, and with two 
or four horses was made to revolve, and thus turned the stones. In this 
primitive manner a couple of bushels of corn could be ground in an hour. 
One of tdese old burrs was sold to a Mr. Trusten, who removed it to 
Sandy Creek, where it was used for a time, and afterward fell into the 
hands of Mr. Bowers, and now is a step in front of Morrill's store in the 
village of Magnolia. At first the corn-meal, bran and all were delivered 
to the customer, but a year or so after a sieve was added, when he also 
began to make wheat flour, improvising some sort of bolting apparatus. 

Two years thereafter Mr. Gallaher employed Mr. Shugart to make 
cog-wheel gearing, which gi'eatly accelerated the speed, and a bolt was 
also put in. With four horses — two on each sweep, — he could now 
grind and bolt about three bushels per hour. At this time there was no 
flouring mill nearer than Salt Creek, Sangamon County, eighty miles 
away. 

About 18o2, Hollenback.lniilt a mill near Magnolia, the second in the 
County, greatly relieving the pressure on the Gallaher mill, which Tip to 
that time had done all the grinding for the settlers for many. miles around. 

Gallaher's mill continued to run until about 1836. 

In 1831, Simeon Crozier erected a water power mill on Cedar Creek, 
which attracted some little custom from the north-eastern corner of Gran- 
ville Township. 

A mill located at Vermilionville ground much of the wheat for the 
farmers of this region, and sometimes they patronized John Green's mills, 
at Dayton, four miles above Ottawa, on Fox River. 



INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE. 



177 



^ 



CHAPTER XXIII. 




GREAT SNOWS. 



OR several years, begimiiiig witli 1828, heavy falls of snow 
were experienced, of which the early settlers have vivid 
remembrances. In that year Thomas Gallahei', Sr., brought 
up from Dillon's settlement 150 head of cattle, eighty sheep, 
and 100 hogs, known as the Shaker breed, having been 
brought from Ohio. He had secured a crop of hay, but it 
was beneath the deep snow that everywhere covered the 
ground, and could not be reached. There was an abund- 
ance of "mast" that season, and his hogs took to the woods, 
and rooting beneath the snow, fared well. Many of them escaped to the 
bottoms and became in a measure wild. His cattle and sheep fared 
worse, many of them dying. 

Seeing the necessity of procuring feed for his stock, Mr. Gallaher sent 
his son Thomas, Jr., and a young man named Kelly to Crozier's, in La- 
Salle County, where it was reported feed could be had. They had a sin- 
gle horse between them, which they alternately rode. They did not suc- 
ceed in finding corn, and were returning by Bailey's Point, when they 
struck a swampy place north and east of Granville, where Kelly got wet 
and froze both his feet. The locality was long after known as Frozen 
Point. 

Mr. Gallaher's stock became so weakened toward spring, by reason 
of scanty feed, that he feared their entire loss unless more nutritious food 
could be had, and the nearest or most feasible place where it could be 
procured was some distance below Peoria. 

He and Mr. Kelly went to Hennepin, (the young man's feet still much 
swollen, the result of the freezing), where they hoped to get boats from 
the Indian traders, but none were to be had. He next visited Shick- 
Shack's camp, hoping to obtain canoes, but the chief and his men had 
gone to "Coch-a-Mink," as the Indians called Fort Clark, with his boats 
loaded with furs. Although unsuccessful in both these attempts, Mr. Gal- 
laher was not a man to be discouraged. His cattle and sheep were 



178 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

,^not only on short allowance, but his family were " out of meat," and lie 
felt that something must be done at once ; so he determined to push on 
to the probable land of corn. Young Kelly, though suffering severely, 
insisted on accompanying him, and together they started on foot. The 
river was high, and the streams emptying into it were swollen by the 
meltino" shows. Tliey had neither guides nor assistance, but reached their 
destination safely. 

They found there plenty of corn and meal, but no boats. Here again 
Mr. Gallaher's grit was put to the test, and getting a couple of axes, he 
and his man went into the woods, and cutting down a suitable tree, made 
and launched a large dug-out. Purchasing one hundred bushels of corn, 
fifty bushels of corn-meal, a barrel of salt and some groceries, they started 
for home, and after many days of hard work, they reached the head of 
what is now the Sister Islands, and landed. This was about the second 
week of April. Grass had begun to grow, but as yet there was but little 
feeding for stock. Having no way to haid his grain to the farm through 
the woods, he drove his cattle to the boat, and there fed such of them as 
could get to the river, and others were assisted until all were able to sus- 
tain themselves. 

But the great snow was in 1829-30, according to some, and in I80O- 
31 according to others, though it is possible both seasons were noted in 
this respect, and each statement is correct. It made the prairies one 
uniform level, over the frozen surface of which footman easily trav- 
eled; but the sharp hoofs of the deer cut through and made their capture 
easy. Stock was kept in groves convenient to the cabins, and subsisted 
on the tender tops of trees cut down to ^'browse" upon. There was much 
suffering among the few settlers in the vicinity. A man ti'aveling on horse- 
])ack was I'eported lost in the snow, and his remains were found the fol- 
lowing spring, south of Peru. According to Mr. Smiley Shepherd's I'ecol- 
lection, it came between Christmas and New Year, falling constantly and 
cb'ifting for three days, and then crusted over so that the Indians wei'e 
enabled to run upon the surface. It lasted until February 1(5, the day 
of the total eclipse of the sun. The next day the weather turned warm, 
and the snow melted and disappeared four days thereafter. 

A man traveling in a wagon, near Florid, was caught in the snow 
and had to abandon his vehicle, where it remained till spring. An- 
other person named Swainford, in attempting to cross from Granville 
to Florid, had to abandon his horse. Keturning next day he found it had 



$K 



TIIJ] PIONEEK LASS WHO " OUT -RUN DAD. l79 

been killed by the wolves. Anotber mau started witb a bog in a sled to 
go from Gallaber's to Hennepin, and got fast in tbe drift. He went to 
a neighbor's, and on bis return tbe bog bad loosened tbe cords tbat bound 
ber and struck out for itself. He cut oif its tail as a mark, and let ber 
go, and tbe next season found ber and a litter of nice young pigs doing 
well. Sbe bad mana2;ed for berself in a creditable manner. 

Tbe summer of I80G was exceedingly cold and backward. Corn in 
tbe neigbborbood of Hennepin, and especially on tbe l)ottoms and low 
places, was cut down wben from eight to ten inches high, on tbe Kith of 
June, but as the stalks had not yet jointed, they grew again. Tbe weather 
continued cold until fall, which came early, with freezing spells, and but 
little of it matured. The following spring tbe farmers bad much difficulty 
in procui'ing seed corn, and many sent to tbe southern part of tbe State 
for supplies. 

ODD CHARACTERS. 

The settlement of a country is usually preceded by a lawless, ungov- 
ernable, uncivilized race, that bang on the verge of civilization and seem 
to think their free and easy existence tbe acme of enjoyment. As a rule 
they are 023en-hearted, brave and generous, and their vices all "lean to 
virtue's side." They have a weakness for poor whisky, a contempt for 
danger, are prompt to resent an insult, and ready at all times for a bght. 
Usually they are honest, but being tempted, are liable to fall, and often 
become bandits and robbers. 

A representative man of this class was Dave Jones, of unenviable no- 
toriety. He was brave and fearless, and when news came of the massacre 
of tbe Hall family, and all were paralyzed with fear, be saddled a horse 
and rode alone to the scene of murder. He once ran a foot race with an 
Irishman for a sum of money. They were to go to a certain point and 
return, and tbe Irishman started off at his best, while Dave walked leis- 
urely down tbe track until meeting bis opponent on the return, he knocked 
bim down, came in first and claimed the stakes. The Irishman deter- 
mined to get even witb him, and when Dave was drunk, beat bim so 
badly that, believing tbe man would die, be fled the place. But Dave 
recovered, and lived for many a day after. For years there was not a 
session of court in which be did not figure as defendant in cases where the 
people were plaintiffs. He was tbe first occupant of tbe Hennepin jail, 
and its frequent tenant afterward. For several years be lived in the tim- 



180 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

her west of Granville, where he raised a family as wild and untamed as 
liiinself. He had a stout, healthy daughter, a dozen or more years old, 
wliom he undertook to send to school, but with the perverseness of her 
sire, she refused, telling him flatly she would n't go. She was fleet of foot, 
and Avhen Dave essayed the persuasive virtues of a healthy-sized whip, 
she i-an away, with hei' irate sire in hot pursuit. Not far from the house 
was a })()nd of watei* with a substratum of deep mud, round which she 
ski})ped, but Dave, hoping to cut her oif on the opposite side, dashed 
through. The depth was greater than expected, and he emerged covered 
with mud and half drowned, thougli he continued the race to the school 
house, where pupils and teacher set up a laugh at his plight, in which 
Dave too joined, — his hopeful daughter shaking her sides with mirthful- 
ness, and exclaiming, "Golly! I out-run dad." 

" In the spring of 1832 a dead Indian was found in the creek, near the 
present site of the Bureau Valley Mills, with a bullet hole in his back, 
showing that he came to his death from a rifle shot. The corpse was 
taken out of the water by Indians, buried in the sand near by, and the 
affair was soon forgotten. Jones said while hunting deer in the creek 
bottom, he saw this Indian setting on a log over the water, fishing, when 
all of a sudden he jumped up as though he was about to draw out a big 
fish, and pitched headlong into the water, and was drowned when he came 
up to him. Two other Indians disap23eared mysteriously about the same 
time, who were supposed to have been murdered, and on that account it 
is said the Indians contemplated taking revenge on the settlers. 

"One warm afternoon Jones, with a jug in one hand, came cantering 
his old mare up to the Hennepin ferry, saying that his wife was very sick, 
and would certainly die if she did not get some whisky soon. In great 
haste Jones was taken across the river, and on landing on the Hennepin 
side he put his old mare on a gallop up the bluff to Durley's store, where 
he filled his jug with whisky. Meeting with some old chums, he soon be- 
came intoxicated, forgot about his wife's sickness, and spent the afternoon 
and evening in wrestling, dancing ' Jim Crow,' and fighting with some of 
his friends. 

" It was long after dark when Jones started for home, but on arriving at 
the ferry he found the boat locked up, and the ferryman in bed. Jones 
rapped at the door of the ferryman's house, swearing if he did not get up 
and take him across he would pull the house down, and whip him besides. 
But all his threats were in vain ; the ferryman could not be moved. Jones 



THE ADVENTURES OF "dAVe" JOlSrES. 181 

went down to the river, took off tlie bridle reins, with which he tied the 
jug of whisky on his back, then drove his old mare into the river, and 
holding on to her tail, was ferried across the river, as he afterward ex- 
pressed it, ' without costing him a cent.' 

"One afternoon, while Dave Jones was engaged in cutting out a road 
from Hennepin ferry through the bottom timber, his coat, which lay by 
the wayside, was stolen. Although the value of the old coat did not ex- 
ceed two dollars, it was all the one Jones had, and he searched for it 
throughout the settlement. At last Jones found his coat on the back of 
the thief, whom he arrested and took to Hennepin for trial. The thief 
was at work in Mr. Hays' field, immediately west of Princeton, when 
Jones presented his rifle at his breast, ordering him to take up his line of 
march for Hennepin, and if he deviated from the direct course, he would 
blow his brains out. The culprit, shaking in his boots, started on his 
journey, while Jones, with his rifle on his shoulder, walked about three 
paces behind. On arriving at Hennepin, the thief j)lead guilty, being 
more afraid of Jones than the penalties of the law, and was therefore put 
in jail. After Jones had delivered up his prisoner, he got drunk, was en- 
gaged in several flghts, and he too was arrested and put in jail. At that 
time the Hennepin jail consisted of only one room, being a log structure, 
twelve feet square, and Jones being put in with the thief, commenced 
beating him. Seeing that they could not live together, the thief was libe- 
I'ated and Jones retained. At this turn of affairs, Jones became penitent, 
agreeing to go home and behave himself if they would let him out. Ac- 
cordingly, the Shei'iff took him across the river and set him at liberty; 
but Jones swore he would not go home until he had whipped every person 
in Hennepin, so he returned to carry out his threats, but was again arrested 
and put in jail. 

"A short time after the Hennepin ferry was established, Dave Jones 
was on the Hennepin side of the river with a wild yoke of cattle, and 
wished to cross over, but was unwilling to pay the ferriage. He swore 
before he would pay the ferryman's extravagant price he would swim the 
river, saying that he had frequently done it, and could do it again. Jones 
wore a long- tailed Jackson overcoat, which reached to his heels, and a coon- 
skin cap, with the tail hanging down over his shoulders, the weather at 
the time being quite cool. He drove his oxen into the river, taking the 
tail of one of them in his mouth, when they started for the opposite shore. 
Away went the steers, and so went Dave Jones, his long hair and long- 



182 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tailed overcoat floating on the water, his teetli tiglitly fastened to the 
steer's tail, while with his hands and feet he paddled with all his might. 
Everything went on swimmingly until they came near the middle of the 
river, where the waters from each side of the island come together; here 
the current was too strong for the steers, — they turned down stream, and 
put back for the Hennepin side. Jones could not open his mouth to say 
cree or haw, without losing his hold on the steer's tail, and was therefore 
obli^'-ed to go where the steers led him, but all were safely landed some 
distance below the starting place. Jones was in a terrible rage at his fail- 
ure to cross the river — beat his cattle, and cursed the bystanders for 
lau<diing at his misfortune. After taking a big dram of whisky, he tried 
it again but with no better success. Three diif erent times Jones tried 
this experiment, each time whipping his cattle and taking a fresh dram of 
whisky. At last he was obliged to give it up as a bad job, and submit to 
paying the ferryman the exorbitant price of twenty-five cents to be ferried 
over."* 

The influx of settlers and the establishment of law and order made it 
too sultry for Jones, who returned to Indiana, where he was hung by a 
party of regulators for his numerous crimes. He died as he vowed he 
would, "with his boots on." 

Another family of semi-outlaws were the Harts, living in the bottoms 
below Henry, between whom and the Bakers, living on Ox Bow Prairie, 
desperate war waged with varied success. They were of the class known 
in the South as poor white trash, and were idle, vicious and pugnacious, 
quick to take offense and prompt to resent an insult. The question of 
supremacy was never fairly settled, victory inclining first to one faction 
and then to another. At one time a Baker challenged a Hart, and the 
fight was arranged to come off on a certain day. Hart perhaps feared the 
result and was inclined to back down, but when his wife heard of it she 
declared with an oath, if he did not' fight Baker and whip him too he 
should not live with her another day. Like most borderers, he wore his hair 
very long, and in preparation for the contest she sheared it close to his 
head, divested him of everything but his pants, smeared his body all over 
with soft soap, and sent him forth to battle. Baker came on the gi'ound 
stripped likewise to the buff, with a handkerchief "girt about his loins," 
and in the expressive language of the ring, " just spoiling for a fight," and 

* Reminiscences of Bureau County. 




Hennepin, 



Putnam Co. 



A NEGRO SOLD UNDER THE VAGRANT ACT. 185 

vowing he could whip any two Harts on the ground. The latter was ar- 
rayed in a long camlet cloak that completely hid his warlike preparations, 
and when asked if he was ready, said "He guessed not; he had no quar- 
rel with Mr. Baker, and did n't think he could whip him." This still more 
excited the latter, who pranced round like a mad bull, saying Hart was a 
coward and dare not fight him. At last the preliminaries were arranged 
and a ring formed, into which the men stepped ; and Hart, throwing off 
his cloak, displayed his gladiatorial form and careful preparations. Baker's 
tactics were to grasp his antagonist, hold him fast and bite or gouge, as 
circumstances warranted; but the latter was slippery as an eel, and 
pounded his antagonist severely, easily winning the fight. 

NEGRO SOLD IN HENNEPIN. 

About 1835, a negro was sold in Hennepin under the operation of the 
infamous black laws of the State. He was a refugee from below, and 
probably reached here on board one of the many steamers plying on 
the Illinois. He possessed "no visible means of suppoi't," and either 
cared not to work or could not get the opportunity, and at the instigation 
of interested parties was arrested under the provisions of the vagrant act, 
and advertised for sale for his keeping and costs. There was an active 
Abolition element at Granville and elsewhere in the County, and on the 
day of sale the members were present, but finding there was no claimant 
present for his person, nor any arranged plan to return him to slavery, 
they allowed the sale to go on, and he brought, we believe, one dollar and 
costs.^ William M. Stewart, of Florid, became the purchaser, who put 
him in the harvest field and paid him regular wages. The "man and 
brother " earned a suit of clothes besides his freedom, and some money to 
take him on the road to Canada. 

A slave was brought to Union Grove in 1830 by Saml. D. Laughlin, 
and remained some time. He was taken to Chicago by Thomas Hartzell,' 
and sent on his way. 

HARD FOR BACHELORS. 

In 1833 there were eleven families, all told, in Hennepin, half a 
dozen marriageable females, and about forty eligible bachelors and wid- 
owers. Of course the former were in good demand among the young set- 
tlers wanting wives, but the widowers had the inside track and carried off 
the best ones. 



l^T) hecoubs of ttte otj^fn tiime. 

Ill those (lays an extensive outfit and wedding- trip were not tlionglit 
of, for both parties "meant business," and proceeded in a business way. 
The groom pre])ared his cabin for its new occu])ant, and she, di'essed in a 
clean calico go^vn, with hair nicely combed, was ready for the ceremony. 
Next the services of a minister were invoked, a few friends called in, and 
a bountiful supper of venison and johnny-cake concluded the festivities, 
after which the bride was conducted to her future home, and their new 
life began. For ten years there was a marked scarcity of marriageal)le 
women, and the first indictment in the County (as stated elsewhere) was 
found against a man for having two wives. The culprit, a man named 
Hall, lived in the vicinity of Hennepin, in a small cabin, and claimed to 
liave been lawfully married to the two women with whom he lived, and 
that his religious views justified his conduct. 

The jurymen, most of whom were bacheloi's, thought it smacked too 
much of monopoly, and some favored hanging as an example for the future, 
but their advice was not taken. 

What was strange about it was that the women seemed satisfied, and 
on hearing what had been done by the grand jury, voluntarily followed 
their much married husband elsewhere. 

A PEEACHER ANSWERED. 

Somewhere about 1831, a minister named Jesse Hale came to Henne- 
pin to establish a mission among the Indians. He was a man of simple 
faith and very earnest, believing himself able to convert and civilize them 
if only a hearing could be obtained. 

Old Loins Bailey was sent for as an interpreter, and the Indians came 
from far and near. Hale mounted a stump in the woods below Henne- 
pin, and harangued his dusky audience for an hour. When the intrepre- 
tei' had translated the last sentence into the Pottawatomie dialect, old 
Shaubena came forward, and motioning silence, made reply: "To what 
white preacher say, I say may be so ! Are all white men good ? I say may 
be so ! Do white men cheat Indian ? I say may be so. Governor Cole 
gave me, Shaubena, hunting grounds, and told me to hunt. Your big 
White-sides (General Whiteside) come along and tell Shaubena pneh a chee 
(clear out)." Here the angry cliief exhibited his papers, bearing the sig- 
nature of the Governor and the great seal of the State, and throwing them 
upon the ground, stamped them under his feet. Hale tried to pacify the 



"jerked" VTENISOlSr WOLVES THE MILITIA. 187 

indignant chief by saying tliat "Whiteside is a bad white man;" where- 
upon Shaubena retorted, "If white man steal Indian's land, hang him!" 
Hale thought this meant himself, and he fled through the bushes for town, 
nor ever sought to convert an Indian again. 

A PARSON OUT OF MEAT. 

During the year 1830 the Gallaher boys caught a fawn, which was 
easily domesticated, and became quite a pet. They tied a strip of red 
flannel about its neck, and turned it out to roam the woods at will. It 
grew rapidly, and the neighbors soon got to know it as the "Gallaher 
deer." It rambled through the woods, and even the Indians, though con- 
stantly hunting, never molested it. But one afternoon it ventured too 
near the smoke-house of a certain parson living near Union Grove, and 
was never after seen alive. It was not best to insinuate the minister after- 
ward lived on venison, but his influence with the Gallahei- boys was gone 
from that day. 

A WOLF STORY. 

As previously stated, Mr. Gallaher's sheep did not suffer so much from 
scanty feeding as the cattle, and "came through," though in a very lean 
condition. Their worst foe was the gaunt and hungry wolves, which re- 
quired continual watching. One day the boys on whom devolved this 
duty allowed them to range beyond their sight, and stray over the hill 
into the woods beyond. At night they failed to appear as usual. Search 
was made, and soon the cause was apparent, as scattered along the course 
were the dead and mangled carcasses, but no living sheep. Several days 
later they came upon a ewe alive and unhurt, several miles from home. 
How she had escaped the fangs of the destroyer was a mystery. She was 
taken home and a bell put around her neck, and for several seasons she ran 
with the cattle, unmolested by dog or wolf, as if possessed of a charmed 
life. She was the only survivor of the flock of eighty originally brought 
to the country by Mr. Gallaher. 

A STILL HUNT. 

When the news of the Indian outbreak, the massacre of the whites on 
Indian Creek, and the killing of Phillips in Bureau had been promul- 
gated, the white settlers, with very few exceptions, turned out promptly to 



188 llECORDS OF TTTE OLDEN TUtVl. 

iiglit tlie savages. They had no anus save fowling pieces and S(|uiiTel 
guns, but hastily arming themselves with these, they huriied to the front. 

Mr. Gallaher I'elates how he met about sixty of these brave defenders 
under Caj)tain Hawes, They had no uniforms, each soldier coming out in 
such clothing as he had, and consequently no two were dressed alike. 
They came singing and shouting, yelling and cat-calling, like so many 
boys on a jaml)oree, and altogether presented a sight that would have in- 
spired unlimited mirthfulness instead of fear, even in a savage. 

This manner of marching became all the more ridiculous when it is 
remembered that they had started out on a "still hunt," to surpnse a foe 
the most cunning and cat-like known to history. 

A STARVED RECRUIT. 

One evening during the Indian war excitement, while the rangers were 
searching the woods near the mouth of Bureau Creek, they were hailed in 
a weak, piping voice, and found a poor, emaciated fellow in soldier's uni- 
form, barely able to walk, who told his pitiful story with much difficulty. 
He was at Stillman's defeat, on Rock River, and had been hiding in the 
woods, with very little food, ever since, and was nearly starved. He be- 
lieved himself the only survivor, and thinking the , country in the 2:)0sses- 
sion of the Indians, had not dared to venture in the vicinity of the white 
settlements. He was taken to town and well cai'ed for until he recovered 
and joined his company. 

JAIL BURNED. 

The Hennepin Jail was set on fire and burned down September 27, 
1842. A fellow named Frederick was confined in it for burglary, having 
broken open the store of Pulsifer <fe Co. and stolen valuable goods, for 
which he was under indictment. It was built of brick at a cost of $3,000, 
was lined with heavy timbers, and supposed to be burglar proof. While 
burning the prisoner was placed in the C'ourt House for safety, but gave 
his guard the slip and escaped. The enraged tax-payers however turned 
out and hunted him down, keeping him safely until his trial. 

A PIONEER EXPRESS. 

Before the introduction of steamboats upon the Illinois, business was 
carried on l)y keel-boats or pirogues, manned by adventurous boatmen, 



WAR AVERTED AND VICTORY SECURED BY STRATEGY. 189 

Avlio made regular trips to St. Louis, stopping at intervening points and 
transacting such business as was required. For niany years a couple of 
half-breeds ran a lio'ht batteau on the river, taking furs and light pro- 
duce to market and filling orders with scrupulous fidelity. When they 
first began the ti-ade they were but boys, and they continued until the 
more rapid steaml)oat drove them from the river. 

In the al>sence of banks of exchange, they were sometimes entrusted 
with heavy sums and commissioned to make valuable purchases, which 
they did with entire satisfaction, accounting for every dollar. 

INDIANS OUTWITTED. 

Oiir of the first merchants of Hennepin was John Durley, and the fol- 
lowing incident in which he was an actor, though occurring elsewhere, is 
told by his descendants. Previous to his removal to Putnam County, he 
resided in Madison County in this State, where in 1824 they were greatly 
annoyed by a band of thievish, impudent Indians, encamped in the vicin- 
ity. Having previously sold their lands to the Government, and consented 
to emigrate beyond the Mississippi, application was made to the Indian 
Agent, who sent a company of soldiei'S to order their I'emoval. The for- 
mer were few in num])er, while the Indians were well armed and supplied 
with amnninition, and the advantages, if force were resorted to, would he 
all on their side. In this predicament a ruse suggested by Mr. Durley 
was tried, and proved entirely successful. Accompanied by his son 
James, now of Hennepin, he rode over to the Indian village, with the 
chief of which he was on friendly terms, and told him the purposes of the 
Grreat Father, who had sent a thousand warriors with oi'ders to kill all 
Indians who had not left the country as agreed in their treaty, adding 
that in half an hour they would pass in front of Sugar-loaf Hill, a small 
conical eminence a mile from the Indian village, and near which they were 
to camp. He advised the chief to leave, or, doubting his word, to hide 
among t^he trees and count the soldiers. 

Soon after the troops appeared, marching slowly in front of the hill, 
and running at full speed on the opposite side, so as to keep the show in 
front continuous. In this way the duped chief was deluded into counting 
thirty or forty men over and over until they numbered a thousand or 
more, when he broke for the camp, hastily packed the ponies, and left 
lulter-skelter for the Mississi2)pi River, followed by the soldiers at a safe 



[){) RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



distance all night Wliile crossing the Illinois River, the Indians were 
fired upon by the troops and several killed. A pony on which was 
strapped seven little children, while swimming the stream, was shot, and 
its load of helpless infants all drowned. 



FASTIDIOUS TRAVELERS. 



Hotel accommodations in 1834-5 were not what they are at present. 
There was plenty to eat, such it was, but French cooks had not been im- 
ported, and cook-books were unknowai to our gi-andmothers. Hog and 
hominy, coffee and molasses were the staples, and the traveler who could 
not appreciate them after a six hours jolt in Frink & Walker's "mud 
wagons" w^as set down as "too nice for anything.'" For lodgings, a 
blanket, buffalo robe, or a sheepskin was provided, and the traveler told 
to select the softest plank he could find. As landlords grew in wealth 
they increased their accommodations, and a single large room was devoted 
to sleeping purposes, filled with beds, upon which was a " shake down " 
filled with prairie hay, and a blanket. Sheets w^ere a decided luxury, and 
it was not every "hotel " that afforded them. The traveler was expected 
to share his bed with others, and this "custom of the country" was ac- 
cepted as a matter of course, though occasionally some fine-haired individ- 
uals objected. 

Captain Hawes, of Magnolia, once entertained a choleric fellow^ wdio 
claimed to be "a gentleman," said he never in all his life slept with any 
one but his wife, and rather than do it, sat up all night. At intervals he 
would groan and wish himself out of the barbarous country, to which the 
unfeeling lodgers would respond with a hearty "Amen!" 



THE INDIAN S RIDE. 



Indian boys affiliated readily with the whites of their own age, and 
joined heartily in the sports common to both. They w^ere athletic and 
"springy," but usually mider size, and could not cope in'a fair rough and 
tumble with the pale faces. They did not easily take offense, but when 
once angered, their wa-ath was fearful. Mr. William Gallaher tells an 
amusing story of one who was his frecpient playmate. Mr. G.'s busi- 
ness was hauling logs with a yoke of oxen, one of wdiich, a very quietly 
disposed brute, he used to nde, while his mate w^as wild and vicious. The 
Indian one day wished to ride, and G., in a spirit of mischief, put liim on 



A YOUNG Indian's perilous hide. 



101 



the wild animal, at the same time releasing him from the yoke. The ox 
has an instinctive fear of an Indian, and unused to such treatment, started 
off at a desperate pace, setting up a bellow that infected every animal on the 
place with a like frenzy, and away they started in pursuit. The Indian was 
good rider and held on like grim death, while the ox tore through the 
fiylds, brush and briers until he reached the larger timber, when a project- 
ing limb brushed his rider off unhurt. But the Indian never forgave this 
too pi-actical joke, and sought to kill young Gallaher, who was careful 
ever after to keep out of his way. 




102 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 




A NOTED BURGLARY. 



URING the summer of 1869, the hitherto exceedmgly quiet 
city of Hennepin became the scene of a most intense and 
long continued excitement, owing to the stirring events 
here narrated. 

About the 10th of June a rather suspicious person 
made his appearance in town, and wandered about from 
day to day, with no apparent object other than to ask a good 
many questions, look into alleys and by-ways, and make the 
acquaintance of the roughs and idlers of the place. On one 
occasion he went into Leech & Bros', office, where they kept their safe and 
funds, ostensibly to get a $10.00 bill changed, but in fact to note the lay 
of things in the office, the fastenings upon the safe, its lock, and the posi- 
tion of the windows. This fellow also went to Hartenbower's warehouse 
for the same purpose, and asked of a young man whom he had made a 
"chum" of, "Where these grain dealers kept their money-?" and "Where 
they lived?" He disappeared the morning before the attempted robbery. 
Another fellow had appeared upon the scene — a tall, lank, illy dressed, 
gray- whiskered chap, who was seen in several places, apparently drunk, 
the day before the attempt on the safe was made, and was found next 
morning in a corn-crib near the scene, where it was thought he had 
been "telegraphing" his pals when in the warehouse, but when dis- 
covered was too drunk, or simulated it so perfectly as to completely de- 
ceive his captors, who could make nothing out of him and turned him 
loose. He was either tot > drunk for a sober man or too sober for a drunken 
one. In three minutes after, when the enraged citizens had begun to con- 
nect him with the gang, he was not to be found! 

About one o'clock of the morning of June 23, 1869, Mr. John B. 
Gowdey, a respectable tradesman of Hennepin, had occasion to get a 
drink of water. After rising he concluded to go down to his shoe- 
shop for a smoke, when he was astonished to hear the sound of iron 
striking iron close in his neighborhood. Going out softly, he heard 



DISCOVERY AND PURSUIT OF THE BURGLARS. 103 

the noise more distinctly, and followed it up cautiously, till reaching 
a window of Leech Bros', warehouse, he saw three men — one hold- 
ing a dark lantern, one a cold-chisel, and the third a sledge-hammer, 
which tools are now to be seen in the County Clerk's office at Hennepin. 
Mr. Growdey's first impulse was to ''yell" at them to drive them off, but 
as they had not got in the safe, and didn't seem likely to for a few min- 
utes more, he crept away and ran softly to wake up the citizens nearest 
the scene, and secure the burglars if possible. He aroused J. W. Leech, 
Mr. Small and Frank Sunderland. These men and a few others gathered 
around the warehouse as soon as possible. Mr. Leech stationed Mr. Sun- 
derland near the window, going himself to the door toward the river, 
rightly judging that the robbers had come across in a canoe or skiff, and 
would head that way on being alarmed. Some one, in coming down the 
hill near the warehouse, tripped upon a loose stone, and thus prema- 
turely alarmed the villians, who immediately rushed out of the building 
through a drive-way toward their skiff, yelling to the citizens to "stand 
back or get hurt," and the former, with only one gun that was avail- 
able, and not being aljle in the dark to distinguish friend from foe, could 
not safely fire. The robbers returned to their boat. They were ordered to 
halt, and answered with a shot from a revolver, which fortunately hit 
no one. A lad named Everett had no gun, and began throwing stones 
at the retreating party, whereupon they returned several shots with 
their revolvers. As the boat emerged from the deep shadow of the 
buildings, they opened (piite a lively fire ui)on the crowd which had by 
this time assembled uj)on the shore. Frank Sunderland took the shot-gun 
and replied with better luck, for the oarsman in the departing boat was 
numerously peppered, one shot lodging in his face undei' the eye and in 
dangerous proximity to that organ. He fell forward, or rather dropped 
his face between his hands and quit rowing, while his companion seized 
the oars and exerting his full strength; one of them broke, and he was 
obliged to paddle toward the shore with the other as best he could. 

The country opposite town is low and fiat, with a single narrow cause- 
way leading to the main land. At all times it is little l)ettei' than a 
morass, and now the river, swelled by the spring rains, was high, and the 
whole territory, with the single exception of the causeway alluded to, was 
more or less submerged. At the point dwelt two men engagea upon the 
ferry, named Barmore and Thornton, who, hearing the alarm and under- 
standing the situation, came down to the river prepared to give the rob- 



104 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

bers the warmest ])0ssible reception. Had it not }>een for tlie broken oar, 
and knowing the locality well, they would doubtless have gone direct to 
the landing and fought their way out, or at least attempted to ; but that 
changed all their ])laiis, and the current carried them down stream, where 
they landed in the half sul)nierged timber, seeking what safety they could. 
As soon as it was sufficiently light and skiffs could be procured, the 
people, now thoroughly aroused, turned out, armed with every available 
weapon, and the river bottoms were effectually scoui'ed for the skulking 
vagabonds. Early in the morning the fellow who had been wounded was 
caught. He maintained a d^ugrtje of innocence of the attempted crime and 
knowledge of the whereabouts of his pals that was refreshing! "He had 
been out hunting, and had scratched his face with a thorn," but at a later 
period confessed that he had been shot as above stated, and had fallen be- 
hind his comrades while endeavoring to allay the pain and stop the flow 
of blood from the wound on his face, and while bathing his eye the oth- 
ers had left him, and he dare not call them for fear of attracting their 
pursuers. About eight or nine o'clock in the morning the remaining bur- 
glars were found lying by a log in the edge of a swamp or slough. Mr. 
Thornton, who discovered the culprits, made signs to Holland, Cook and 
others to come to him. The signals wei'e speedily passed along the line, 
and each man, with weapon in hand ready for use, advanced. The leader, 
seeinir the situation and, knowing; his retreat was cut off and resistance 
useless, held up both hands, exclaiming, "Don't shoot; I give up." His 
companion also surrendered. They were searched, and no weapons found, 
but afterward revolvers were found hidden deep in the mud near the 
place of ari'est. Seeing themselves surrounded by so many persons all in 
citizens' attii'e, they feared violence, and begged not to be mobbed. One 
of them was escorted by I. H. Cook, l>ut he pretended entire ignorance of 
what had trans])ired. He was a poor trapper looking after his traps, and 
could not understand why he shoidd be arrested by armed men. As they 
near(id the shore, ^vhere a laig-e crowd waited their arrival, he thought of 
the ])OSsil>le lynching that might follow, and foi'getting the trapper role 
enquired "what they did with the other fellow they caught; " to which 
the reply was made that they " liung him before breakfast." 

llie prisoners were escorted up town through a dense crowd of excited, 
scowling citizens, only waiting a leader to take the law into their own 
hands and give the villains the justice they richly deserved at the end of 
a rope. An examination was had before a Justice of the Peace, and the 



PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT BURGLARY IN HEKNEPrPT. 195 

i:)risoners placed under heavy bonds to wait tlie action of the Grand Jury, 
Avhich they not being able to give, were escorted to the jail and a special 
guard put over them. 

Subsequent events proved this to have been a deep laid scheme, coolly 
planned by the leading cracksman of Chicago, the notorious Buck Hol- 
brook, well known to the police and dreaded by them as a desperate scoun- 
drel of herculean strength, cool courage and utterly devoid of fear. Hen- 
nepin had no bank for the safe keeping of valuables, it was an imj^ortant 
grain market, and they rightly considered if the haul was made it would 
be a rich one. 

Two previous attemps had been made, both failures. In one of them 
they stole a couple of horses and hitched them to a sled, loading the safe 
(a small one) upon it with the intention of hauling it away; but in their 
ignorance they had harnessed an unbroken colt which refused to pull, and 
their plans were frustrated. 

Another was upon the safe of a Mr. Atkins, which they tried with all 
the improvements known to burglars; but the noise alarmed a servant oirl, 
who frightened the robbers off. Various reasons conspired to invite an 
attempt of the kind. The place had no ti-ained police, no watchmen; the 
town stands on the high bluff of a deep river, with its business houses 
near the stream; across the river a wilderness of swamps, lakes, tangled 
weeds, trees, underbrush etc., all afforded splendid hiding places for^^the 
thieves and their plunder. 

The capture of Holbrook and his pals deeply excited his fiiends in 
Chicago, who sent messages of condolence and friends to visit the unlucky 
trio in the Hennepin jail. Among the latter came a richly attired female 
claiming to be Holbrook's wife. She was known as Mollie Holbrook, tlie 
keeper of a noted bagnio, and woi-e u])on her person a profusion of laces 
and diamonds of " purest ray serene." Her will was law among her asso- 
ciates, among whom she ruled like a queen, and it was hinted a golden key 
she carried had unlocked dungeons ere now and set her friends at liberty. 
She played the role of an injured and innocent female, whose husband, a 
perfect paragon of honesty, needed no other vindication of character than 
her word. He was the victim of conspiracy, and should be liber- 
ated without a (piestion. Failing in this mode of attack, she grew in- 
dignant and threatened to burn the town and nuirder the citizens. She 
obtained permission to visit her husband, and it is believed handed him a 
ten dollar bill in which was hidden some diminutive tools for ]jreaking jail. 



196 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The citizens were j)repared. They had observed strange faces about 
the vicinity of the jail, and a class of comers and goers far different in 
their dress, manners and looks from their o^vn people. The Sheriff, if not 
on terms of social intercourse with these suspected persons, was too con- 
fiding in their word of honor, too indulgent to them, so people argued, 
and they recommended a special police force to help guard the jail. The 
Sheriff became angry at this, and intimated that he would attend* to his 
own business, and the citizens, unknown to that. officer, guarded not only 
the jail, but the town, a precaution which, though expensive and arduous, 
was rewarded most amply, as will be seen. 

On the night of Saturday, June 28, 1869, a guard of two citizens who 
had been recently placed on duty in a barn near the jail, heard a singular 
noise, like a cat "whetting its claws" upon a tree or fence, as the saying 
is. They watched intently, and became convinced it was near or under 
the jail. Between one and two o'clock of Sunday morning this sound 
ceased, and pj'esently from a hole at the side of the jail emerged the form 
of a. man, which proved to be that of Buck Holbrook, Standing a mo- 
ment, he looked cautiously around, and exclaimed in a low voice, "Boys, 
the coast is clear." In a few moments one, and then the other of his 
companions came forth, when Buck said, "Now for Chicago!" At that 
instant the guard tired, and he fell, his person from the top of the head 
to the lower part of the stomach riddled with shot, eighty-four having 
Ijeeii counted afterward. He never spoke or groaned, Ijut seemed to have 
fallen dead. The other two men iled ; one around the building, and es- 
caped, and the other ran to the kitchen door of the jail, and begged to be 
admitted. The former ran across two lots, into Mr. Unthank's barn, crept 
in the hay-mow, and lay hid all that night and next day until evening. 
In the meantime tln^. excited citizens were alei't everywhei'e. They never 
thought of looking for their esca})ed bird so close to his cage, but sur- 
rouirded the town, posted watchmen, and sent trusty men to guard the 
avenues of esca[)e. As the l)ells were calling people to church in the 
evening, the culprit came forth and joined a throng of people on their 
way to the house of worship. He slipped past and struck out for Peru, 
and at about eleven o'clock P. M., while crossing a bridge, fell into the 
hands of a [)oliceman stationed to intercept him. He was returned here, 
and himself and his "pal," under the names of Watson and Norton respec- 
tively, on the 2()th of October, 1869, were tried and sent to the peniten- 
tiary for five years. 



DELEGATES TUOM TTIE CANAILLE OE CHICAGO. 197 

The morning of tlie shooting of Holbrook, his reputed wife was 
notified of the fatal affair, and at once came down, accompanied by a 
repulsive looking fellow, with "villain" in every feature. They 
proceeded to the Court House, where the dead body of the burglai* lay. 
As they entered the room, which was crowded with people, she uttered a 
wail like the scream of an enraged tigress, and he, looking upon the 
corpse, exclaimed, while a scowl of brigand-like ferocity gleamed from 
his hideous face, "Eighty-four buckshot, by !" Just then Watch- 
man Cassell's gun was heard to "click, click," as he raised the hammer, 
ready for any emergency, which the heavy villain interpreted to "mean 
business," and quietly left with his howling charge, making a quick 
departure out of the city. She caused his remains to be expeditiously 
boxed up and ship])ed to Chicago, where the demi monde, roughs and 
lower order of thieves of the city turned out to honor the memory of 
their fallen chief with a pompous funeral procession. 

The frail and furious Mollie not only shook off the dust of her shoes 
as a testimony against Hennepin when she left it, but, between groan- 
ing and moaning and screaming at the top of her voice, she put in some 
very bitter curses and frightful denunciations against it and all who had 
been concerned in the death of her friend. 

Since then Mollie has served a term in the penitentiary, and Hennepin, 
instead of suffering from the fearful imprecations which the consort of 
Holbrook invoked upon it, has grown and prospered, and there is not 
a town in the State to-day of its size where better order reigns, and none 
which burglars, robbers, thieves and persons of that ilk seem as by gen- 
eral consent so willing to avoid. 




■4 



198 



HECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER XXV. 




first orchard, 
brotlier-in-law 



UNION GROVE. 

BOUT five miles east of Hennepin, on the line of Grran- 
ville Township, is Union Grove, the name given to a 
fine body of timber that dots the great prairie extending 
eastward almost to the Wal)ash. It early attracted the 
attention of settlers, and increased more rapidly in popu- 
lation than any other portion of the County. 

The first settler was Stei)hen D. Willis, who in 1829 
built the first cabin, opened the first farm and planted the 
He was followed a few months later by James G. Ross, a 
His cabin had neither doors nor windows when he moved 
in, and fires were kept up at night to scare away wild animals that 
prowled about. 

John L. Ramsey located at the south side of the Grove in 1828 or '29; 
James G. Dunlavy at the west end in 1830. 

Hugh Warnock made a claim on what is now a portion of John P. 
Blake's farm, in 1828. 

John McDonald, the first Presbyterian preacher, located where Dun- 
lavy afterward lived, in 1829, and planted the second orchard in the 
township. 

Mr. Ash settled on the prairie between Union Grove and Granville in 
1828. 

Rev. James H. Dickey lived in a small log house near Mr. Blake's, on 
the south edge of the Grove, in 1830, and occasionally preached for the 
people at the old log church. 

Ml'. Willis was a most industrious hunter, and carried his gun wher- 
ever iie went. He used to say he "could raise sixty bushels of corn to 
the acre and never plow or tend it, and hunt all the time ! " 

For many years the only post office at all available for the people of 
Union Grove, and in fact the whole country around, was at Thomas's, on 
West Bureau Ci'eek, twenty miles away and across the Illinois River. 
The first tempei-ance society was organized at Union Grove in 1832, and 



cnrEniEs, sotiooi.s, sociETres, etc. 



199 



Mr an.l M,.. Teren.iah Strawn rode together on horseback to «i™ the 
pledge. Meef„gs were held at Nelson Shepherd's cabin also, and^nanj 



SCHOOLS. 



The first school at Union Grove was taught by Mrs Ramsey in a 
blacksmith shop, in the snnnner of 1831. The\nild ng stoodTboTt' haH 
a nnle east ot the brick clunch at the west end of the Iwe 

school *!!, f" °*' '''/' '''^" ^- ^'^'^^ "''^ "'g'^Sed to take charge of the 

school and remmned nnt.l 1,S3,-J. Mr. Blake's school was taught in a 

h^' cab„, wh.ch had been erected by the Presbyterian Church Society i,', 

«oO. It was a tolerably good room, eighteen feet square, with the logs 

attrVT'f- .. ^'^^* •"'"'" ""'"■ *'"^ gentleman's n,anagement w!s 
attended by the chddren of Jan.es W. and Stephen D. Willis Huoh 
Warnock, J. L Ran^sey, Thos. Gallaher, Mr. Leech, Isaac Stewa t, Wm 
M Stewart and Torrance Stewart. Among the other pupils we;e two 

itef t7 'r' T"^, T '''^'"' '' ""' " ^"-^ "§'"'20 years, runaway 
slaves. They lived with James W. Willis. 



AN EAKLY BIBLE SOCIETY. 



fo med at Union Grove Church, under control of the Presbytenan society 
The ofticem were James A. Warnock, President; Christopher Warner 

Wilis Rr' ^«"-^W-^"««. Con-e.spo„ding Secretaiy; Jam^s B.' 
Wilhs, Recording Secretary; Hugh Warnock, Treasurer 

James W. Willis was Chairmah and Geo. B. Willis Secretary of this 
lireliminary meeting. •' 

The boundaries of the territory over which this Society had iurisdic- 
tion were co-extensive with those of Putnam County, extending east to 

w^ ?■"","" ^"':' '°'''^ *" '^'^^'^^^'^" C°"'^ty. ^^'e^t to the Illinois and 
noitn to tiie same river. 



A pioneer's story, 



Among the prominent early settlers about the Grove was John Pierce 

of ,«17 T^"'', ^^'' ""'"^ *'*''"'■ ^'""^ "*^'''- I^«*™'t' Mich., in the spring 
f ^Z u , "''"'*' °"'"'' "^ """°'^' ''"'^ being impatient to beo-in 

tor himself, jomed a company of emigrants from North Hampton, Mass 
engaging to drive team. There were few roatls, and great hardships were 



200 RECORDS OF TITE OLDEN TIME. 

encountered, and when they reached the present site of South Bend, Ind., 
tlieir teams were so badly used up that by the advice of some old Indian 
tradei-s they concluded to make for the portage on the Kankakee, and en- 
gaging boats, float down to their destination. They l)uilt dug-outs, and 
loading their freight and getting aboard, started on their way May 1st, 
1HP)1. Their first night out was marked with an attack of mosquitoes, 
largei', more numerous and voracious than they had ever seen or heard 
before. 

The stream was veiy narrow, and as they had lashed their boats to- 
gether in pairs, it was found that the narrowness and tortuous windings of 
the current would not always permit a passage thus, so they were separ- 
ated. 

But new difficulties awaited them. Their meat all spoiled and had to 
])e thrown overboard, and their meal, wet from the rains, also became 
worthless. There was plenty of game — ducks, geese, and even deer, — but 
tliey could not get within shooting distance of any bird or animal. They 
had been out of food two days and nights, save a few spoonfuls of flour 
to each,^and were nearly famished, when a chance shot at a- long distance 
procured them a deer, which, though old, tough and poor, was the most 
welcome food they had ever tasted. This, however, did not last long, and 
they were soon as destitute as ever. 

After two days and nights travel they reached Antoine Peltier's trad- 
ing house at Dresden, as since called, where they rested and took in a 
plentiful supply of provisions, and moved on. An accident caused their 
boat to upset, by which their provisions were lost again. On short ra- 
tions, they reached the mouth of Mazon Creek, at Morris, and saw a 
log house in the distance. The owner had gone to Mackinaw to mill, and 
was expected to return that evening. The woman and a couple of child- 
i*en were alone, their stock of provisions being a peck of corn meal and 
some pork, which she gave the travelers, thus affording them a comfort- 
able meal. They tried hunting that evening and luckily killed a fat deer 
and several ducks, which they divided with their hospitable hostess, and also 
pounded out a considerable quantity of corn, of which they left a portion 
with her. She told them that Walker's trading house was only twenty- 
three miles below, and Crozier's but nine miles farther, where they could 
supply all their needs, but forgot to mention the rapids at Marseilles, 
above Ottawa, where they were shipwrecked and some of them well nigh 
drowned. At length, reaching Walker's, and buying flour and meal, they 




^/ : 




WM V 



/ / oi cyU^^yC 




^c.p-T'-t.'^^fy^^-^^^^ 



THE FIRST CHURCH IN PUTNAM COUNTY. 203 

% 

floated on to where Utica now stands, and there left their boats to ex- 
plore the country and select the site for their colony, sending some men in 
a "dug out" to Peoria for groceries for summer use. 

On the 9th of June Mr. Blake left his companions and walked to 
Bailey's Point, where he planted and raised ten acres of corn. 

In the fall, having disposed of his crop, and having heard of Union 
Grove as a desirable point for new settlers, he started across the prairie to 
explore this region, stopping on the way at a Mr. Williams', in La Salle 
County, who pointed out the way. He found an old Indian trail and fol- 
lowed it across the wide extant of unbroken prairie. On the way he saw 
an object approaching that excited all his curiosity, and coming nearer, 
his fear; for it proved to be an Indian dressed in hideous war paint and 
feathers, armed with gun and knife. 

Mr. Blake stepped aside and bade him "howd'y," but the savage never 
inclined his head or moved a muscle, and passed on in lofty scorn of the 
pale face, who felt relieved as between them time and distance, hill and 
valley crept in and widened into a respectable space. 

On leaving the Vermilion countiy Blake had been directed to a lone 
ti'ee, which for many years stood a mile east of Union Grove. Keeping 
this in sight, he reached the Grove toward evening, and found entertain- 
ment at the house of Mr. Willis. Here he selected his claim at the east- 
ern limits of the timber, which became his future home. 

THE FIRST CHURCH. 

[One of the oldest churches of Putnam County is located at Union 
Grove, but its history we have been unable to secure, and all we can say 
upon the subject is copied fi'om Henry A. Ford's History of Marshall and 
Putnam Counties.] 

The first church erected in Putnam County was put up in the Grove 
in 1830 — a little, nide log building in the wilderness, whither the pio- 
neers and their families for many miles around repaired for the worship of 
God. Here in the season of Indian difficulties there was an appearance 
of the warlike mingled with the devotional, as many settlers carried their 
guns to meeting, to guard against surprise from the savage foe. A strong 
religious sentiment pervaded the entire community, and the settlement 
was named Union Grove in token of the peace and harmony which 



204 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TBfE. 

jeigned there, and which it was hoped woxdd abide forever within its 
borders. 



The Village of Florid. 



Florid is the name of a one time flourishing country vilhige, three and 
a half miles north from Hennepin, laid out in 1836 by Thos. W. Stewart 
and Aaron Thompson. It attained its greatest growth soon after, having 
ji store, steam mill, church, school house and a couple of dozen houses. 
The place has since gone to decay. 

This locality seems to have attracted some of the earliest settlers of 
PutnaT, County. In 1827; Thomas Gallaher, Sr., made his claim north of, 
and James W. Willis put up the first cabin in the town of Florid. Thomas 
Gallaher, Jr., built a cal)in near it, and returned for his family, who came 
here in the spring of 1828. jSTjIsou Shepherd came and located a mile 
south of Florid in 1828. Jam 33 G. Ross and Wm. M. Stewart arrived 
in 1832. 

Another settler worthy of special notice was Samuel D. Laughlin, who 
made his claim adjoining that of Nelson Shepherd, soutn of Florid, in the 
f;i)ring of 1827. Stephen D. Willis put up a cabin for Mr. Laughlin, and 
the latter broke about ten acres of ground that season. He remained 
liere until 1830, when he brought his family, consisting of himself and 
wife, and John W., James G. and his wife, and Mrs. Dr. Davis, all living 
in Mt. Palatine; Mary, wife of H. P. Leeper, of Princeton; Wm. M., at 
Granville; Sarah A., now Mrs. Wm. McCord, of Onarga; Addison, born 
in Putnam County, April 11, 1832, now living in Wisconsin, and Caroline, 
born here, but now dead. 

It is worthy of mention that during this long journey Miss Mary 
Laughlin, afterward Mrs. Babbitt, rode on horseback all the way, and 
helped drive the cattle and sheep. 

During Mr. Laughlin's al sence after his family, a claim-jumper named 
Ely undertook to 'jump" his improvements, but the neighbors, at the 
liead of whom was Jeremiah Strawn, sat down on him so effectually that 
Jie never showed himself again. 

Samuel D. Laughlin remained upon his farm until his death in Febru- 
ary, 1849. His wife, formerly Miss Rebecca Dunlavy, died three days 



FOET CRIBS — " Ramsey's injuns." 205 

before him, and both lie together in the Union Grove Cemeteiy, which 
encloses the remains of Mrs. Geo. Ish, Mrs. McComas and Mrs. H\igh 
Warnock, the latter probably the first of the old settlers who was buried 
here. 

FORT CRIBS. 

\ 
Here in 1832 was erected one of those border forts or block houses for 

defense against the Indians, known as Fort Cribs, for the I'eason that a 

number of corn-cribs were in the enclosure. It was resorted to by all the 

settlers in the vicinity for safety, as many as ninety-eight being here at 

one time. 

A memorable event was the birth while in this fort of Milton Shep- 
herd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Shepherd. 

Wm. Stewart, called "Big Billy," commanded the fort. No attack 
was made upon it, though an Indian was seen lurking about in the timber, 
probably a spy. 

Among those quartered here during the scare, in addition to the fami- 
lies of Willis and Shepherd, was James G. Ross, Hugh Warnock, S. D. 
Willis, Wm. M. Stewart, William Stewart, Rev. Mr. McDonald, James 
Harper, Mr. Rexford, George Ramsey, William Ham, Mr. Wagner and 
Geo. B. Willis and their families, besides some unmarried men. 

While the citizens were forted up, the school that had been carriet] on 
at the "Grove" was removed to Mr. Willis' barn, near the fort, as a place 
of greater safety, where some forty pupils were in attendance. One day 
some little girls playing in the edge of the timber imagined they saw an 
Indian, and ran screaming to the fort. Mrs. Willis, with motherly in- 
stinct, thought of the unprotected little ones in school, and at the sup- 
posed risk of her life ran to the barn, crying at the top of her voice, "The 
Indians are coming ; run for your lives." The school room was emptied 
in a twinkling, and all were got safe inside and the heavy doors closed. 
The alarm proved false, but it was a terrible shock to the women and 
children in the stockade. 

Another time the fort was thrown into the wildest alarm by Mr. Ram- 
sey, who was on guard, declaring he saw a whole row of Indians march- 
ing right towards the fort. The men got out their arms, but no enemy 
appearing, some over-bold volunteers investigated the matter and found 
his row of Indians was a row of poplars which the shadows gave a dis- 



206 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIMK 

torted appearance, and his fears did the rest. The poplars were after- 
ward known as "Ramsey's Injims." 



Putnam County Newspapers. 

The first newspaper in Putnam County was the Hennepin Journal^ es- 
tablished in 1837 by Dr. Wilson Everett. The country was sparsely set- 
tled, the value of advertising but little appreciated by business men, and 
it led a sickly existence until December, 1838, when it gave up the ghost. 
The Genius of Universal Emancipation was established in 1845, but oj)- 
position to its teachings was so great that it was i-emoved to Lowell, near 
Ottawa, where a moi'e fi'iendly population welcomed it. In 1845 Philip 
Lynch started the Hennepin Herald, and ran it from 1845 to 1848. After 
this came the Hennepin Trihtine, by Biniey <fc Duncan, in 1856, and ex- 
isted for three years. The Putnam County Standard was established by 
J. F. Grable, with Thomas Stanton editor, in 1860. In 1861 it was run 
by W. H. G. Birney, and in 1863 by J. S. Grable. In 1868 I. H. Cook 
began the publication of the Putnam Record, which still exists. It 
is a neatly printed seven-column paper, very industriously edited, and 
is well supported. The office is supplied with suitable presses, and a full 
outfit for all ordinary printing. 

"Besides these home enterprises, the plan that finally resulted in 
starting at Chicago Tlie Herald of the Prairie, afterward Prairie Herald, 
later and better known as the Western Citizen, was first discussed and set- 
tled by Zabina Eastman, Hooper Warren, and James G. Dunlavy, in 
the log cabin of the latter at Union Grove. This was before 1844. It 
appears from the facts here gathered that from 1837 to 1876 inclusive a 
paper has been sustained eighteen out of thirty-nine years. 

* Warren. 



11^. 




MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP GENERAL HISTORY AND PRODUCTS. 



207 



MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 




GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



'HE Township of Magnolia contains nearly forty-tliree sec- 
tions or square miles of land, or 27,520 acres, made np of 
prairie and timber, its southern and western portions broken 
wdth ravines and seamed with ridges. It is drained by 
Clear Creek and Sandy, with their numerous branches, 
both flowing into the Illinois. It is agreeably diversified 
wdth prairie and woodland, its surface dotted with small 
groves resembling an extensive park platted by the hand of 
nature, and much of it under the highest possible cultivation. The south- 
ern and western portions are rough, and until recent years unoccupied ; 
but a large colony of thrifty Germans have taken possession, and the 
rough hills and deep ravines are being cleared and made into pleasant, 
inviting farms. This land was for many years held by speculators at high 
prices, under the impression that the necessities of those living on the 
prairies would compel its purchase. In time it was demonstrated that 
the farmer required very little timber, and the speculators, after waiting 
vainly for purchasers, concluded to accept what it was worth. 

The products are mainly agiicultural, and much attention is devoted 
to tlie raising of farm stock, particularly cattle. Formerly large quanti- 
ties of grain, principally corn, were sent to market, but most that is raised 
here is now consumed at home. 

The town has always been foremost in religious and educational inter- 
ests, and a more orderly, intelligent and thinking community cannot be 
found than here exists. 



Railroads. 
The County of Putnam is wholly destitute of railroads, and this want 



208 - RECORDS OF IIIE OLDEN TIME. 

of the means of transit has led to several expensive schemes, thus far 
without any result; prominent of which is the building of a line from 
Bureau Junction througli tha Counties of Putnam, La Salle, Grundy, Will 
and Kankakee. It was agitated in 1868-9, and meetings were held at dif- 
ferent points along the line in the spring and summer. Putnam County 
voted to subscribe $125,-000; Granville added $10,000; Kound Grove, 
$15,000; Dwight $30,000, Tonica $50,000. La Salle and Livingstone to- 
gether gave $205,000, Bureau $10,000, Kankakee $165,000, making a 
grand total of half a million dollars. In Putnam County the first vote of 
$75,000 had been nearly unanimous for the stock, but when the company 
demanded an increase of $50,000 more, the people were not quite so eager. 
The question was submitted to the voters February 8, 1870, and the re- 
sult was: For the additional sum, 475 votes; against it, 350. February 
26, 1870, the road made an assessment of three per cent, upon its capital 
stock, a sum that though small, was not as cheerfully paid. 

Magnolia had been deeply moved for and against the project, and 
much bitterness of feeling resulted. Finally they voted to subscribe, 
provided the company would build eight miles of the road in this township, 
the work to be completed to the eastern terminus before the bonds should 
be issued. This well guarded provision proved their safety. The road 
was graded in many places in Putnam County, and large sums of money 
expended in the work, but the company failed in making expected loans, 
and it was never finished, its history being that of many other railways 
in the West, where people subscribed bonds in advance of the completion 
of the enterprise. The County, though deeply swindled, is paying her 
obligations in full, thereby setting an example that wealthier corporations 
might copy with profit. 



The Earliest Settler. 



Capt. Wm. Hawes was the first permanent white settler not only on 
this prairie, but, with the exception of Thomas Hai'tzell, the first in Put- 
nam or Marshall Counties. He visited this section in the spring of 1821, 
while on his way from Sangamon County to Galena. He was so pleased 
with the general appearance of what is now Putnam County, its fertility 
of soil, fine timber, pure water, high and dry elevation, and general ad- 
vantageous surroundings, that he I'esolved to mark the spot foi' his future 



THE EARLIEST SETTLERS IN THE TOWNSHIP. 200 

home, and hitching his horse to n tree, he cut his name thereon and slept 
beneath its friendly branalies. He wciit to Galena and remained until 
November, 182G, wl.en he more formally to(»lN possession of his claim and 
built an exceedingly primitive house, sixteen feet square, of round poles. 
He split puncheon ?i for the floor and door, and carried rocks from the 
creek near by, on [.is back, for the chimney. There was not a nail used 
in its consti'uction, and like the building of Solomon's temple, no sound 
of a hammer was heard, for he had none. He lived there all winter, keep- 
ing " bach," subsisting mainly upon the results of his skill as a hunter 
and some corn which he had bi-ought with him from the South, which 
he pounded into meal upon a stump and baked with fat from venison and 
a little salt pork from his meagre larder. This cabin or pole-shed stood 
near the afterward northern limits of Magnolia, in the edge of the tim- 
ber near the creek, upon the farm he still owns and occupies. 

In the following spring he put up another and more substantial cabin 
near the first, and the latter furnished him and his family a comfortable 
home for many years. 

In the spring of 1827 he cleared away a small patch of ground from 
underbrush, and broke it up for a crop, using an old-fashioned barshire 
plow, stocked by himself. He raised a good crop of winter wheat, which 
yielded twenty to thirty bushels per acre, threshed it out by tramp- 
ing, and cleaned it in nature's fanning mill — the wind. He also obtained 
a fair return of corn by cultivation, which found a ready sale among the 
new-comers at twenty to twenty-five cents per bushel. 

He had no stock worth mentioning then, merely a cow and calf and 
two yokes of oxen, but as soon as he was able, added horses and hogs to 
his possessions, bringing them up from his old neighborhood near Spring- 
field. 

During the first few years cows were worth $10.00 to $15.00 each, 
and pork from three to ten per cwt., depending upon the wants of the 
settlers ; but after awhile hogs got wdld and 1 jred in the timber, and when 
any one wanted pork, he simply shouldered his gun and went hunting, 
and pork ceased to have any particular value until killed and dressed. 

The settlers also soon stocked up with sli ^ep, and made their own 
clothing. 

John Knox came up with Captain Hawses in 1820, but did not remain 
here. Hawes sent the latter back to look afler affairs at home, with 
two yokes of oxen and a wagon to bring up household goods. 



210 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

James W. and Stephen J). Willis and their families came in the spring 
of 1827, and broke ground on the "Parsons" place, where they put up a 
cabin, and each raised a crop of corn. 

John Knox returned in the spring of 1827, and put up a cabin where 
Magnolia stands, and then with Captain Hawes and Stephen Willis re- 
turned for their families. James Willis remained here to attend the 
farms and stock during their absence. They returned early in the fall, 
when Knox took possession of his new home, and Mrs. Hawes and Mrs. 
Willis respectively found their future residences. Lewis Knox came here 
with his father this fall, and made a beginning on what has since been 
known as the Price farm, but afterward sold it to a Mr. Hammett, and 
left for Rock River, and then went to California. 

In the fall of 1827, the Willises sold their claim to Smiley Shepherd, 
and went further north — James W. to where Florid is located, and 
Stephen D. to the north-western limits of Union Grove, and were followed 
by Shepherd, who sold to Cornelius Hunt, and established himself on his 
well known farm east of Hennepin. 

In 1827, George H. Shaw visited Magnolia and made a claim on Clear 
Creek; he spent the winter of 1827-8, at Washington, Tazewell County, 
but returned in the spring, and with his brother-in-law, C. S. Edwards, 
settled in what afterward became Marshall County. E. B. Wilson also 
came in 1827 or '28, and made a claim. 

In 1827 there was trouble expected with the Winnebagoes, but it 
blew over. The country was full of Indians, and there was a feeling of 
feverish unrest until General Cass came West and met them in council at 
the mouth of Crow Creek, when a lasting treaty of peace was concluded. 

A few settlers came in during the year 1828, but none permanently 
except Hartwell Haley, who made a claim near the west end of Ox Bow 
.Prairie. Louis Knox made a claim on Clear Creek, but afterward sold 
it and went to California. 

In 1829 came George Hildebrant, Isaac Hildebrant, Asahel H annum, 
David Boyle, Willi3,m Graves, Major Elias Thompson, George Hollen- 
beck, and Aaron Payne, an eccentric preacher, who located at Payne's 
Point, and aftei- the Indian war went to Oregon. Dr. Fyffe located on 
Ox Bow, near Boyles; Christopher Wagner, near Magnolia; Hiram 
Allen, east of Loyds', on the creek; Wm. Kincaid, on Ox Bow, west of 
Haley's; Cornelius Hunt, south-east of Magnolia, toward Sandy Creek; 
Isaac Springer also made some improvements near the village this year. 



SOAP AND WATER ON A CLAY HEARTH. 211 

In I80O Lyman Horrom settled near Caledonia; Joseph Ash, near 
Payne's Point; Reuben Ash in the same locality; John Wilson, Aaron 
Whittaker, John Whittaker and Jonathan Wilson settled in the same 
neighborhood; Joseph Funk, north of Caledonia; Aaron Bascomb, north 
of Ox Bow, on the south bluff of the creek. 

In the same year came also John E. and George Dent and made claims 
on Ox Bow; likewise Ephraim Smith and Lewis J. Beck, who settled near 
the Quaker meeting house. Mr. Smith is the sole survivor of those named, 
and still resides upon the place he entered. 

In 1831 James S. Hunt came to Ox Bow and remained until 
December, 1832, when he moved with his family to Sandy Creek, near 
the Cumberland Church. 

In 1832, few settlers came to the country, and many who were here, 
alarmed at the prospect, abandoned their claims and never returned. 
After the war was over, a few came in, among them Enoch Dent, and 
settled on Ox Bow Prairie, two miles south-east of Magnolia; also Isaac D. 
Glenn, Henry Hartenbower, L. T. and Henry Study vin and John German. 

In 1833 James Shields settled on Ox Bow and began his improve- 
ments, buying the claim of Elias Thompson, who moved to Henry. Isaac 
Ash came also, and George Griffith, Robert Dugan, Isaac Parsons and 
William and Joseph Hoyle. The latter moved into a cabin built by a 
Mr. Gunn, who afterward moved to La Salle. It was quite primitive in 
character, and having been built during the Indian war excitement, had 
port holes in the sides for defense. It was sixteen feet square, had a 
"shake" roof and the old fashioned chimney, with dried clay hearth. 
Mrs. Hoyle was a Quakeress, and, like her "friends" noted for extreme 
neatness and tidy surroundings; so about the first thing she undertook was 
to polish up with soap and water that clay hearth, not doubting but she 
could make it clean and white, until it assumed the consistency of a sort 
of mortar bed, when she perceived her eiTor and abandoned the job with 
disgust. 

In 1834 came John Goddard, D. P. Fyffe and Thomas Patterson, the 
latter buying the Knox claim and laying out the village of Magnolia. 

In 1835 came John Lewis, somewhat noted for his energetic devotion 
to the cause of the negro, and settled north of Captain Hawes' farm. 
John Hall settled in Magnolia the same year, and built here one of the 
first houses in the village. Alexander Bowman also came this same 
season. 



212 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TBIE. 

In 18o5 Dr. J. B. Asliley, Georgt; W. Ditman, Amos Harvey aiidJanies 
and William Kainage came to Magnolia. William Lewis, the noted 
Abolitionist, I'emoved from his farm near ITennepin and settled near his 
brother, John Lewis. Sarah Baker settled this yeai' on Ox Bow Pi-airie. 
Li 1837 William and Sarah Wireman, and the family of Benjamin 
Liindy, followed by himself three years afterwards, ^vere added to the 
"Quaker settlement," now gaining rapidly in numbers and influence. 

In 18/^8 came Joel Hawes, who lived a while on the farm of his 
brother. Captain Hawes, and subsequently bought a claim from Elisha 
Swan, nortli of and near Magnolia, where he has ever since resided. 
William Dixon settled on what is known as the Thomas Filson place, 
which was sold to^the latter in 1848. 

In 1840 came William Swaney, and settled north of Clear Creek, on 
his present farm, and Joseph Mills located on the prairie to the eastwaj'd, 
in the center of the "Quaker settlement." 

[Note. — We have given the above names and dates as nearly as could be ascertitined, 
though it is not claimed tliey are correct. Most of the parties named have either moved else- 
where or paid the debt of nature, and dates of their arrival and settlement can only be ap- 
proximated. — Ed.] 



The Village of Magnolia. 

Magnolia is situated in the extreme south-east coi-ner of the (bounty, 
thiitecn miles from Hennepin. It is the oldest settled town in Putnam. 
In the fall of 182(), claims were made within a mile nortli of the site, by 
Capt. Wm. Halves, James W. Willis and Stephen D. Willis, ^vho are be- 
lieved to have been the first to penetrate that part of the wilderness with 
the intention of settling. The next year John Knox ari'ived, and located 
upon the site of Magnolia, 

The first })ublic school house was put up in u field used as a brick 
yard, and was a small log structure, eivcted in LSod, and Andi'ew Burns, 
biother of Judge Burns, was the first teacher. Thomas Patterson, the 
founder of the town, which he hoprd to see grow into a i)opulous city, 
built this hinnljle edifice, and dedicati-d it to science. Though it never 
became the initiativ^e of a Yale or Dartmouth College, it grew to be a 
large ])uV)lic school, graded and im[)i'(>ved as the times progressed, and now 
affords the rising generation all tlie advantages of a general education. 

The fiist public house was kept by John Knox, though every house 



THE FOUNDERS OF THE QUAKER SETTLEMENT. 213 

those days entertained travelers, for the rules of hospitality forbade to 
turn a stranger from the door. " Knox's Tavern " (a double log house) 
was afterward the stopping place for* Frink &. Walker's stages, and be- 
came famous along the line for its comforts and conveniences. 

John McKisson and Thomas Patterson were the first merchants, and 
the yard-stick owned by the latter is still in the possession of Captain 
Hawes, who preserves it as a memento of old times. Elisha Swan also 
was a trader here for a time. 

For some years after Magnolia was settled the post office was at Rob- 
ert's Point, and Geo. Ditman had to go thither for his mail as late as 18e3(). 

The first preacher was old Jesse Walker, who visited the future vil- 
lage in 1828. He had a trading post at Ottawa, and obtained goods at 
St. Louis, which he brought up in a keel boat. He preached occasionally 
here and at Hollenback's, as well as other places in this section. He was 
a curious, bluff old man, and rather shi'ewd in business. His favorite by- 
word or heavy anathema was " I snum!" 

At one time the town gave promise of large future growth, but the 
building up of .other centres of business attracted people elsewhere, and 
much of its glory has departed. 



The Society of Friends. 

The pioneers of the "Society of Friends," or Quakers, who settled in 
Putnam County, were the brothers Joseph and William Hoyle, English- 
men by birth, who made claims and built their humble cal)ins near the 
head of Clear Creek, in the spring of 1838. They were accompanied by 
George Griffith, an old neighbor in Eastern Ohio. These three families 
made their homes near togethei', and foi-med the nucleus of the " Quaker 
settlement," now an important portion of the conununity of the Township. 
Jehu Lewis and his family moved to the neighborhood in 1836, from 
Tazewell County. 

In 1837 Sarah — or "Grandmother" — Wireman and her two daughters, 
with her son William and his family, came from Eastern Pennsylvania. 
William Lewis and his family, and Elijah Kirk and family had previously 
arrived and made themselves homes. 

In 1839 Joseph Mills visited this locality on a prospecting tour, and 
was so well pleased with the surroundings that he bought a small tract of 



214 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

land, determined to make it his future home. His report was so favorable 
that his son Henry was induced to emigrate in the fall of that year. In 
the s])ring of 1840, Joseph Mills and his family, including Joshua his son, 
IV )w a resident of the settlement, returned to their new home, accompanied 
by Eli Kaley and his daughter Elizabeth.. 

The first "open meeting" was held at the cabin of Grandmother 
Wireman, soon after it was built, in the fall of 1837, where the settlers 
met to worship. This meeting was followed by others at long intervals, 
until their increasing numbers made the narrow limits of the cabin too 
small and in 1840 they changed to a small log school house standing on 
the north branch of Clear Creek. This was built in 1838, though first 
used in 1840. 

In 1840 William Swaney came, with the intention of making this his 
future home. 

The first death among the members was that of Edith, wife of Wm. 
Hoyle, in 1840. 

The first marriage in the Friends' settlement was that of Isaac Grifiith 
anl Elizi Luiidy, daughter of Bsnjamin Lundy, in March, 1841. The 
wedding ceremony was performed at the house of Mi". Joseph Hoyle. 
Marriages among the members of the Society of "Friends " are conducted 
in a peculiar manner. The groom in the presence of the congregation 
promises to "love, cherish, and protect," and the bride to "love, honor, 
and obey." The parties then sign a paper attesting the fact, to which 
those present attach their signatures as witnesses, which is deposited among 
the archives, and the ceremony is finished. No parade or display is allowed, 
and wedding presents are not encouraged. It is a plain, solemn perform- 
ance and when finished, the couple go about their business. 

The new Society was not recognized by the general organization of the 
"Friends" until November 4, 1841, when A. Knight and others came 
from Indiana as a committee, and called a formal meeting for worship 
and preparation, and commenced their monthly meetings. Wm. LcAvis 
was chosen the first clerk of the Society. 

They had in the meantime begun the erection of a brick church, or 
meeting house, but it was not finished and occupied until the spring of 
1842. 

The old log school house, where the Society met and worshipped pre- 
vious to this, has long since passed away, but our illustration represents 
it very correctly. 



THE PBOSPERITY OF THE SOCIETY. 215 

During those years tlie country was ra})idly filling up, the members 
wei-e prosperous, and numerous additions were made to the Society. 

Up to this date they had no regular leader Miss Rebecca Fell had a 
certificate as minister according to the rules of the sect, but she lived some 
distance away and could not attend. Joseph Mills was felt to be entirely 
competent to fill the place, but had never been " recommended," as it is 
termed. 

In 1843, in "the first month," as they term it (Jannary), Wm. M. 
Price was married to Miss Sarah Wireman, according to the customs of 
the. Society, but the ceremony was so much at variance with the customs 
of other religious denominations that some proposed to prosecute the couple 
for living together in unlawful wedlock. So prone are some people to 
mind business not their own! These over-zealous law-abiding citizens 
consulted lawyers and read the statutes in vain, for the laws duly scanned 
declared that a public notice to the world in a public meeting, five weeks 
prior to the dciy of the intended marriage, constituted a sufii- 
cient notification to make the marriage binding. 

In the year 1845, Joseph Edwards and Ann, his wife, came to the set- 
tlement, she being the second "recorded minister" for this Society; ^. e.: 
One whose qualifications have been duly approved by the Socie- 
ty, and therefore allowed to act in the capacity of a minister. She was 
very eloquent and justly appreciated, but her failing health compelled her 
to desist after a short season of labor, and not long after she died. 

The organization, though still not numerous in members, continued to 
grow and prosper, while laboring under many disadvantages, being pe- 
culiarly organized. It was constituted a branch of the Blue River, (Ind.) 
quarterly meeting, to which it was required to report every three months. 
This parent body met alternately at Terre Haute and at New Albany, in 
Indiana, 300 miles away. The distance was so great that these reports 
could not be sent oftener than once or twice a year. 

In the course of time other meetings sprung up within a radius of from 
sixty to one hundred and ten miles, and the Society here applied for per- 
mission to have their quarterly extended to yearly meetings, to be held at 
the brick church on Clear Creek, which was granted, and much advantage 
was derived from the change. 

In the course of time the " Friends " in the West were so strengthened 
in numbers as to enable them to have two general quarterly meetings — 
two in Indiana and two in Illinois. This continued until 1874, when the 



216 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Putnam Society embraced all the ^'Friemls" in both States, with Clear 
Ci-eek Clnirch as the central point. A body of Friends in Iowa also 
united witli tliis Society, giving it an extensive scoj)e of territory, forming 
as united, "The Illinois Yearly Meeting of Friends," a general gathering 
of which was held here in the "ninth month" (September) 1875, and 
worked under the auspices of the Baltimore and Indiana yearly meetings, 
the Illinois section and the Indiana and Iowa Fiiends all constituting a 
branch of the Baltimore yearly meetings. The assemV)lage above referred 
to was largely attended, and at its yearly convocations are seen represen- 
tatives from all the societies in the West. 

In 18()J) they built a large and convenient meeting house on the prairie 
northeast of Magnolia, for the yearly assemblies, costing $5,500. The 
total membership of the yearly meetings, composed of a few Friends in 
Indiana and those of Illinois and Iowa, numbers thii'teen hundred people. 

In 1878 they adopted a new discipline for the government of the 
Church, which has become vastly popular among the members everywhere. 
"It looks upon Christ as the rock and foundation stone, upon which all 
who worship the Father in Spirit and truth may stand. To Him all can 
come and partake of the waters of life freely, 'without money and without 
price.'" 

The local Society in 1880 numbered 187 persons, and is in a prosper- 
ous condition. The Friends comprise the best citizens of the County, and 
are noted for their industry, good order, honesty and hospitality. Clean- 
liness is recognized as next to Godliness, and in their persons and habits 
and about their dwellings this excellent virtue is a notable, unvarying 
and unexceptional rule. They are clean in person and pure in lan- 
guage. As a community, they are law-abiding, honest and peaceful, and 
cherish sentiments of love and charity toward every animate object. 



The Old School House. 

The oldest school house in the Township, if not in the County, was 
built in the fall and winter of 1830, and stood on Clear Creek, about one 
mile above the Camp Ground. 

It was of hewn logs, sixteen feet square, with a hole for a window, 
made by sawing out a log. Its roof was covered with sticks, and C. S. 
Edwards, the pioneer pedagogue, opened school therein January 6th, 



Stkawn''s fort — THE iio:\n<: guards. 217 

1831, and taught till Febnmry, 18?,2. When he began his labors the 
school house was unfinished, and there wjiii neither a tloor nor a perma- 
nent door. The school, during Mr. Edwards' connection and for many 
years after, was supported on the "pay" or subscription plan. The pat- 
rons of this first school, or perhaps during the year between the dates 

given, were: Aaron Whittaker, Thornton Wilson, Studdyvin, 

Aaron Payne, David Boyle, Hartwell Haley, George Hiltaljrant, Wm. 
Graves and Ashael Hannuin. The avei-age attendance at this very primi- 
tive school was about fifteen to twenty in winter, and from ten to twelve 
in summer. 



Jeremiah Strawn's Fort. 

During the war Jeremiah Strawn protected his cabins by a strong 
stockade, in which dwelt his own family, Mrs. E. Armstrong's family, 
Aaron Payne and Andrew Whittaker and their families. It made quite 
a little community, and all the available space in the cabin was occupied 
at night, the floors being covered with sleeping humanity, large and 
small. During the day the men worked outside, with guns ready for use. 

One Satui'day afternoon some malicious person rode past the fort and 
screamed, "Indians! Indians!" The women were nearly frantic by the 
time the men returned, and Mr. Strawn and Mi". Payne rode back to Mag- 
nolia and thence to Heiinepin, finding no Indians. 

The news of impending war was brought to the settlement by Elisha 
Swan, who advised the settlers to volunteer for public defense or they 
would be drafted. Some did neither, but left for the southward — some 
to return after the war, and others to remain permanently away. But the 
majority at once shouldered their guns and reported ready for duty. 

They armed themselves, and each man had a uniform peculiar to his 
own notions of war. Some wore coon-skin caps, others wore straw hats 
of home manufacture, while a few boasted no rim at all. Guns were of 
various sizes and different lengths, generally however, much longer than 
the modern style. These home guards were on duty about six weeks, 
and but few, if any of them, saw an Indian during the entire campaign, 
though each received a land warrant from the Government for his services. 



218 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 




THE GOOD OLD TIMES, 

COUNTRY'S HISTORY is made up mainly of indi- 
vidual incidents in the lives of its citizens, and if our 
"Records" largely abound in such, it is that the picture 
may be true to nature. But few I'emain of those who 
saw this fair land as it came from the hand of the Maker, 
and if we devote unusual space to them the reason is 
apparent. 

There was very little money, and business was con- 
ducted on the exchange or barter system. The farmer raised what food 
was required, also avooI for winter and flax for summer clothing. The 
latter was dressed by the men and boys in winter and spun and wove, 
dyed and made into clothing by the females of the household. It made 
dresses for the ladies and shirts and pants for the men. In the winter 
the former wore linsey woolsey, and the latter substantial suits made of 
Kentucky jeans, hand woven in the family loom, and colored with "store 
dyes," or oftener in the "blue dye tub," without which no well regulated 
household was complete. 

For Sunday afternoons, meetings and christenings, a neat calico 
was worn, and their granddaughters of to-day, arrayed in costly silks 
and flounces, never look so pretty as did their rosy-cheeked mothers 
and grandmothers in those days. Their wants were few and their " store 
bills" light. If extravagance was visible in any one thing, it was in the 
intemperate use of coffee. 

Salt was a necessity, likewise tobacco, "ague medicine" and whisky. 
The children went barefoot in summer, and often the men also, but in the 
fall the thrifty farmer procured a couple sides of leather, and the ever 
welcome cobbler came with his kit of tools and regularly shod the whole 
family. It was good and substantial work, too, and lasted a whole year. 
The women, like the men, wore good, honest cowhide, and bade defiance 
to the snows and rains of winter, and neuralgia andthe thousand and 
one ailments that women are now subject to were unknown. 



DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE PIONEERS. 221 

For lights, a supply of resinous pine knots, gathered along the bluffs 
of the river, furnished a good substitute, and next to this was a dish of 
grease, into which a lighted rag, for a wick was placed, called a "slut." 
Then came tallow candles, and it was the duty of the housewife to pre- 
pare in the fall the yearly supply. She also laid in ample stores of dried 
pumpkins, blackberries and coin, and gathered medicinal herbs for sick- 
ness. Every mother was a doctor. Medicine was less relied on than 
nursing, and the simple remedies presci'ibed were found as successful in 
practice as the more elaborate and costly medicaments of later days. 

The midwife in those days was an important personage, with whom it 
was well to be on good terms. Her will was law, her advice was regarded, 
and her name commemorated in the families of her customers. One of the 
most noted of these was Mrs. John Strawn, who, it is claimed, attended 
to over four hundred cases without an accident. Many gray-haired men 
and women of to-day obtained their first "start" in the world at her 
hands. 

As before stated, when sickness came, reliance was mainly upon nurs- 
ing, and every neighborhood had its good motherly woman ready to go 
without money and without price, whenever called upon, and many an old 
settler can attest the tender soothing care with which they smoothed the 
ailing brow, or administered the cooling draught. 

Those dear old hands are folded in death, those loving, benevolent 
faces, so full of tender, solicitude, have gone from our gaze forever, the 
eyes of love have lost their brightness, and their voices are hushed 
forever, 

Tnie and faithful were those tender watchers at fevered bedsides, and 
may we not hope " they too have their reward." 

The latch-string always "hung outside," which meant that visitors 
were welcome, and strangers were not turned away. Hospitality was 
universal, and he who did not practice it would have been shunned. In 
those halcyon days, neighbors were neighbors, and distance was never 
taken into account. Farmers stocked their own plows — a clumsey, heavy, 
awkward implement with a wooden mould-board. They tilled corn with 
a sort of shovel plow, which covei'ed corn as well as weeds, and left 
ready for a fi-esh start as many weeds as it killed. 

Each cabin had a rough pine table, and if the occupant was "well to 
do," three or four splint-bottom chairs; but these were regarded as luxu- 
ries, and most settlers were content with good stout puncheon slabs 



222 Rt:coRDS of the olden time. 

mounted on legs and cliristened a stool. The bedsteads were made by 
setting up posts and extending transverse poles into the wall, which sup- 
ported a "tick" filled with praiiie grass, and on this, if the occupant came 
from the east, was often laid a good feather bed — the sole bridal dower 
of the woman of the house. A few plates and dishes of what was termed 
"delf ware" or in their absence, plain tin or pewter plates, an iron spoon 
or two, half a dozen knives and foi-ks, an iron pot for boiling, a tea-kettle, 
an iron baking kettle and cover, on which live coals were placed, and the 
swinging crane or "trammel" on which to suspend the kettles for l)oiling 
constituted about all the cabins afforded. Outside was a capacious stone 
oven where once a week the family bread was baked, and when it could 
be afforded, a " tin baker " added nuich to the housekeeper's comfort ; but 
this was a piece of luxury that did not come until after years. 

The family cradle — which must not be forgotten — was made from 
the section of a hollow tree split in halves, and rockers added. 

The average farm laborer received from ten to fifteen dollars per 
month and his board. The price allowed for making rails was fifty cents 
per hundred. Female help cost one dollar a week. 

It may be remarked that the cost of living has not materially changed 
between then and now. Though wages have increased, grain can 
be raised as cheaply now as then, owing to our improved machinery, 
consequently the farmer ought to accumulate wealth as rapidly. 

The plows of those days were clumsy contrivances, merely pushing the 
dirt to one side. They never "scoured," and various were the plans 
adopted to make them. A dweller upon the Illinois River used to stretch 
over the mould board the smooth skin of the gar, a fish allied to the 
shark family, whicb answered the purpose while it lasted. 

Notwithstanding these disadvantages, they raised corn averaging forty 
to fifty bushels per acre, for which they got about twenty to twenty-five 
cents a bushel. They also raised excellent crops of wheat, which were 
hardly ever known to fail, and yielded twenty to thirty bushels per acre, 
bringing about fifty cents a bushel. They threshed it out with horses. 

In those days labor was plenty and tramps unknown. Book agents or 
canvassers, lightning rod men and insurance agents had not made their 
appearance,- and a person who attempted to swindle his neighbor, or spec- 
ulate upon one's misfortune, would have been driven from the settlement. 

The prices for cows was $10.00 to $15.00 per head. A lot of fat 
steers, which a venturesome settler drove to St, Louis, netted him six dol- 



VALUE OF FARM PRODUCTS COST OF LIVnq'G. 223 

Jrfps per head. He became disgusted with it as a market, and never 
visited that city again ! Hogs were easily raised, as they got their feed 
in the timber, and pork sold for $3.00 per hundred pounds ; but in 1833, 
owing to a sudden rush of immigi-ation, it went up to $10.00 per cwt. 

The farmers raised sheep enough to make their own clothes, and their 
wives and daughters spun and wove the wool by hand, until they found 
it was more profitable to exchange it for cloth and woolen yarn, which 
was knitted at home. They hauled their wool fifty miles to get it 
carded, and many went as far as the Sangamon Mills near Springfield. 

A dinner in those days cost a "bit" and supper, lodging and breakfast 
three bits. The food was abundant and wholesome. 

From 1820 to 1832, Indians were numerous and peacable, bringing 
the settlers little delicacies which they did not possess such as honey, 
maple sugar, game and flsh. 



Jeremiah Strawn's Prairie. 

This fertile region north of Magnolia, in Putnam County, was settled 
by white people over fifty years ago. The first comer was Jeremiah 
Strawn, who traveled on horseback from the Wabash River to Spring- 
field, and thence north to his future home, arrriving there in September, 
1828; and in the spring of 1829, assisted by George Hollenback, Jr., he 
put up a log house on his claim. The logs Avere too large for two men to 
handle, so they were split in two. Strawn's nearest neighbor was a Mr. 
Payne, on Clear Creek, about two and a half miles away. While himself 
and hired man were building the house they lived on " pork and pone," 
the latter made of corn pounded on a stump, and satui'ated with hogs fat 
and baked on hot stones laid in ashes. 

Mr. Strawn returned for his family as soon as his cabin was com- 
pleted, and started on his return trip August 19, 1839. He had two 
teams, one a large Ohio wagon, drawn by four horses and the other by 
three. They found no settlers between the Wabash River and Spring- 
field, save one, in a log house, near the head of Sangamo River, as it was 
then called. 

The first birth on this prairie was that of Zelpha, daughter of Jere- 
miah Strawn, in 1832, and the first death was December, 1831, a sou of 
Mr. Basone, one of Mr. Strawn's tenants. 



224 iiEcoRDS OF Tin-: olden time. 

The first wedding was tliat of Mr. A])ner Boyle and Miss Wilson, in 
1881, and the next, a few weeks later, in December, 1881, was the mar- 
riage of James Harper to Miss Ash. 

Rev. Mr. Royal was a circuit preacher tluMi. His circuit was of im- 
mense extent. It reached from Mackinaw, Ills,, to Galena; thence to 
Chica<2:o, and down the river to Joliet, Moi'ris, Ottawa and Strawn's, and 
it required four weeks for him to "get around!" He traveled it for a 
couple of years, beginning in 1881. 

The first school house was a log building, put up by Strawn and 
Whittaker in 1888. It was superseded by a frame house in 1836, a 
few weeks after Strawn had finished his own new house, the first frame 
structure in the settlement. He built a fine church and donated it to the 
Methodists in 1850. 

ROBBERY OF JEREMIAH STRAWN. 

From 1840 to 184() the Mississippi Valley was infested by a gang of 
robbers known as the "Banditti of the Prairies." They wei-e a regularly 
organized band of villians, ready to steal a purse, rob a house, or cut a 
throat to further their ends. The}^ had rendezvous at different places all 
over the country — hiding places for themselves and plunder. Generally 
the keepers of these resorts were quiet, well appearing men, who were 
reasonably free fi'om suspicion in the community in which they lived. 
Whenever it could be done they contrived to get members of their gang 
appointed or elected to office, and especially the, to them, important posi- 
tions of sheriff, jailor and constables, and even now and then a justice of 
the peace. They conducted their business secretly and systematically. 
A horse stolen in one neighborhood was promptly sent to some remote 
settlement for sale or trade. Up to 1845 they had confined their opera- 
tions principally to stealing horses, but this year they concluded to ad- 
vance into the more hazar'dous and, when successful, more remunerative 
department of house breaking and robbery. 

On the first week of June, 1844, a man made his appearance at the 
residence of Jeremiah Strawn, in Putnam County, pretending to be a ped- 
dler of oil-cloths. He exhibited them to the women, and remained awhile 
as if to rest, but really to take a survey of the premises. On seeing Mr. 
Strawn approach he hastily left, and Strawn did not see his face. This 
was Birch, ca])tain of the robbers. 



AN OLD-TIME GANG OF THIEVES AND BURGLARS. 225 

On Sunday soon after, a very sanctimonious young man appeared 
and "wanted acconu no Lilians — n.li, (L.iring the holy Sabbath — ah, for 
himself and beast — ah, as he never traveled on the Lord's day — ah!" 
They kept this pious individual, who spent most of his time in reading 
the Bible, and shovr jd very little inclination to carry on conversation. This 
was Long, the bu.^iness man of the gang. The horse he rode he had 
stolen a fe^v nights before from Mr. LeMns. 

Long had with him a pair of old saddle-bags, which Strawn judged to 
be empty, but from the fellow's appearance, supposed him to be some poor 
jjreache]', and thought no more of it. The fellow said his name was Allen, 
and he wanted to buy a small farm. On leaving he pulled out a five dol- 
lar gold i)iece to j)ay for ]iis keeping. Strawn was not disposed to charge 
an} thing, since he was likely to be a prospective neighbor, but the Rev. 
Alkn was very anxious to get the money changed, the object being to 
find where Strawn kept his valuables. 

In a few days there came another confederate, — a little old man ar- 
rayed in a suit of clothing a tramp would scarce be seen in. His coat 
would have fitted a giant, but on his diminutive form the waist came little 
above the knees, the skirts wei*e cut down to suit his form, the sleeves 
also beinfj served in like manner. He was barefoot and lame, and had 
straggling gray hair and whiskers. This was Fox, I'igged out for the 
occasion, and Fox, as his name indicates, was one of the cunningest men 
in the l)and. Mrs. Stra\vn gave him some food and fifty cents in silver. 

On the day succeeding Fox's visit came a slick-looking yougg man, 
who sold types and ink for marking linen. He was extremely voluble, 
and seemed to be quite a wide-awake and, withal, agreeable youth. This 
was Luther, — no relation to the celebrated Christian of that name, 
but a bold villain. All except Long had evaded Strawn, for the reason 
that they did not wish him to recognize them afterward. 

On the night of June 17, 1845, toward twelve o'clock, four rob- 
bers came to Strawn's house, and Long entei'ed by a window, the occu- 
pants, having no reason to expect such visitors, seldom fastening either 
windows or doors. 

Long was armed with an ax, to be used in an emergency, but especially 
to break open the chest su])pt)sed to contain valuables. He at once un- 
bolted the door and let in his confederates, pro\lded with candles, and 
while some helped themselves to eatables, othrs made their way to 
Strawn's room, who was awakened by a man slai.diiig over him with a 



22G RECORDS OF niK OLDEN TIME. 

cocked pistol in hand, and ordered to lie still and cover up his head, 
which was done. 

What money Sti'awn possessed was in a chest under the bed where 
the children slept, in another room. He told the robbers where the money 
would be found, but begged them not to scare the girls. They did not 
frighten the young ladies more than they had already, as >)y this 
time they were nearly scared to death. The chest was made to yield up 
its contents, and the robbers returned in high passion. They had ex- 
pected to iind $8,000 or $10,000, and instead had discovered only about 
one liundred and twenty dollars. They were greatly disgusted, and 
threatened to burn down the house unless more was forthcoming, swear- 
ing it did not pay for the cost and trouble incurred. Next they asked 
who slept up stairs, and were told it was a preacher, which seemed to 
please them, and they visited his room. The poor minister, a Mr. Burr, 
trembled" with fear while they were taking his watch and nine dollars in 
cash, all he had. They debated about killing him, one fellow heartlessly 
remarking there would be little or no harm, as he was a preacher and 
bound to go to heaven anyhow. Once he attempted to look out, where- 
upon a man brandished an ax and told him to lie still or he would split 
his head open. 

They pretended to have a gang of twenty men outside, all armed to 
the teeth, and threatened to kill Strawn if he dared follow or give any 
alaraa. 

They tried to find more money, and asked for the keys of a bureau, 
which was locked. Mrs. Strawn told them where the keys were. They 
got them, and on failing to uidock it they were about to slash it to pieces 
when Mrs. S. told them the particular key to use. They searched all 
the drawers in vain, and at length departed, failing to extort a promise 
from Strawn not to follow them. 

They obtained one hundred and twenty dollars in silver and a watch, 
and from E,ev. Mr. Burr, nine dollai's and a watch. There was an old 
))lack bag which hung in plain sight, which they did not think of open- 
ing. It contained fifteen dollars. 

As soon as they had left Strawn got up and lighted candles. After 
some exertion he managed to get the preacher out of bed, still nearly pet- 
rified with fear. He wanted to have all 2:0 back to bed and remain there 
imtil toward noon, by which time he thought the gentlemen of the road 
would be too far aVay to molest them ! 



CONFESSION OF ONE OF THE BUEGLARS. 227 

Strawn engaged detectives and officers in various directions, and at 
length found two of the itbbers at Ecck Island, in jail for the murder of 
Col. Davenport, a tragedy which greatly excited people all over the 
country, and resulted in arresting the ringleaders and bringing some of 
them to the scaffold. 

After killing Davenport they went down to St. Louis, and thence up 
the Missouri River, where they remained in hiding a few days with Reeves, 
an old ac(piaintance, banished the preceding season from Marshall County. 
Fearing to remain here, they descended the river and went to Ohio, tracked 
with the fidelity of a bloodhound by an able detective named Bonney, 
who effected their arrest at Sandusky. 

Birch told Strawn that Fox shot Colonel Davenport by accident, as he 
only meant to frighten him and get his money, but the pistol went off 
unexpectedly. 

Two Long brothers and Young were hung at Rock Island. Fox 
managed to escape from an officer in Indiana in some mysterious and unex- 
plained way, and was never heard of after. 

Birch was in prison some time at Knoxville, on a change of venue, and 
finally through the help of two confederates broke jail, and a story after- 
ward got abroad that his accomplices, fearing he would turn State's evi- 
dence and reveal the names of the gang, got him out of jail, and it is sup- 
posed drowned him in the Mississippi River. 

birch's confession. 

The following confession was taken down from Birch's own lips by the 
Sheriff of Knox County, and afterward read to and signed by Birch : 

"On or about the 17th of June last (1845), Wm. Fox, John Long and 
Wm. Luther [[le leaves out himself, though he admitted being present], 
robbed Jeremiah Strawn of about $100 cash, $100 in scrip, two watches, 
and one horse pistol, which said pistol they flung away in the yard. They 
also got one bogus dollar. One watch was silver case, thick square stem, 
compass, square and some Masonic fixings inside. John Long kept it 
until it was flung into Lake Michigan by Birch, on the way to Rock 
Island. The other watch John Long left with his father, Owen Long, 
who lived near Galena. Fox had the $100 scri}), and gave it to Baxter 
toward his share of the money taken in the rolibeiy of Messrs. Knox & 
Dewey's office in June last, and Baxter aftel■^^ ard sold it to Negus, of 



228 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Kock Island. The $100 casli was divided between the boys about the 
first of June. I saw all the above men, and they then informed me that 
they intended to make the above robbery, to-wit: Intended to robStrawn; 
and I saw them all again in Nauvoo, 111., between the 10th and 20th of 
June, and they informed me that they had committed the robbery as 
above stated. 

"Fox is twenty-eight years old, low, heavy set, weighs 180 pounds, 
light complexion, large blue eyes, light hair, slow spoken, and talks 
through his nose a little. 

"Lewis, of Peru, who formerly kept tavern there — I think his name 
is Jonathan — and kept the National, got up the show, and was to have 
a share in the plunder. About the last week in May I saw Lewis in 
Peru. John Long Was present. Lewis told us that Fox had been wait- 
ing for us, and became alarmed about a horse that he had stolen and sold 
iu Chicago; and then he had advised Fox to leave and go to Nauvoo, and 
there wait for Birch and Long, and then make arrangements to come up 
and burst Strawn. We then went directly to Nauvoo, and found Fox 
and Luther thei*e. The arrangements were all made, and Long, Fox and 
Luther went up to the neighborhood of Strawn's ; and Long went and staid 
one night with him to ascertain the situation of his house, and in a feAv 
nights afterward they robbed him as before stated, and Luther immedi- 
ately left for Nauvoo, and Fox and Long headed toward Kock Island, but 
all met at Nauvoo. 

"Shortly afterward Lewis stated that Strawn had a large pile of 
money ; said that a man who bought hogs of Strawn told him that he paid 
him $200, and that Strawn had more money than he had ever seen out 
of a bank, and also that, he (Lewis) knew that he had a large amount. 
"(Signed) . E. H. Birch. 

"Rock Island, NovemberS5, 1845." 



Aaron Paynp:. 



As stated elsewhere, the family of Aaron Payne, during the Black 
Hawk troubles, found ])rotection in the stockade of Jeremiah Strawn. 
Although a minister and a man of peace, he felt it his duty to avenge his 
murdered brother's death, and when volunteers were called for he became 
a soldier until they were disbanded, and then followed the ai'my in pursuit 



AARON PAYNE PIONEER PLOWS. 229 

of Black Hawk. While piirsiiiiig the retreating Indians, he passed a 
squaw and a small Indian boy crouched behind a fallen tree, but thinking 
the party harmless, passed on without molesting them. After the rangers 
had passed the boy raised his gun and shot Payne from his horse, and in 
return they were riddled with bullets. Two balls entered Payne's shoul- 
der, lodging near the spine, and he was thought to Ije mortally wounded, 
but was carried to the hospital at Fort Crawford, where the ^vounds 
healed, but he could not walk upright thereafter. 

About three months after this event, Payne, pale- and emaciated, rode 
up to his cal:)in door, and was hailed by his family and friends as one risen 
from the dead. 

The following sketch relating to this event is taken from General 
Scott's autobiography, a book published many years ago : 

"While inspecting the hospital at Fort Crawford, I was struck with 
the remarkably fine head of a tall volunteer lying on his side and seeking 
relief in a book. To my (juestion, 'What have you here, my friend?' the 
wounded man pointed to the title page of 'Young's Night Thoughts.' I 
sat down on the edge of the bunk, already interested in the reader, to 
li^arn more of his history. 

"The wounded volunteer said his brother, Kev. Adam Payne, fell an 
early victim to Black Hawk's band, and he (not in the spirit of revenge, 
but to protect the frontier settlements) volunteered as a private soldier. 
While riding into the battle-field of Bad Axe he passed a small Indian 
boy, whom he might have killed, but thought him a harmless child. 
'After passing, the boy fired, lodging two balls near my spine, when I fell 
from my horse.' The noble volunteer, although suffering great pain from 
his wound, said he ju-eferred his condition to the remorse he should hav^ 
felt if he had killed the boy, believing him to l)e harmless." 

Payne lived many years at his home on Clear Creek, greatly respected 
by all. He was an earnest preacher of the Gospel, and e(]ually noted as a 
bee hunter. 

Afterward he emigrated to Oregon, where he still lives, a hale and 
hearty old man. He has filled several public oftices, and served one term 
in the State Legislature. 

Pioneer Plows. 
From the crooked stick of the Egyptians to the old-fashioned bull 



230 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

plow of our forefathers, with its I'oiigh handle and wooden mould-board, 
was a long stride of progress. Then came a two-handled "calamity," with 
cast point and land side, which answered tolerably well in certain soils, 
but on our rich, "mucky" prairies only stirred it to some extent, without 
turning it over. It recpiired a strong propelling power, and must be 
cleaned every few rods to work at all. These were the plows of the early 
settlers for many a year, and with them the soil of this country was first 
broken. 

In 183G George W. Ditman brought to Magnolia two wrought iron 
self-scouring plows, from Philadelphia, l)ut they were not adapted to our 
soil, and failed to do the work required. 

In 1841 or 2, James Ramage, of Magnolia, worked out an idea which 
had found life in his brain — that a plow could be made that would scour. 
After one or two experiments he produced the celebrated "Diamond 
Plow," forerunner of all self-cleaning implements of the jilow kind. It 
worked well, turning the soil smoothly and neatly, covering up the weeds 
and leaving the soil in the best possible condition. Farmers pronounced 
it a success, and for several years he carried on the business until others 
with better facilities for manufacturing took away his trade. 

Besides the plow manufacture, another entei-prise was carried on here 
for many years, and one of vast consequence to the people. This was 
making reaping machines. Mr. Wm. E. PaiTet came to Putnam County 
in March, 1841, and settled in Magnolia. He claims to have invented the 
scallop-sickle in 1847, and built reaping machines, commencing in 1849, 
putting up the first reaper probably ever built in the State of Illinois. 
They Avere not the perfect machine of the present day, but the man who 
first invented the sickle-bar, and the place where first made, deserves 
recognition. It was the basis of success of all the machines of to-day, and 
if Mr. Parret can substantiate his claims, he desei ves to rank among the 
public l)enefactors of the age. 



Mrs. Hiltahrand. 



Of those who helped redeem the })raii-ie from a state of nature, few re- 
main lingering on the confines of that boiu'ne from whence no traveler 
ever returned. Among these is Mrs. George Hiltabrand, who with her 
husband came to Ox Bow in March, 1829. He was gathered to his fath- 



^ 



EECOLLECTIOISrS OF MRS. IIILTABRAND. 231 

ers ten years ago, while she lives in the possession of all her faculties, and 
at . seventy-six Ifbr memory is distinct, her eye bright, and her face in- 
voluntarily lightens at the recollection and mention of those old time 
scenes, in which she was an actor. To her we are indebted for many 
sketches connected with ye olden time on Ox Bow Prairie. 

The Indian war excitement caused the settlers to band themselves for 
protection, and they liastily constructed a log stockade where Caledonia now 
stands. The room inside the fort for exercise was reasonably large, but 
the eating and sleeping quarters were sadly crowded. The families that 
here sought safety were those of Messrs. Hiltabrand, Hannura, Hunt, Hart, 
Graves, Gunn, Allen, Loyd and Lotripp. They remained here about six 
weeks, which seemed an age to the inmates, and when the day came for 
their release there was a grand jubliee. 

The first school in the vicinity was at Caledonia, taught in 1832 by 
Hosea Smith. It was broken up or suspended during the war troubles. 

The first child born on Ox Bow Prairie was a son to Mr. and Mrs. 
Louis Knox, in August, 1829. Austin Hannum was the second, and the 
third born was Mary J., a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiltabrand, whose 
birth was October 28, 1829. 

Mrs. Hiltabrand is the only person of the original old settlers who 
brought a family to Ox Bow Prairie. 

Another estimable lady still living is Mrs. Anne Shields, who, along 
with her husband, came to Ox Bow from Tennesse, in 1833. He died 
May 16, 1871. 

Mrs. Sarah Glenn is another venerable lady, relict of Isaac D. Glenn, 
who with her husband came here in 1832. Mr. Glenn died in 1850. She 
is remarkably well and active, and is eighty-three years old. 

The first preacher on the circuit remembered l>y Mrs. Hiltabrand was 
the Rev. Mr. Young, a Campbellite, who held religious services at the 
cabin of Isaac D. Glenn, in the winter of 1832-3. In that winter a school 
was taught on the farm of Mr. Carter, by a Mr. Hatfield. 

The first settled physician was Dr. Fetter, who came in 1834. 
Among the early marriages remembered by hei' was Obadiah Graves 
and Mary Fletcher, in October, 1830; Abner Boyle and Matilda Wilson, 
by the Rev. McDonald, November, 1831. 



2?) 2 



KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 




BENJAMIN LUNDY. 

HIS distinguished philanthropist and Abolitionist ended his 
days near the borders of Putnam County, and was buried 
within its limits, on Clear Creek, his remains being en- 
tombed by his family and friends of tlie Quaker fraternity 
of Magnolia. He achieved a glorious reputation as the 
"father of the party of freedom," and it is fit that some 
account of his life and labors should be given in this work. 
^ In an autobiography, prepared by himself and published 

shortly after liis death, he states that he was born on the fourth day of the 
first month (Januaiy), 1789, at Handwich, Essex County, N. J. His mother 
died when he was only five years old, and he was her only child. He 
had but very limited means and opportunities of schooling, Ijut managed 
to learn to i-ead and write when eight years of age, and began the study 
of arithmetic at eighteen. His physical frame being delicate, he was sent 
to travel for his health a year later, and after a tima arrived at Wheeling, 
West Virginia, where he served four years at the trade of a saddler. 

It was while here that he was made acquainted with the enormities of 
tlie trade in human flesh; it was here he saw the barbarities of slavery. 
"It was here," he wrote, "that I saw the traflickers in luunan souls and 
I)odies ])ass by with their iron-chained chattels. My heart was dee])ly 
grieved at the gross abomination ; I heard the wail of the captive ; I felt 
the ])angs of theii" distress, and the iron entered my soul." It was here 
he became a firm, determined and thorough Abolitionist, and resolved to 
drvote his life to the cause of freeing the negro. 

Ou heaving Wheeling he went to Mount Pleasant, Ohio, Avhere he be- 
came ac({uainted with William Lewis ;ind his sisters, one of whom 
eventually became Benjamin Liuidy^s wife. 

He started Inisiness for liimself at St. Clairsville, Virginia, and in four 
years had earned three thousand dollars worth of ])ro])erty. Here, while 
industriously j)ursuing his usual business, he was not idle in the great 



The father of the tarty of freedom. 23S 

cause wliicli lay so close to liis lioart, and in 1815, tlii'ougli his active ef- 
forts, Union Humane Societies were formed. 

About that time Charles Osborne started a newspaper at Mount 
Pleasant, called the J^/iiJaidhropist, and soon after Lundy took a position 
u})on it as assistant editor. He was invited to become joint ownei' of that 
paper with Osborn, but having a stock of goods on hand to dispose of, 
and the best market being in the far West, he packed up his wares, put 
them in a boat, and floated down the Ohio, the three ajiprentices he 
had with him working at their trade, while he steered the boat. Ar- 
riving in the Mississippi River, they I'owed up that stream to St. Louis. 
While in that city, in 1819, the famous Missouri Compromise question 
was l^efore the j^eople — that of admitting Missouri as a slave State. On 
this question he took an active part, in the negative, of course, writing ar- 
ticles for such of the few newspapers as would publish them. Congress 
having decided against his views, he left, not discouraged, but determined 
to watch, labor and wait. In the meantime he had lost several thousand 
dollars, his speculation proving to be a bad one, and he returned on foot 
to his old home at St. Clairsville, a distance of seven hundred miles! 

During his absence Osborne had sold the newspaper on which he .had 
previously been employed, and the new publishers had decidedly lowered 
its standard, so Lundy determined to start a paper of his own. A news- 
paper in which he had been promised an interest, at Mount Pleasant, had 
been removed to Jonesboro, Tennessee, leaving the field at Mount Pleas- 
ant oj)en to him. Accordingly he removed there, and in January, 1821, 
he commenced the publication of The Genius of Universal Emancvpation. 
Not then having a press of his own, he was compelled to hire his press- 
work done at Steubenville, Ohio, a distance of twenty miles, to which 
place he went to and fro on foot, carrying his printed papers on his 
back. 

After having issued eight monthly numbers of the Genius, the owner 
of the former paper which had been removed from Mount Pleasant to 
Jonesboro, Tennessee, died at the latter place, and his paper ceased to be 
pul)lished. His friends and the friends of the cause urged him to go to 
that place and, if possiVde, obtain possession of the pi'ess and fixtures of 
the printing office. To this he assented, and at once started to Tennessee, 
a distance of eight hundred miles, about one-half of which distance he ac- 
complished on foot, and the remainder by boat. 

He rented the printing office at Jonesboro, and at once went to work 



2B4 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 

to leani the practical or raecliaiiical part of the business of running a 
news])a})er, and in a brief time issued his paper from his new location in a 
monthly and weekly form, retaining for it the old but expressive name. 
Wliile thus engaged, in the very heart of the slave-holding region, he was 
threatened with all sorts of violence. In the first place his coming there 
was considered an insult to the slaveocracy, and in the next, his merciless 
denunciation of their peculiar institution of slavery was unbearable. On 
one occasion two ruffians came a distance of thirty miles to demand the 
retraction of an article which had been published in the Genius. They 
invited Lundy into a private room, shut and locked the door, and nourish- 
ing their knives and pistols, undertook to enforce their insolent demand. 
But they were mistaken in the grit and firmness of their man. High 
words resulted, which attracted the attention of the owner of the house, 
who came to the assistance of the spunky editor. 

Finding his business prosperous, he sent for his family, who joined him 
there, and there he lived for three years, doing yeoman service, constantly 
provoking the wrath of his enemies, repeatedly subjected to personal 
abuse of the vilest character, both in his office and upon the streets, and 
sometimes personal attacks ; yet bravely fighting for his principles, his 
rights of speech and the freedom of the press, continually pouring red hot 
shot into the foe. 

He was the first delegate who ever attended an abolition convention 
from any portion of the country as far south as Tennessee. He made a 
trip on horseback, at his own expense, a distance of six hundred miles, to 
attend a meeting of the enemies of slavery at Philadelphia, in 1832. 

The Genius of Universal Emancipation had by this time obtained an 
extensive circulation and a wide fame all over the country, and as it was 
the only anti-slavery newspaper in the United States at that time, he con- 
cluded to transfer the publication of it to one of the Atlantic cities, hoping 
thereby to greatly increase its circulation and widen its influence. 

In pursuance of this plan he shouldered his knapsack and set out on 
foot for Baltimore, in the summer of 1824, on his way delivering his first 
public lecture on the subject of Slavery, a,t Deep Creek, North Carolina. 
So well were the people pleased with this, the first lecture they had ever 
heard on this topic (many of the community hapj)ening to be Quakers), 
that they appointed a second meeting, where he again spoke, crowning his 
effortt^vthere by the formation of an anti-slavery society. 

At another place he went to a house I'aising and lectiu'ed to the j)er- 



• EEMOVAL OF THE " GENIUS '^ TO BALTIMORE. 235 

sons there assembled, and at another place managed to get an audience 
at a militia muste]-, tlie captain of the day l)eing very liberal in his views 
on the siil)ject of slavery, and some of his hearers belonging to the Society 
of Friends. Here too an anti-slavery society was formed, the militia cap- 
tain being chosen its first president. 

During this trip through North Carolina he organized no fewer than 
twelve or fourteen anti-slavery societies. 

Leaving North Carolina, he passed through Virginia, in which State he 
formed several anti-slavery societies also. 

Mr. Lundy reached Baltimore in due time, and promptly began prepa- 
rations for issuing his paper there, and in October, 1824, the first numbei- 
of the Genius was issued in that city. He brought his family on from 
Tennessee very soon after. 

During his journey to Baltimore he converted a slave-holder, who gave 
up to Lundy eleven slaves, on condition that he W(nild take them to where 
they could enjoy equal rights, and he had them sent to Hayti. 

In 1825 he went to that island to look after his proteges, and while 
there he received the sad intelligence of the death of his wife. On his 
return to the United States he resumed his work of pushing forward the 
circulation of his paper, meeting with considerable success. 

In 1828 he journeyed through the Middle and Eastern States to ex- 
tend the circulation of his newspaper, lecture, and make acquaintances. 
It was during this expedition he met Arthur Tappan, of New York, 
and William Lloyd Garrison, of Boston, neither of whom had at that 
time acquired any of the fame which afterward became so world-wide, 
nor in fact had they even then become publicly known at their own homes 
as abolitionists. After many endeavors he succeeded in getting up a 
meeting in Boston, where the first anti-slavery society was formed. 

He also lectured on the anti-slavery question at Hartford, New 
Haven, Newport, Providence, Nantucket, Portland, and many other 
towns, with varying success. 

In November, 1828, he visited New England a second time, and re- 
quested William Lloyd Garrison to assist him on the Genius; but that 
gentleman was then conducting an anti-slavery paper of his own, in Ver- 
mont. 

Mr. Lundy's mode of conducting the Genius provoked the deadly ire 
of a man named Austin Woolfolk, a Baltimore slave trader, who in 1829 
assaulted and nearly killed him. The judge before whom the case was 



^2?,C) KECOUDft OF TIIK OLDl-^N TIME. 

tried, tlie assailant liaviiig heeii arresteil, said from the hencli that "Limdy 
got DO more than lie deserved," and sent a copy of his paper before the 
gi-and jury, ])ointing out to them several passages which he said were 
libelous; i)ut that body failed to find a bill against him. 

In 1829 he went to Hayti a second time, with twelve slaves given to 
him this time by a slave-holder in Maryland, under circumstances similar 
to those hei'ein ])efore related. 

After his return he was joined by Wm. Lloyd Garrison in the editor- 
ship of the (ieniu,% and Mr. Lundy made another tour, during which Mr. 
Gai-rison, less guarded than his chief, or failing to enjoy that ^varm per- 
sonal frientlship which it was the peculiar good fortune of Lundy to secure 
everywhere he went, was arrested and thrown into jail because of his out- 
spoken denunciations of slavery, but was finally released on payment of a 
fine, when he left the city. The paper then fell to Lundy's exclusive 
management, and not being able to secure a competent and suitable assist- 
ant, it was changed from a weekly to a monthly pul)lication. The hatred 
which had achieved a victory over Garrison was started in pursuit of 
Lundy, and half a dozen indictments were procured against him in the 
courts, and he too was imprisoned. On being released, he abandoned 
Baltimore and removed to Washington City. 

In 1830 he traveled extensively in Canada, and awakened the anti- 
slaveiy sentiment there with a view to secure an asylum in that country 
for fugitive slaves from the United States. He also went to Texas to see 
what could be done toward establishing a grand free labor project there, 
and afterward to Mexico for the same purpose, and until 183G he spent 
nearly his whole time in making many arduous journeys and friutless 
efforts to transfer his colony of free negroes in Hayti to Texas or Mexico. 

During the absence of Lundy in the South-west and in the land 
of the Montezumas, the (retiius was conducted by different persons. 
Under the management of Evan Lewis, in January, 1834, its place of pub- 
lication was removed to Philadelphia, at which place Mr. Lewis died in 
the same year. It was then taken charge of by Rev. Dr. Atlee, and under 
his management it was suspended for want of adei^uate suppoi't. At that 
time Mr. Limdy had been absent about three years, occasionally writing 
letters and communications for it, but otherwise unable to furnish that 
fire, vim and spirit which had for so many years characterized that staunch 
champion of human rights. It died more for the lack of the brains and 
energy of its foundei* than anything else. 



REO^NITION OF MR. LUNDy's VALUABLE SERVICES. 237 

In November, 1835, Mr. Luncly returned from Mexico, and issued one 
number ..f the Genius^ brim full of its old time fire and fury against 
slavery, and in August of the following year began the issue of 
another weekly anti-slavery newspaper at Philadelphia, called The Na- 
tional Enquirer, and in the same month re-conunenced the publication of 
the Genius. 

January 31, 1837, a large and enthusiastic convention of the people 
was held at Harrisburg, Pa., which formed a State society. Among other 
proceedings it adopted a resolution complimenting the vetei'an agitator, as 
follows : 

Whereas, By the self-denying zeal and untiring efforts of Benjamin Lundy, he sus- 
tained the " Genius of Universal Emancipation'' for eight years of general apathy on the sub- 
ject of slavery, when no pecuniary embarrassment, no privations of society, no cold neglect 
or indifference to his warning voice could dissuade him from his fixed principles of duty, he 
finally drew and fixed the attention of many who were abused by it throughout the land ; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That Benjamin Lundy receive the thanks of this Convention. 

On the 9th of May, 1838, Lundy retired from the charge of the En- 
quirer, and was succeeded by the Quaker poet, John G. Whittier. 

The Abolitionists of Philadelphia had built and dedicated to the cause 
of freedom a splendid public hall, which cost $30,000. On the night of 
the 17th of May, 1838, a mob broke into and fired the building, which 
was burnt down. In it were all Lundy 's private papers, together with 
all his personal effects, which had been stored in a room of the hall, 
awaiting Ms journey to the West. He wrote concerning the event: "My 
papers, books, clothes — everything of value, except my journal in Mex- 
ico, are all — all gone, — a total sacrifice on the altar of Universal Eman- 
cipation. They have not yet got my conscience, — they have not taken my 
heart, and until they rob me of these they cannot prevent me from plead- 
ing the cause of the suffering slave. 

" The tyrant (may even) hold the body bound, 
But knows not what a range the spirit takes. 

" I am not disheartened, though everything of earthly value (in the 
shape of property) is lost. Let us persevere in the cause. We shall as- 
suredly triwmph yeV 

In July, 1838, Lundy left Philadelphia for Putnam County, 111., to 
which place his children removed. On his way he formed the acquaint- 
ance of a young woman of Pennsylvania, a member of the Society of 



^?)8 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Friends, with wlioiii he contracted a matrimonial engagement. While on 
this journey, he wi'ote to his friends that his health was excellent, and 
that lie felt happy in being clear of the crowded city. Reaching his des- 
tination, ^vhich ^vas the Quaker settlement near Magnolia, on September 
19, he wrote: "lam here at last among my children. This is emphati- 
cally one of the best and most beautiful countries that I have ever seen." 
He afterward on the same day attandad an anti-slavjry convention at 
Henne])in, composed of intelligent men and women. It passed a unani- 
mous resolution to encourage the circulation of the Genius^ and a large 
number of subscriptions were immediately obtained. 

Having been disappointed in several attempts to purchase a press and 
outfit at Hennepin, where he desired to settle, he i-eceived a proposition 
from some of the inhal)itants of Lowell, LaSalle County, to establish his 
paper there, and accepting their proposition, he went there in the winter 
of 1838-9, accompanied by his son Charles, his other children following 
in the spring. 

In a letter dated February 3, 1839, he says: "I have purchased a 
printing office, and estaV)lished it at a new town called Lowell ; but we 
have no post office yet, and the Gr. U. E. will be published a while at Hen- 
nepin. I have found great difficulty in getting my printing done, but am 
now prepared to go on regularly as soon as I receive paper, for which I 
have sent to St. Louis." Lundy built a house and printing office at 
Lowell, and in the spring purchased a tract of land about four miles dis- 
tant. His paper was irregularly printed for want of funds and help, he 
having, for a portion of the time, no other assistants than his two sons, 
one of whom attended to the farm. Early in August he was attacked by 
a fever of a kind then prevalent in that region, but rallied, and tried to 
work a few days, when he was compelled to seek his bed again, though 
not thought to be dangerously affected. On the morning of the 21st he was 
again in his office, and wrote a note to one of his children, stating that he 
had been quite unwell, but was now better. In the afternoon of the same 
day he was seized with severe pains, and retired to the house of his friend, 
Wm. Seeley. The next day he continued to grow worse, and suffered 
nuich pain until ten o'clock in the evening, when he grew easier and more 
comfortable. Being told by a physician that his end was probably ap- 
proaching, he replied that he "felt nnicli ])etter — he felt as if he were in 
paradise." At 11 o'clock on the evening of the 21st of February, 1839, 
Benjamin Lundy passed peacefully away, without a groan or a struggle. 



DEATH OF BENJAMIN LUNDY "SHIVAREES." 239 

His remains, attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends, were 
I'emoved to the house of his son-in-law, Isaac Griffith, near Magnolia, 
whence, on the following day they were removed, and interred in the 
Friends burying ground on Clear Creek. 

Thus terminated the earthly career of one of the most self-sacrificing 
and indefatigable reformers this country has ever produced. Having re- 
solved, twenty-three years before his decease, to devote his life and ener- 
gies to the relief of the suffering slave and the freedom of the colored 
people from bondage, he nobly and heroically kept that pledge, and so far 
as was in his power, redeemed this promise, persevering to the end, un- 
discouraged by difficulties, not dismayed by obstacles nor appalled at 
the magnitude of the herculean task before him. 

In stature he was rather under the averao;e size, of slender form and 
slightly built. His complexion was of the nervous - sanguine order, with 
a cheerful disposition ; always polite and agreeable in conversation ; never 
gloomy or despondent. He was afflicted with a difficulty of hearing from 
an early age, a circumstance which was of great inconvenience and disad- 
vantage to him. He was positive but courteous in defending his opinions, 
and never neglected any opportunity to assei't and maintain his views. 



Old Time "Shivarees." 



The boys of the present day who think they discount their ancestoi's 
in the charivari business are mistaken. When those old fellows under- 
took a thing of the kind it was carried through regai'dless of time or con-, 
sequences. We knew an incident of the kind in early times which was 
kept up continuously every night for three weeks, because the groom 
would not come down with the whisky. It finally became such a nui- 
sance to the occupants of a hotel near by that Wm. S. Hamilton, a Col- 
onel in the Black Hawk war, and the man who surveyed Peoria, treated 
the crowd, and then presented his bill for the same to the groom. He 
refused to pay and was sued, in which the Colonel got beaten. 

Two noted charivaris are mentioned as having occurred at Magnolia, 
which were conducted by the "boys," and as several of those who partici- 
pated are yet living, sedate and gray-haired old men, the mention of them 
here is relevant. 

There was a wedding in the neighborhood, and aftei' the festivities 



^240 RECORDS b'F TItE 6LD£N^ *IMK. 

usual on such occasions, the lights in the house where the newly married 
couple were, were extinguished and all was quietness and repose. But 
this was not to be of long continuance. John Dent, Joseph Hall and 
Thomas Patterson, as leaders, with a number of other young fellows, all 
bent on having lots of fun, who had concluded to give the young couple a 
charivari and had laid their plans accordingly, having kept their move- 
ments from the knowledge of all who were not to be concerned with them, 
assembled at the quiet hoiu' of midnight and started for a grocery kept by 
a man known as "old Patterson." The keeper of this establishment was 
aware of what was going on, and when the crowd came to his place 
they were supplied with a stimulus which inflamed and incited them 
to excesses which it is probable they otherwise would not have been 
guilty of. Being thus prepared the party started for the house where 
the happy and unsuspecting couple reposed, and as they approached 
they broke forth with a hullabaloo and racket that was simply infernal. 
Beating on tin pans, blowing horns, ringing bells, the barking and 
howling of dogs, lowing and bleating of cattle, and snorting and clattering 
of horses were all exceeded by the shouting, hurrahing, screeching, 
screaming and every other possible noise which could be made by half- 
crazy human beings. 

This pandemonium was kept up around the house unceasingly. No 
persuasion on the part of the groom or the gentleman at whose house he 
was availed anything. They were impelled by a spirit of malicious mis- 
chief to commit an outrage upon decency, and they gave full vent to it. 
From time to time detachments from the party would retui'n to old Pat- 
terson's, fill up anew with whisky, and return to continue their disagree- 
able proceedings, and it was not until after daylight the next morning 
that they became exhausted and retired to their homes. 

The noises and uproar they made caused a stampede among such 
cattle, horses and swine as could get out of their enclosures. About ten 
horses and the same number of cattle belonging to Captain Hawes ran 
off toward the timber, and it was three or four days afterward before 
their owner found them. They had strayed more than fifteen miles from 

home. An individual known as old Billy R , who had proposed 

taking a hand in the fun, became so intoxicated at Patterson's groggery 
that he was unable to go with tjie "boys," and brought himself to anchor 
upon a stump a fourth of a mile from the scene of action, and con- 
tributed his (piota of music by continually howling and ringing a cow 



A "siiivaree" of three nights' duration. 241 

])A\. The maliciousness of some of the participants led them to shave 
the. hair from the tail of t.i ' irroom's horse, and to take a wheel from his 
buggy and hide it some distance away among the Vmshes. The wheel 
was not forthcoming until a week afterward, and then it required the 
])aynient of a fee of five dollars to secure it. During the melee John 
Dent opened the ^vindow of the room occupied by the newly married 
couple, and in true and faultless Indian style gave a prolonged war-whoop. 

The ringleaders of this disgraceful affair were arrested on a charge of 
distuii)ing the peace, and taken before a magistrate for trial. The 
offenders employed to defend them a young lawyer who, for the sum of 
twenty d(^llars cash to him in hand paid, promised to secure their discharge. 
This young man was T. L. Dickey, now one of the Justices of the Supreme 
Court of Illinois. 

The ill-feeling caused by the affair slowly subsided, and in a few 
months' time all the parties were on friendly terms again. 

It was not long befoi'e John Dent discovered his affinity, and the sub- 
ject of his approaching marriage was the talk of the whole neighborhood. 
Captain Hawes, who had felt personally offended at the previous affair, 
determined that Dent, who was the foremost spirit and instigator of it, 
and who had given that blood-curdling war-whoop, should himself enjoy 
the pleasure of a charivari on his wedding night. He organized a pai'ty 
of about fifty boys and men, saw that they were properly equipped with 
a suitable assortment of musical instruments, and at midnight began 
an entertainment and concert the variety and vehemence of which threw 
the previous affair entirely in the shade. When daylight came the 
serenaders retired, but to return again the next night, and again the next, 
and John Dent was the unwilling recipient of the three times repeated 
compliments of Captain Hawes and his band of musicians. During the 
excitement Dent thought to appease the mol) by opening the door and 
trying to argue with them upon the impropriety and ridiculousness of their 
conduct, but when he did so in a moment the house was filled with peo- 
ple, and it was not until he prepared to burn gunpowder that they left 
his apartments. 

Dent, while not fancying the entertainment prepared for him by 
his neighbors, would not have seriously objected to their performances if 
they had been brought to a final close the first night ; but he well knew 
that the continuance of them through three co::secutive nights was the 
work of Hawes, and done in spiteful retaliation for what he had himself 



242 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

done, jind lie ])ecame so vexed witli bis old and oft-tried friend that he 
woidd not speak to him for several months. But finally these asperities 
became softened, and on a certain occasion, meeting with mutual friends, 
they shook liands and became as good friends and as warmly attached as 
ever. 

STEALING A SQUAW. 

In 1832 a Frenchman stole a squaw from some friendly Indians near 
Hennej)in. Some time after a couple of Indians of the band to which she 
belonged came past the Frenchman's cabin, and recognizing the scpiaw, 
seized her and forcibly conveyed her home. The Fi'enchman on returning 
followed the party until discovering Indian signs, he procured the aid 
of a nund^er of white men, and went in pursuit. He was dangerously 
valiant, and begged as a personal favor that the crowd would let him 
"chaw u\) tJie Indians" who stole his wife as soon as ciught. 

On their way the party met an Indian on a j)ony at a creek. The In- 
dian was apparently peaceably inclined, so they rode over in "Indian file," 
the last man to cross being the Frenchman, The Indian waited until he 
was a])out to enter the creek, and then seized him^ exclaiming, "Bad white 
man! steal Indian's squaw — eh? and come back to steal she again — not 
much — eh!" And he pitched into the Frenchman and gave him a good 
"licking." The valorous gentleman from Paris covered his face with his 
hands and shouted, "Sacaree! Ouch! Ze blodee Ingeon! By gar, he too 
mooch gouge moine eye-ouchee ! Mur-r-r-dar ! " But never a blow did he 
strike, while his white companions looked on froin across the creek in a 
high state of merriment. 

When tlie Indian had satisfied himself, he rode away, leaving the ter- 
rified and well-pounded woman-stealer in a sad state. As soon as the 
Indian had gone the Frenchman waxed blood-thirsty again. 

At Hartzell's trading house they met a lai-ge numljer of Indians, in 
anything but a friendly mood. Among the white men was a young man 
named Cummins, a model of physical strengta and courage. He, by com- 
mon consent, acted as si)okesman for the party. The Indians accused him 
of having come after the S(|uaw, while Cummins denied it. The Indian 
who seemed to lead the party was ugly, and only wanted a pretext to be- 
gin a row. He challenged Cummins to wrestle, which, however, meant 
to fight. Cummins had two pistols, which he kept concealed, and where 
his antagonist could not reach them. Mr. Keed, one of the white men. 



WRESTLING WITH AN INDIAN INDIAN NEIGHBORS, 243 

stood over the two as they scuffled, determined to see fair play. The 
match was nearly even. The Indian was the superior in strength, but 
Cummins excelled in agility, and was something of a scientific wrestler. 
It was thought if the Indian liad got Cummins under, he would have 
knifed him; but Cummins repeatedly threw his adversary, so finally the. 
Indian feeling convinced of Cummings' superiority, was glad to call it a 
tie. The boys got the Indians mellow on whisky, and gladly stole away. 

INDIAN NEIGHBORS. 

The Indians were numerous when the prairie was first settled by the 
whites. They lived on the bottoms near the Illinois River, in two camps 
about e(pu-distant from Strawn's settlement. The lower camps were occu- 
pied by two or three hundred Kickapoos, while the other, three miles above, 
consisted of a fragment of Shaubena's Pottawatomie Indians. Both tribes 
were on the most fiiendly teims with the settlers, and each race found a 
positive advantage in trading with the other. The Indians brought the 
white peoj^le meat and honey in exchange for corn, flour and tobacco. 
They would beg for corn out of the crib in winter, and standing in the 
snow, eat it raw, like squirrels. They never entered a house where there 
was a fire, except for a few moments, and when near the heat made signs 
as if suffocated by it. 

Shaubena's camp of Indians was small — from twenty-five to one hun- 
dred people. They were a roving set, hunting at Bureau, Ottaw^a, or 
elsewhere, and never many at a time in camp, while Shick-shack's tribe 
were more inclined to remain at home. Shaubena's Indians were given 
to di'inking whiskey, while the others rarely touched it. 

The Indian Ijraves scorned to do manual labor. They would catch 
fish and leave them in their canoes to rot in the sun if the squaws were 
not near to carry them to the wigwams and dress them. They would kill 
deer and hang them up in the woods, come to the camp, and send the 
squaws and ponies long distances to find them and bring home the meat, 
half putrid sometimes before it was skinned and ready for use! They 
coidd, if absolutely necessary, very expeditiously skin a deer, but they 
looked upon all labor as degrading, and made the squaws do the drudgery. 

Shick-Shack, tli3 Indian, and his band lived at the mouth of Clear 
Creek. He was a large, ac'ivj and intelligjii': oil man, respected by 
the whites and venerated by his tribe. He was honest and punctual in 



244 KECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TBIE. 

all liis deullngs, and withal possessed coiisidei'al)le al )ility. He inclined read- 
ily toward the ways of civilized life, and probably was the first Indian in 
this region to avail himself of the Yankee breaking plow to open up the 
soil for cultivation. He raised good crops of corn, and had a sensible idea 
of tlie relative value of the different articles of bai'ter. He cared little 
for trinkets and gew-gaws, and frequently reproved his men for buying bits 
of colored glass or brass ornaments. 

He was for peace, when Black Hawk plunged the coiuitiy into war. 
Foreseeing that the natural and lasting animosities which it had kindled 
betAveen the two races would prevent them from dwelling together, he 
deemed it better they should separate; therefore, l)owing to the inevitable 
and unalterable decree of fate, went westward with his tribe in 1833, after 
which no Indians, or at least but a few stragglers were ever seen on this 
side of the Mississippi. 

AN INDIAN SIGN OF PEACE. 

When Captain Hawes moved to Magnolia, he brought with him from 
Sangamon County a few hogs, as up to that date (182()) there were none 
in the country. He permitted his pigs to*^ run at large, and the woods 
being tilled with "mast," the swine fattened and increased, and he seemed 
to have lost all light of property in them. The Indians lived upon them, 
and new settlers shot them whenever they wanted pork. They became 
wild, but never dangerous. 

One fall, in about 1832, Captain Hawes concluded to assert ownership 
over these wandering porkers, and obtaining an Indian guide, started 
on a hunt. After traveling all day they became pi'etty hungry, and shot 
a wild turkey, which was dressed, roasted and eaten. They slept upon 
the ground under a tree. The Indian before lying down drew forth his 
butcher knife and plunged it into the soil up to the hilt, the Indian sign 
of peace. The Captain took the other side, taking care to leave a respect- 
able space between its sharp edge and his ribs! 

WANTING TO MARRY. 

A desire to wed is a pardonable ambition in Eve's daughters the world 
over, and Jeremiah Strawn states a well remembered incident that befel 
him. 

Once when on his way from Ohio, he stopped over night at a log 



A aiRL WHO WANTED TO MARRY. 245 

house on the Sungamon River, and was waited upon at table by a 200- 
pound girl with rosy cheeks and bright eyes, who (juestioned him about 
the people of the settlement, and when told that wives were in demand, 
begged him to take her along, saying with a sigh that she "had lived 
six months on the Sangamo Bottom without seeing a young man," and 
added that "she could never get married at that rate." Mr. Strawn told 
her to hope on, but she insisted, with tears in her eyes, that there was no 
hope while she staid there, and begged to be taken along, which S., in 
view of her weight and the fact that his pony was small, the distance 
great, and a wife and children already to look out for, declined to do. 




246 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIJIE. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 




ox BOW PRAIRIE. 

ETWEEN Little Sandy and Clear Creek, a couple of streams 
which enter the Illinois River, flowing from the east, in 
Putnam County, near Henry, there is a beautiful, irregu- 
larly shaped farming region, about five miles in length from 
east to west, and varying from one to two and a half miles 
in width, from north to south. This is known as Ox Bow 
Prairie. The name comes from a real or fancied resem- 
blance of the lines of timber around this praiide to an 
ox ho^v which the settlers used upon their patient animals for di'aft 
purposes. The likeness, however, is greatly exaggerated, as that region 
now appears, though perhaps before the present growth of younger tim- 
ber had appeared and the original marginal lines of the environing woods, 
as yet unmarred by the axe of the settler, were clear and distinct, the 
resemblance to an ox bow might have justly warranted the title. 

Witli the exception of a narrow neck at the eastern extremity, whei'e 
the projecting ends of the fancied l)Ow do not join, the prairie is surounded 
by timber, gradually widening the lines of its boundary till near the 
western limits, where they gracefully form into a circle, and meeting, 
form the outlines of the tolerably perfect base of the mammoth bow. 

The timber growing near the two streams named comprises all the 
more valuable kinds and varieties of trees found in this State. In these 
woods there is an abundance of excallent water. There are numerous 
springs, which add their generous contril)utions to the creeks, ravines and 
gullies, and are reached under the surface of the prairie by wells varying 
from twenty to thirty-flve feet in depth. In this way unfailing quanti- 
ties of pure water are obtained and at trifling expense. 

This prairie in olden times was one of the best known localities in 
Northern Illinois, and in priority of date of its settlement by white peo- 
ple, takes rank with the first made between Peoria and the Wisconsin 
line. 

In early (hiys Ox Boav Prairie was as well known as Galena, Chicago, 



THE SETTLEMENT OF OX BOW PRAIRIE. 247 

Peoria or any point in the State. This section, by reason of its geographi- 
cal position, the wonderful fertility of its soil, its fine drainage, its superior 
supply of water, and especially because it was surrounded by heavy tim- 
ber, seemed a very Garden of Eden to the immigrant from the Avooded 
countries of the East. 

In consequence of its peculiar location its settlement was rapid, and 
long ago it was so completely improved that not a foot of its soil was left 
unoccupied. 

ox BOW SETTLERS. 

Lyman Horram was one of the earliest settlers on Ox B^)W Prairie, 
having located there in October, 1880, selecting a place near where Cale- 
donia was originally laid out. Soon other settlers came in, and he found 
himself surrounded by such neighbors as Capt. William Hawes, John 
Dent, George H. Shaw, Ephraim Smith, Maj. Elias Thompson, Samuel 
Glenn, Isaac Glenn, Hiram Allen, John Lloyd, Mr. McCaleb, William 
Kincaid, Hartwell Haley, Asahel Hannum, George Hildebrand, Isaac 
Hildebrand, Townley Fyff e and John Boyle and family. Besides these 
there were no other permanent settlers there until about 1882. 

He made his first visit to the West in 1827, and during his meander- 
ings stood upon Starved Rock, in La Salle County, in the summer of 
that year. This was three years before any white persons had made 
a settlement anywhei'e in that region of country. Dr. Walker, an 
esteemed and well known missionary among the Indians, had established 
a school for instructino; Indian children near where Ottawa now stands. 
There were no settlers anywhere along the Illinois River between Dr. 
Walker's mission school and Peoria. 

These Ox Bow Prairie settlers built a fort for defensive purposes on 
a corner of Lyman Horram's farm. It was a well built stockade, en- 
closino; about one-fourth of an acre of land, and had bastions at the 
diagonal corners, from which those on the inside could protect the 
fortification from attack by raking fires along the outer walls. The 
settlers, from fear of danger, occupied their fort at night for about six 
weeks, leaving it in the daytime, to attend to their respective duties. 
Mr. Horram, however, made use of its sheltering walls for but one night 
only, preferring to take his chances while attending more assiduously to 
the care of his growing crops and his stock. One of his fields extended 



248 ' RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

on two sides of the fort, in which lie had a splendid crop of growing oats. 
When they were being harvested signs were discovered which indicated 
that they had afforded shelter to prowling Indians, who had come within 
easy range of the fort for reconnoitering purposes. If they had ever 
really intended to attack the settlers their plans were abandoned when 
they learned of the to them disastrous termination of the war which had 
been carried on by Black Hawk. 

Among the few I'emaining dwellers on Ox Bow Prairie is Abner Boyle, 
son of David Boyle, who came to the country in 1829, and with his sons 
built a ca]>in and raised twenty acres of corn, yielding fifty and sixty 
bushels to the acre. This they got ground at the mills on the Mackinaw 
Rivei*, fifty miles away, and with a plentifid supply of venison, made a 
comfortable "live" of it through the winter. Times were hard, bat 
their wants were few, and the average of .enjoyment compared favorably 
with to-day. 

My. Boyle's cabin was a model of simplicity, being simply a })en of 
loosely laid up logs covered with shakes. The spaces between the logs 
never having been " chinked," windows were not required, and as cooking 
was done out of doors, neither fire-place nor chimney were needed. In 
1830 he was commissioned post master by Gen. Jackson, and the oflice 
named Ox Bow ; but people had little time to write letters in those times, 
and it cost twenty-five cents to get a letter from the East, so that com- 
missions were not sufficient to pay for the labor of opening and examin- 
ing the mails, and he resigned. 

TIGHT TIMES. 

During the terribly severe winter of 1830-31 the Ox Bow settlers 
were in danger of suffering from want of sufficient food. By adhering to 
a rigid economy, and taking the greatest care of their stocks of provisions, 
they were enabled to pull through, the more needy and destitute having 
their wants supplied by those who were better off. 

In 1831 a hand grist mill was put in operation by Mr. Z. Shugart, by 
which the people were enabled to have their corn converted into meal and 
hominy. 

Dr. David Ritchie acted as physician to nearly all the settlers on 
Ox Bow, having begun the practice of medicine there in 1831. 

Rev. William Royal, a Presbyterian minister, looked after their 



INDIAN SCARES AMUSING EPISODES. 249 

spiritual wants, performed the marriage service for lovers, cliristened 
the children and buried the dead. Church festivals and donation parties 
were not in vogue in those primitive days. 

The first school house that was built was located near Caledonia, and 
Dr. Ashley was the first teacher who undertook to instruct the young 
people therein. 

INDIAN ALARMS. 

During the Black Hawk war, Ox Bow Prairie was the scene of fre- 
quent alarms. The red marauders had been seen skulking on the edge of 
the timber, and in the dense brush along the creeks. They had killed 
cattle belonging to Horram and Mr. Glenn, near their owners' houses, be- 
sides committing other depredations, and the people were justly in a state 
of constant fear for their personal safety. 

Shick-Shack brought word that the Indians talked of coming in force 
to drive the whites away, and their daily appearance was feared. While 
the stockade was being built a number of families stayed at Enoch Dent's 
through the day and hid in the bushes at night. Mr. James T. Hunt, of 
Wenona, remembers being sent aloft to watch while his mother prepared 
the dinner below. The savory odor of victuals coming up the chimney was 
more than the boy could stand, so he deserted his post and came down, 
and was bolting a piece of pork when the door opened, and all unbidden 

in stalked a tall Indian. " Not the least obeisance made he," but he said 
in the l^est })igeon English he could command that he wanted something to 
eat. The boy's hair "straight uprose," while Mrs. Dent jumped beneath 
the bed. He was given the best in the house, and depai'ted. 

On another occasion a number of women had met at the house of 
Enoch Dent, when a scpiad of Indians came past on their ponies. Some 
children, Mrs. Jas. S. Dent among the number, saw them coming, and gave 
the alarm, Mrs. Hawes ran up stairs, and the others scattered off into 
the ])ushes. Mrs. Dent ran into the yard and liid under the scant foliage 
of some wild gooseberry bushes, which only covered her back and should- 
ers, leaving her head and feet exposed to the view of the Indians, who, 
pointing to her as they passed, laughed immoderately. 

WILD GAME. 

In 1826, and until the deep snow of 1830-31, Ox Bow Prairie and 
the timber around abounded with deer, wolves, ]>rairie chickens, quails, 



250 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME, 

blackbirds, crows, wild })igeon8, snipe, etc. In tlie fall and spring numer- 
ons water fowl, sucl] as ducks, geese and brant, covered tlie lakes and 
j)onds, and sandhill ci'anes, for years a stranger to tliis section, were plen- 
tiful. There were many squirrels, a few rabbits, grey foxes, wild- 
cats, coons, pole-cats, woodchucks, but no pheasants, and but few 
opossums. A few swans were se^n at times. That year was very fatal, 
and they wei*e never so plentiful afterward. 

Captain ILiwes says the w41d hogs found here sprang from tame ani- 
mals brought in by the settlers, and allowed to run wild. Hogs that 
wei'e allowed to run out a single season got very "scary," and a few years 
would give them all the characteristics of the wild hogs of Europe. 

David Statelei' states that prairie chickens were never so numerous be- 
fore as that winter and the next season. They scratched holes in the 
snow to the ground, and roosted in those holes safe from all foes. In 
walking through the fields, these places coidd be seen by hundreds, and 
the chickens would not fly out until you almost looked down upon them. 
But the quail and wild tui'keys peiished, and neai'ly all the deer, and for 
several years after that fatal wintf r but few of either were to be seen. 

Besides the wild-cat, or lynx, which the settlers frequently met with, 
they were outrageously annoyed by wolves, which abounded in great 
numbers. They prowled around in close proximity to the settlement 
in such numbers as to defy the dogs usually found as appendages 
to every well regulated pioneer's family. Pigs, sheep and poultry were 
particularly enticing to them, and upon which they levied heavy tribute. 
A pack of twenty or thirty hungry wolves were too formidable for a few 
dogs to attack, and when they attemj^ted it they usually came off second 
best. When they became too annoying, neighborhood hunts were organ- 
ized, at which many were killed. The Hon. John O. Dent, of Wenona, 
describes one that came off in an early day, the centre of which was about 
a mile south-east of Mount Pleasant, which corralled 250 deer and seventy 
or eighty wolves. Thirty wolves and flfty-one deer were killed. 

THE DEVIL TURNED INFORMER. 

One evening in 1829 Captain Hawes and his family attended meeting 
at the Hollenback cabin, and listened to a discourse by the Rev. Father 
Walker. At the conclusion of the services, Adam Payne was called on 
to pray, and having a good opinion of his oratorical powers, "laid himself 



SINGULAR WARNING OF A FIRE. 251 

out," as the phrase is, for an iirnisual effort. He prayed for everybody, 
i I'oiii Adam down, and seemingly for every thing, at last winding up, after 
( xhausting the patience of all his hearers, including the minister. Father 
Walker spent the night with Captain Hawes, and on their way home said 
to the latter, "Brother Hawes, while Brother Payne was making that 
long prayei' the devil whispered in my ear that your house was on tire, 
l)ut as he is such an unconscionable old liar, I did not think he told the 
truth !" Captain Hawes was surprised at the strange appai*ent intimacy 
between the devil and a good old Christian minister, but made no reply. 
They jogged along without increasing their speed, until coming in sight, 
the house was discovered ablaze around the chimney, and enveloped 
in smoke! They arrived just in time to save the establishment, which, be- 
ing built of hard wood, had burned very slowly. 

The Ca[)tain has ever since been puzzled with the question: "What 
could have been the object of his brimstonic majesty in notifying Father 
Walker of the impending catastrophe ? Was it because he was wincing 
under the telling blows the devout Payne was raining upon him, and 
therefore desired to close the meeting?" To this day it is an unsolved 
I'iddle with the Captain, and he can't understand the intimacy between 
the parson and his satanic majesty. 

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE IN A WOLF. 

George Hannum, when a lad of sixteen, shot a half-grown wolf which 
approached too near where he was feeding his cattle, and impaling the 
animal on a pitchfork, strung the young cub across his shoulder and 
started for home. But the animal was neither dead nor asleep, as his 
captor too confidently supposed, and tiring of this mode of conveyance, 
reached down and caught the boy by the seat of his pants, including a 
goodly portion of the young man's person. The astonished, not to say 
terrified youth, uttering a Comanche-like yell of surprise and pain, jumped 
about six feet, and dropping his lively burden, sped for home, one hand 
grasping the wounded "seat of honor," and the other frantically clutch- 
ing at space in general, and yelling for help! The ])oys came to his relief, 
and the wolf was again made captive, but any reference to the adventure, 
or casual mention of a "fire in the rear," was ever afterward sure to pro- 
voke his ire. To this day it is said the mention of a wolf will involunta- 
I'ily cause him to grasp the seat of his pantaloons. 



252 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



cT^^ 




CHAPTER XXX. 

OLD MILLS OF MAGNOLIA AND VICINITY. 

HE first mill in the iieigliborhood of Magnolia for grinding 
coi-n was put up by Mr. Hollenback in I80O, on Little Sandy 
Creek, near the village. The burrs were a species of blue 
granite found along the Creek, dressed by himself. Th# 
work of shaping and finishing was long and tedious, but 
when finishetl theywere very creditable specimens of Mr. 
Hollenback's skill and patience. They were used for many 
years. The mill at first was run by hand power, the cus- 
tomer contributing his personal strength to the work while his grist 
was being ground. 

Captain Hawes, one of the Lewis brothers and Mr. Knox once ground 
three bushels of corn upon it, devoting to the job nearly half a day's hard 
labor ! The bolting was done at home, each patron taking his grist there 
when ground, and the women and boys removed the bran by means of a 
seive. 

John Dent had a small hand mill on his place in 1833, on Little Sandy. 

In 1842 Amos Harney built a woolen mill in Magnolia, or else added 

carding machinery to a Houring mill already built. About 1843 Basore 

Sl Simonton removed the machinery from Kestor's mill on Sandy and 

set it up here. 

In 1835 Geo. Griffith had a saw mill on Clear Creek, and in 1837 con- 
verted it into a flouring mill. 

In 1839 Aaron Bascom built a saw mill on Clear Creek, half a mile 
from the river road. 

In 1850 Mr. Gaylord set up a steam mill in Magnolia, which subse- 
quently fell into the hands of Mr. Bowers. 

Dwellers in this land of plenty can hardly realize the inconveniences 
to which the early settlers were subjected in the matter of food. In 1831- 
31 the stock of flour and corn-meal ran so low that an expedition was 
fitted out to go to "the Wabash" for flour. It consisted of five teams, 




GEO. S. PAR K 

MAGNOLIA, ILL. 



EEMINISCENCES OF THE GREAT SNOW. 255 

tlie leader being Captain Hawes. They were absent four weeks, and re- 
turned loaded witli provisions, to the great joy of their families. 

THE FIRST ORCHARD. 

The first orchard on the prairie was planted by Captain Hawes, in 
1827, from seeds obtained in the American bottom. Although more than 
fifty years old, some of them are still standing and bear fruit. Many 
procured fruit trees from Peoria, and others brought them from the older 
States. 

THE GREAT SNOW. 

Innumerable are the incidents connected with the deep snow of 1830- 
31. Travel was suspended except in cases of necessity. Along the 
roads paths were beaten down, which could be traveled, but a horse or 
ox that got outside was apt to get fast. 

One day a man came to Knox's mill, with an old crowbate horse, for a 
sack of meal. The beast was poor and Weak, and staggering beneath its 
load, fell into the snow and could not be extricated. The man took 
the load on his back and started home for help. While gone the wolves 
attacked the horse and ate large pieces out of its hams; yet the animal was 
alive the next morning, and gave a grateful neigh of recognition. 

Mr. David Stateler relates an event which to some will seem humor- 
ous, but to him had no fun to speak of. His family occupied a double 
cabin. In twenty-four hours a vacant room would be full of drifted 
snow up to the roof. All hands would "tackle" and shovel it out, but 
the next morning it would be full again. This had to be repeated day 
after day while the storm lasted. 

Another memorable event was the great freeze or sudden change of 
December 20, 1836, when the weather is said to have changed eighty de- 
grees in a few hours. Captain Hawes distinctly recollects the singular 
appearance of the sky, and says before the change his cattle, whicli were 
kept about the house, stampeded without any known cause to the timber, 
and could not be stopped. The following incident is related by him : 

On that day three men rode up to a house at Walnut Grove and 
stopped. They did not dismount, nor seem to have any business, or show 
any reason for thus halting. The inmates came to the door, and discov- 
ering that they were nearly covered with ice, rightly divined the cause of 



256 KECOKbS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tlieir silence, and managed to get the unfortunate men removed from tlieir 
horses. Their legs were covered with ice, and so frozen to the girths and 
stirrups, and their clothing to the saddles that it was necessary to cut the 
girths and bring men, saddles and all into the house ! The horses, too, 
were about to freeze, but were taken to a hay-covered stable and cared for. 
After several hours' work the men were " thawed out " and their lives 
saved, but with badly frozen feet, ears and noses. 

Mr. Studyvin vouches for the fact that rats were seen that day 
actually frozen fast in the mud while crossing the streets. Dead rats and 
pigs were found in the sti'eets and alleys, and especially the former, which 
seem to have perished in large numbers everywhere. 

Jeremiah Strawn is authority for saying that in five minutes mud froze 
sufficiently hard to bear a horse. 

Enoch Dent and his son John had a like memorable experience. With 
a young and mettlesome span of horses they were going some distance on 
an errand, when the young man was thrown from the wagon and got 
thoroughly wet in the mud and slush. The temperature began soon after 
to rapidly change. A piercing wind came from the north and west, laden 
with fine stinging hail-stones, which blinded the horses and men. John 
soon realized he was in a fair way of being frozen, and becoming alarmed, 
his father covered him with l)lankets, and "let the mares out." For the next 
half mile the team bounded like deer over the prairies. What had a few 
moments before threatened young Dent's death — the water in his cloth- 
ing — now froze into solid ice and j^roved his safety, forming a shield 
through which the Arctic blasts could not reach; but the father began 
to feel the premonitory symptoms of freezing. Fortunately they soon 
reached their destination, but were hardly able to enter the shop with- 
out help, they were so stiff and cold. They had not been inside three 
minutes when a man went out to put the horses under shelter, and 
found the wheels frozen in the tracks, and on attempting to unhitch the 
horses, the buckles were found to be frozen fast. Toward evening, find- 
ing they dare not drive home, they went three-fourths of a mile to Mrs. 
Swan's house, and in that short distance came near perishing. 

A ROW OF EBONY CROWS, ETC. 

Captain Hawes' place was near the Lewis house, long known as the 
underground raili-oad station of the Quaker settlement. To see wagon 



AN UNDER -GEOUND RAILWAY STATION. 257 

loads of runaway negroes going past his dwelling toward Lewis' and the 
happy land of freedom beyond, was a common occurrence, one of weekly 
and sometimes of daily happening. The Captain in his quaint way says : 
"It got to be a regular thing. I used to look over toward Lewis' place 
mornings and see niggers roosting on the fence like a row of crows!" 

Sometimes pursuit was made after the escaping chatties, but there is 
no record of any ever having been caught in this locality. Their friends 
around Magnolia, Clear Creek and Ox Bow were numerous and deter- 
mined, and it would have gone hard with the slave catcher or officer who 
dared to venture here to reclaim one of these fugitives. The friends of 
the slave entered heart and hand and with their very souls into the work 
of helping the fugitive onward. 

Stephen and James Willis brought through Magnolia the first escaping 
slaves, in 1827 or 1828. 

SOME HUNTING STORIES. 

Mr. John W. Laughlin was once followed by a large timber wolf a 
distance of two miles, the wolf coming at times within 200 yards of the 
somewhat nervous pedestrian, who did not run, but admitted that he 
" wanted to !" The hungry lupine came up to the house, when the family 
dog was started after him, and both being afraid of each other, the dog 
would chase the wolf out upon the prairie, when the latter would turn 
the tables upon the dog and run him back to the house,— a race that was 
two or three times repeated. The gun being out of order, the boys aimed 
themselves with axes and pitchforks and came to the rescue of their faith- 
ful "Towser," when the wolf disappeared. 

Some Mt. Palatine hunters remember with feelings of disgust the fol- 
lowing incident: They once drove a deer across the prairie toward Mag- 
nolia, where a man who lived near the timber helped them to capture and 
kill the animal. They carried the deer to the fellow's house by his invita- 
tion, and while dressing it dinner was announced, and they were pressed 
to come in and partake of the meal. A four hours' chase over the prauies 
had given the boys good appetites, and they eagerly accepted the welcome 
offer. When through and about to leave, the host inquired of them '' if 
they had not forgotten something ?" They asked, " What ?" He replied, 
"To settle for your dinner." "Wall," drawled he, " I guess the deer 
will make it all right." He took the coveted venison upon his shoulder 
and packed it into the house, coolly adding, "Good day !" They left in 



258 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TiME. 

as completely a disgusted state of luiiul as could possibly l)e imagined. 
In 1842 a noted circular hunt came off in the vicinity of Mt, Palatine, 
the " winding uj) " point being a clump of willows two miles south-east 
of town. Fifteen wolves and several deer were the result. While the 
party were dividing the game at its conclusion, a deer dashed past the 
hunters, and a Mr. Headly killed it with a cooper's adze. 

HOME-MADE CLOTH. 

Illustrative of the inventive genius of the early settlers of this State, 
Mrs. John Laughlin, then Miss Jane Reed, living in Schuyler County, 111., 
remembers an experiment made by her mother, which suggests altogether 
a novel idea in the manufacture of cloth. She took the tall stalks of wild 
nettles, which grew in a])iuidance among the timber everywhere, and were 
three or foiu' feet high, and putting them through the same process as was 
employed in the treatment of flax or hemp, made cloth of the lint or fibre ! 
It was coarse, strong and durable, and made a sort of towel, which com- 
bined the rubl)ing (jualities of the washl)oard with tl?e drying but not 
soothing effect of a modem flne crash napkin! 

The men and boys in those days (1830 to 1840) wore buckskin pants. 
After a day's wear in the snow or I'ain, and di'ied at night, they would 
stand them up by the beds ready for next morning's wear. As a little 
girl, Mrs. Laughlin remembers these pants standing stiff and ghost-like 
about the room! 



Mount Palatine. 



To the eastward of the line of timber bordering the Illinois River, 
and running outward along its tributaries between Magnolia and Gran- 
ville, there lies a stretch of prairie extending to the Vermilion River, in 
La Salle County. This, for beauty, richness of soil and perfection of 
farm improvements has no superior in the State. At the dividing line 
between La Salle and Putnam Counties, about six miles from Tonica, is 
situated the little village of Mt. Palatine. It was laid out June 23, 
1849, by Christopher Winters, and is at the north-east corner of Magnolia 
Township. 

Winters had bought a large body of land here in 1830, and re-sold it 
mostly to settlers from Massachusetts, designing to start on his land " a 
live Yankee town." He also designed the establishment of an educa- 



THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PALATINE. 259 

tional institution, which when first built was called a seminary, ]jut 
afterward its ambitious ;)rojector and patron succeeded in having it 
elevated, in name at least, to the dignity of " Judson College." 

In 1842 the first house in the town was built by "Deacon" Wood- 
bury, and afterward occupied by Elder Thomas Powell. Otis Fisher, 
of Granville, became the first preacher in the settlement, in 1841. He had 
a small frame dwelling erected just outside the limits of the town, and 
lived in it for a year. 

Dr. Larned Davis first visited Mt. Palatine in July, 1841, and be- 
gan making improvements, and therefore may be considered the first 
settler, tliough he did not make that place his permanent abode until 
184?). Mr. Winters' residence was built in 1839, and stands a few rods 
north of the village. He preferred not to reside within the limits of his 
projected town, Init in a suburb thereof. There were two or three other 
houses built on the prairie near and around the town in 1842. One was 
put up near the meridian line, close to the town, by Mr. Winters, for 
Orrin Whitcomb, of Magnolia, who, however, failed to occupy it. 
Another, which was built in the spring and had been blown down, was 
re-raised in July, 1841, in which labor the few settlers of the country for 
several miles around took part, mustering not over a dozen men and boys. 
The only house within twenty-five miles in a south-easterly direction from 
Mt. Palatine was that of William Johnson, which was a mile away. 
Since then the country has com2:)letely filled up with thriving and indus- 
tiious farmers. 

The town being an "inland" place, made some growth, but 'its nearest 
connection with the world being Tonica, on the Illinois Central Kailroad, 
six miles away, its prospects for future growth are not very flattering. 

The probability of Mt. Palatine becoming a place of any considerable 
importance consisted of a scheme to make it a seat of learning. An acad- 
emy was therefore erected, which was paid for by subscriptions from the 
settlers in the neighborhood. The building, which was begun in the fall of 
1 841 , was plain and substantial, built of brick. Rev. Otis Fisher, who had 
done nuich toward the building up of the academy at Granville, was in- 
duced to come to this new field of laboi' as superintendent, which he en- 
tered in the winter of 1842. For fifteen years the Academy flourished 
and the village grew in proportion, but the completion of the Illinois 
Central Railroad caused the building up of the rival town of Tonica, six 
miles distant, when the local trade and Inisiness, ^vhich had been the life 



2()0 RECORDS OF THE OLDI'.N TUIE, 

of Mt. Palatine, ceased, and its further growth was not only stopped, 
but its rapid decline l)egan. The Academy, too, ceased to be attractive, 
and it gradually subsided from its previous flourishing condition, and 
becoming unprofitable, was sold in 18 GO to the Catholic people of the 
vicinity. A condition of the sale made between the two parties was to 
the effect that the buyers should maintain a permanent school in the 
building, which they have thus far done. A provision made in the trans- 
fer papers was to the effect that in the event of a failure to maintain such 
school, the title of the property should revert to the original owners. 
The building is used by the Catholics not only for school purposes, but as 
a chui'ch. 

Among the pupils who attended this Academy at different times were 
the Hon. Thomas Shaw and his sisters, now of Lacon, and Mr, Whittaker, 
\\dio has since been a distinguished missionary to Burmah. 

This educational institution began at first under a charter as an 
Academy, but during the days of Mt. Palatine's brightest prosperity, look- 
ing forward to a higher position as an establishment of leai-ning, the trus- 
tees obtained from the Legislature a charter as a College. Their building 
originally cost about $3,000. 

During the career of this institution there were several distinguished 
persons connected with it, among whom at one time was the poet Coates 
Kenney, author of "Rain on the Poof," who officiated there as a teacher. 

In 1879 there were in Mt. Palatine three churches, a good district 
school, two general stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, post- 
office, one physician, aljout twenty-five dwellings scattered over sixty 
acres of ground, and a })opulation of about one hundred people. Among 
its public institutions are a good village Literary Club and a Red Ribbon 
Society. The first hotel (built in 1852) was owned and run by Samuel 
Puffer, a good brick house, which is now occupied as a residence by John 
W. Laughlin. 

The first store opened in Mt. Palatine was that of Boardman Fulsom, 
where was sold di'ugs, groceries and dry goods. He began business here 
soon after the town was laid out, and retired from business in 1850. 

MT. PALATINE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The people of this religious faith living at Mt. Palatine and vicinity 



MT. TALATINE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 261 

were formally oi'ganized into a Society in 1845, and Elder Thomas Powell 
^vas the first pastor. 

The original nieni1)ers were: Thomas Powyll, Elizaheth Powell, Bar- 
bara Powell, Otis Fisher, Harriet N. D. Fisher, Nathan Kingsbury, Syrena 
Kingsbury, James Cui-tis, Mary J. Curtis, Isaac Woodbury, Eunice O. 
Woodbury, Jei'usha Woodlaiiy, Mary W. Boutwell, Eunice Graves, N"a- 
thaniel Graves, Daniel Reniff , Rhoda Reniff , Nancy Reniff , August Reniff , 
Ruth Ste])hens, Mary Reese, Wm. Johnson, Hepsibeth Johnson, Peter 
Howe, Arvilla Howe, Earned Davis, Mary Davis, Hiram Earned, Abbey 
Earned, Orrin Whitcomb, Artemas O, Woodbury and Eydia S. Woodbury. 

The meetings of this sect were held at first at the school house, until 
the Academy building was erected, when they occupied that edifice until 
the dissolution of the Society, which was in 1865, about the time the 
building named was sold to the Catholics. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

January 3, 1869, a business meeting of those favoring the forma- 
tion of a Congregational Society was called, which met, and a committee 
consisting of John W. Eaughlin, Robert Gallaher, A. E. Harrington, John 
Earned and John Morrison was appointed to obtain the names of such as 
were willing to enter into the proposed movement. The committee re- 
ported at an adjourned meeting held January 10, and again at a meeting 
held Januaiy 17. It was then decided to invite the Baptist and Method- 
ist Societies of Tonica and the Cumberland Church Society to join with 
them for general conference, with a view to the organization of a 
"broad gauge" church. The invitation was accepted, and the Council as- 
sembled February 6, George Gurnea being chosen as Moderator. After 
transacting the general business before the Council, the Congregationalists 
proceeded to effect their church organization, which they did by the elec- 
tion of A. E. Harrington, John Morrison and George Gurnea as Ruling 
Elders, John W. Eaughlin, John Morrison and Andrew Powell as Trus- 
tees, James G. Eaughlin Secretary, and John W. Eaughlin, Treasurer. 

The next day, February 7, the Council again met at the school house 
at Mt. Palatine, the following delegates being present from other church 
organizations: Thomas Ware and Rev. H. V. Warren, from Granville 
Congregational Church ; J. C. Hayward and Rev. J. W. West, from the 
Congregational Chui-ch at Tonica; Rev, N. W. Curtis, of the Methodist 



2()2 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Episcopal Churcli at Tonica ; Rev. J. H. Burns, A. P. Dysart, N. B. Fiil- 
Roni and R. W. Moore, of tlie Pi'esl)yterian Cliurcli at Granville; and Rev. 
J. E. Roy, D. D., agent of the Home Missionary Society. 

Tliis organization was composed of the following named members : 
John W. Laiighlin and wife, James G. Laughlin, K. J. Davis, Margaret 
McNab, Caroline Lawrence, John Morrison and wife, A. L. Harrington 
and wife, George Gurnea and wife and Stephen W. Gallaher. 

During the six years preceding 1879, Dr. E. R. Robinson officiated as 
pastor for this Congregational Society, but resigned his holy calling, re- 
sumed the practice of medicine, and is now a leading physician in Mt. l^al- 
atine. 

The Congregational Church edifice, a substantial building capable of 
seating 300 persons, and costing with its organ $3,500, is an ornament to 
that section of the country. 

PROSPECT HOUSE. 

• For years an exceedingly pretentious building stood upon the pi-airie, 
near the county line, which was known as the Prospect House. It was 
erected in 1836 by Thomas Patterson, as a hotel or half way house on 
the Ottawa road, and was properly named, being located upon a high 
knoll or rise in the prairie. From the balconies of this house a most 
magnificent view of the country for many miles in every direction could 
be obtained. The central point of the grand wolf hunt of November 11, 
1842, elsewhere described, was at a small willow grove near Prospect 
House. 

THE PREDESTINARIAN BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This Society, one of the earliest religious denominations in the County 
of Putnam, was organized at Caledonia, September 3, 1836. The first 
pastor was Elder James B. Chenowith, who began his ministrations Octo- 
ber 1, 1836. The charte*- members were "Wm. E. Larkins, Rachel Lar- 
kins, John Brumsey, Joseph Ash, Elizabeth Ash, Joel Corbell, Miriam 
Graves, I. D. Glenn and Sarah Glenn. Their present house of woi-ship 
was built in 1855. 

Accidents and Incidents. 

In 1850, John Mc Williams, a respectable citizen of Caledonia, hung 
himself. He arose from his bed at tlie usual hour on the fatal morning, 



ANECDOTES, ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS. 



263 



built a fire and went out. His wife prepared breakfast, >)ut her husband 
not returning in proper time, she supposed he might be busy in the stable. 
She went there to summon him to breakfast, when she was horrified to 
discover him hanging by the neck. His life had taken its everlasting 
flight. No cause was ever assigned for the rash act. 

In 1853, David Trone, a bla|ksmith, was killed by a remarkable acci- 
dent. He had constructed a contrivance propelled by horse power, by 
which to grind and polish plows. He had started it up on the day in 
question, and was making satisfactory progress, when the grindstone burst 
and a piece of it struck him in the breast, killing him almost instantly. 

In 1855 a man named Parsons, who had not been long married, living 
near the head of the prairie, went to the timljer for a load of wood. He 
told his wife he would return about noon. That hour came and passed, 
as did several others, and at about four o'clock she became very uneasy, 
and tried to induce some of the neighbors to go in search of him; but en- 
tertaining none of the anxious young wife's fears for his safety, no one 
went. When night came and her husband failed to make his appearance, 
tiie poor woman persuaded a few of her neighbors to accompany her. In 
this search, which was continued several hours into the night, they were 
unsuccessful, and the unhappy and disconsolate woman went weeping to 
her couch. 

The next morning the almost crazed woman set out alone in search of 
her husband, and as soon as she reached the timber she was struck duml) 
with the sight that greeted her eyes. She found the object of her long 
and painful search lying by the side of his sled, stiff and cold in death. 
He had been crushed by a large log which, in attempting to load upon his 
sled, had slipped and fallen upon him. There he had lain alive for sev- 
eral hours, as the snow within reach of his feet and hands showed the 
uumistakaljle evidence of his vain struggles to free himself. The horses 
had remained all night by the side of their dead master. After Mrs. Par- 
sons found the corpse, being unal)le to extricate it, she returned and told 
the dreadful stoiy, and soon willing hands and sympathizing friends hur- 
ried to the scene, returning with their mangled and ghastly burden. It 
was a sad case, and excited deep sympathy for the poor young wife. 

MRS. GILLA COWAN. 

This estimable lady was a daughter of Mr. John E. Dent, and an aunt 



2G4 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

of Hon. John O. Dent, now a resident of Wenona. Her husband, Mr. 
William Cowan, visited Illinois in 1829, with a view to selecting a loca- 
tion for a settlement. He returned to his home in the East, but early in 
bSol came back, bringing his wife and family, and for many years resided 
about a mile from Magnolia, at which jdacc he died in 1M()4. 

Mrs.. Cowan once had an amusing experience with a party of Indians, 
which she took pleasui'e in relating. On one occasion a half dozen war- 
I'iors came to her house and asked for food, explaining that they were 
hungry. She immediately prepared a meal for them, placing it u[)on a 
tal)le with the usual accompaniment of dishes, knives and foi-ks, and 
})lacc(l her copj^er-colored guests in position to enjoy the bountiful re])ast 
wliicli she had prepared. They imagined the plates wei'e placed before 
them to catch the juices that drii)ped from their mouths as they tore their 
food ; ])ut they examined the knives and forks curiously, and after debat- 
ing the matter, the bright idea struck one of them to dip his hand in the 
dish, sieze pieces of meat, stick them on the points of the knife and fork 
before him and hold them there, taking the meat from them with his fin- 
gers for conveyance to his mouth. The idea seemed a feasible one, and 
was innnediately followed by each of the others. 

PIGEON ROOST. 

In 1857-8 this country literally swarmed with wild pigeons. Never 
before in the memory of the oldest inhabitant were these birds so plenti- 
ful, and never since has there been any such visitation. They filled the 
woods everywhere Vjetween Union Grove and Crow Creek, but, as is the 
haVjit with this peculiar variety of the feathered tribe, they flocked 
together and formed an immense "roost" in the woods near Jeremiah 
Strawn's house. Here they gathered in large numbers, coming in such 
clouds as at times to darken the sky. They would make a noise when 
disturbed in daytime like the rushing of a mighty wind storm. Their 
I'oost covered a space of about three-fourths of a mile in one direction and 
nearly double that in the other. They, lodged upon trees until they broke 
off large limbs, and bent the tops of the saplings and undergrowth to the 
ground. At nights they were at the mercy of hunters, who, provided 
with flaming torches which blinded the birds, could shoot and slaughter 
at leisure. Persons came fronl considerable distances to obtain them as 



A WOISTDERFUL PIGEON ROOST, 



265 



an article of food, and they generally returned loaded down witli game. 
One evening Joshua Bush and his son Isaac killed 750 birds, and on 
another occasion Isaac brought down eighty-eight of them by discharging 
both barrels of his shot gun, firing promiscuously at a tree full of them. 




26G 



KECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



SENACHWINE TOWNSHIP, 



CHAPTER XXXI. 




GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

HE Township and village of Senachwine derive their names 
fi'oni a noted Indian chieftain formerly living in the vicinity, 
and whose remains were interred half a mile north-east of 
the village. The Township consists of one whole and one 
fractional township, and contains in all about forty-four sec- 
tions of land. It lies upon the west side of the Illinois 
River, and is made up of alluvial bottom and table land 
of unparalleled fertility. Portions are subject to overflow, 
but year by year the river is receding or the annual deposits raise the land 
so that a larger surface is brought under cultivation. 

The principal stream is Senachwine Creek, known in former times as- 
the Little Elbow in contradistinction to a larger stream of the same name 
in the vicinity. 

Senachwine Lake is a ]^leasant body of water east of the village, about 
two and a half miles long and from eighty to one hundred rods wide, 
noted for its fine iish and for being a pleasant resort for hunting and bath- 
ing ])arties in summei*. 

In 1800 a town was laid out here by B. M. Hayes, but appears to have 
died in the shell, as nothing of its histoiy can be learned. 

Suljsequently the village of Senachwine was laid out by Peter Barn- 
hart and Cortland Condit, owners of the land. 

In the year 1855 the Bureau Valley Railroad was l)uilt, and the same 
year James McCurdy opened a store, the first in the |)lace. He was also 
the first postmaster. In that year, too, George H. Ward began the gro- 
cer's trade, and Aaron Haines built a hotel. At present the town con- 
tains about one hundred Imildings of all kinds, and 400 inhabitants. It 
has two churches, a fine public school house, elevator, passenger building, 
flouring mill, several good stores, etc. 



feETTLEMT^KT OE SET^-ACHWINE TOWNSHIP. 267 

The l)liiffs al)()iiii(l witli coal, which, tliough easily mined, has never 
l)een developed. 

Early attention was given to schools, and a building for school i)ur- 
poses was erected in 1838, on an island in the lake, at which most of tlie 
young men of that day obtained the rudiments of their education. The 
first teacher was Mary Emerson, and her patrons were Messrs. Reed, Ba- 
con, Morgan, Talliaferro, Barnhart and Condit. For many years this 
building served its purpose, but long since gave way to a better structure 
and went to decay. 



Early Settleks. 



The first white settler at Senachwine was elames B. Talliaferro, who 
in March, 1835, made a claim on the site of the deserted Indian village. 
The only white settlers then in this valley besides himself were: Tyrrell 
Beeves, Jesse Perkins, Wm. Lathrop and Bussell Mallory and their fam- 
ilies. For many miles above and below, on the east side of the river, 
there were no other settlers. 

At Henry there were Major Thompson, Mr. Stacey and Charles Nock. 
With the exceptions of Mr. and Mrs. Talliaferro, there are now none living 
of those first settlers of this Township. 

Greorge Beeves, famous as "the outlaw," lived in a small shanty north 
of Talliaferro's dwelling, which is now known as the James Winship 
place. Beeves' brother Tyrrell at one time lived near the top of the same 
hill, but he subsequently removed to the lower end of Crow Meadow 
Prairie. There was a third brother named William, who lived with them a 
short time, but returned to Indiana. There was still another brother 
named John, who improved the place from which George was afterward 
expelled. Tyrrell and William improved the place which was afterward 
known as the Barnhart place. 

When Talliaferro moved to Senachwine he was accompanied by a 
young man named Asa Mounts, and a young woman, Charlotte Pfief- 
fer. These persons were subsequently, in the fall of 1835, united in 
marriage and settled north of Mr. Talliaferro' s place, on the Perkins farm. 

The next settler was Wm. L. Gilbert, who occupied a part of the 
Barnhart farm, and near him Dr. Culbertson, a physician who did not 
practice his profession, also settled and improved the Wm. Wheeler place. 



268 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

In the fall of 1887, Samuel C. Bacon and Thomas Morgan settled upon 
the Cnlbei'tsou claim. 

The wife of James 11. Talliaferro came with her parents to LaSalle 
County in 1828, when! she was thirteen years of age; was married in 
1833, and came to live at her new home at Senachwine in 18o0. The 
first death that occurred here was their son Norris, on x\ugust 21, 183G, 
an infant less than a year old. 

Thomas Morgan came to Hennepin in 1835, and was married to Clara 
Cook, sister of W. E. Cook, deceased, of Lacon, an account of whose wed- 
ding is given elsewhere. 

Peter Barnhart afterward bought GilVjert's claim and settled thereon 
in 183(5, On this place he was prosperous, and there he ended his days. 

C. E,. Condit came in 183(), and settled south of the Indian mounds, 
where he laid out the town of Senachwine, at first calling it Condit. 
Philip Reed arrived during the same season nnd made a claim on what 
was afterward the Drake farm. 

Lewis Thompson and Wm. Kidney arrived in 1837, and began improve- 
ments on their afterward well known homestead. James Buchanan came 
in 1838, made a claim and sold it to Matthew Hoyt, who occupied it the 
following year. 

William Williams started from his home ii* Philadelphia in 1837, went 
to Hartford, Indiana, where he remained till the spring of 1838, when he 
made a trij) as supercargo of a flatboat down the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivei's and up Red River, returning to Hartford the next year. Later 
in the year he traveled across the coimtry on horseback to Waiiord Bon- 
ham's, above Sparland. He afterward opened a claim in the Snyder 
settlement, where he became accpiainted with Jolm B. White, for whom 
the town of Whitefield was named. In 1843 he married Miss A. Lyon, 
having previously moved to Senachwine. He was Judge of Putnam 
County for six years, and held many different local offices, among them 
Justice of the Peace, the duties of which office he performed for twenty- 
five years. 

Samuel C. Bacon moved to Senachwine in the fall in 1837, and was 
the first Justice of the Peace of the precinct, and afterward of the town, 
an ofiice which he held for over twenty-five years. 

John Williams came West in 1837, and settled at Hennepin, but after- 
ward moved to Senachwine, and settled on his present farm. 

Loton Frisbee settled near the bluff, in Senachwine, in June, 1835, 



THE SITE OF AN ANCIENT NECROPOLIS. 269 

near the line of Henry Township. At that time Russell Mallory lived on 
the prairie, but sold his claim the same year to Colonel Snyder, who pre- 
viously lived on Guy Pool's place. 

LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD. 

The hrst minister who ever preached in this locality was Elder James 
B. Chenowith, of the Baptist Church. He commenced his labors in 183S, 
and lived on a place about half way between Senachwine and Tiskilwa. 

In 1839 Rev. Mr. Ken3^on, a Methodist, came into the neighborhood, 
and commenced a ministration in holy things. He was the first man to 
introduce a McCormick reaper in this section of country. 

In 1857 the Methodists, having increased in numbers so that no pri- 
vate house could accommodate them, built a neat and substantial church. 
Their first "class meeting" was organized in 1838. 

SENACHWINE's INDIAN VILLAGE. 

Surrounded by an amphitheater of hills, near the mouth of Little 
Senachwine Creek is a beautiful and romantic spot, whereon for ages 
stood a famous Indian village bearing the name Senachwine. This was 
the name of a prominent Indian chief who for nearly a hundred years had 
dwelt in this region. Between this historic place and the Illinois River 
there is a beautiful lake, celebrated for the abundance and excellence of 
its fish. The Indian chief gave his name not only to his village and this 
lake, but also to the creek which enters the valley here; and the town of 
the white people, the voting precinct and the township have all been hon- 
ored with the same title. This was also the name of the postoffice until 
some ambitious person with an unpoetic soul desired a change in the 
name of the office to make it conform with that of the i-ailroad station 
near the old town, and had it called Putnam. 

In unknown ages past, this county was the bed of a great inland 
lake, and the bluffs northwest of the village, an island, which, as the 
waters subsided, became the wooded range of hills we now see. These 
mark the southeastern boundary of the small valley which afforded 
a site for the Indian village of Senachwine. These hills are separate and 
distinct from the Illinois River bluffs, and stand out upon the plain to the 
East, a marked feature in the landscape. 

In the vicinity are numerous mounds and remains of an ancient civil- 



270 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN" TIME. 

izatioii, and on tlie top of a ridge east of Mr. Talliaferro's residence is a 
series of mounds in which some trace a resemblance to certain animals, 
and claim they were originally constructed for worship. 

The dwelling and a portion of the farm of James R. Talliaferro are in 
this beautiful valley, wherein stood Senachwine's village. Even as re- 
cently as IBoT) the country around was sti'ewn with the relics of Indian 
wigwams, and there were visit)le evidences of the existence of at least oOO 
of their rude houses. Early French traders mention the existence of an 
Indian village there which numbered 500 lodges. 

The large numl)er of mounds found upon the hills around this 
little valley can be .Isccounted for on no other hypothesis than that this 
was once densely populated by the aborigines, and probably had been 
for many years an Indian V)urial ground. 

When Mr. Talliaferro first visited this locality, now more than fifty years 
ago, the grave of the old Indian chieftain, Senachwine (then hot long dead), 
was shown him. The stakes which had been placed at each end of the grave 
were there still, and a high pole which had been placed near the spot to 
indicate its locality, still had fluttering at its top a small flag, which the 
old chief 's followers had placed there. Mr. Talliaferro's residence stands 
on the site of a once large and thriving town, inhabited by a race of peo- 
ple whose characteristics were entirely different from ours. Where wig- 
wams stood, the plowman regularly drives his team afield to cultivate the 
soil. The burial places of the red man of the forest are also utilized for 
similar purposes, and the mounds which were made to indicate their rest- 
ing places are being converted by the plowshare of modern civilization 
into corn and wheat fields. 

THE INDIANS AT SENACIIWINe's GRAVE. 

Senachwine, the famous Indian chief, of whom we have frequently 
made mention, died in 1830 at the Indian village which bore his name, 
and his body was buried with the pomp and ceremony which became his 
station. For many years his grave was an object of interest, not only to 
the white people, but to the Indians also, who came from long distances 
to visit it. 

In 1835 a large number of Pottawattomie Indians came to pay their 
tribute of respect to the memory of this dead chief. When they assembled 
around the mound they were greatly and justly indignant at finding the 





(OEICEASED.) 




<y^ 




WENONA. ILL. 



SENACHWINE BRANCH U. G. RAILWAY. 273 

remains had been molested. Some worthless hunters, searching for valua- 
bles, had rifled the dead chief's grave and scattered his remains. Deep 
was their grief and lasting their resentment. It was an insult and outrage 
difficult to endure. They opened the grave and proceeded with much 
ceremony to re-inter his bones. This done, they made a new mound over 
the spot, placed substantial posts in the ground at either end, and about a 
rod away toward the south-west erected a pole, with a small flag at the 
top. When this was accomplished they bitterly turned their faces to the 
setting sun and departed, never to look upon his grave again. 

HOW A WOMAN SHOT A DEER. 

The following incident, related by Mrs. John Williams, shows what 
the sex were capable of in the olden time, and that though woman may 
faint at the sight of a dangerous mouse and go into "conniptions" at the 
explosion of a Fourth of July squib, she can, under other circumstances, 
exercise courage, judgment and self-possession of the highest order. 

One morning in 1846, during the absence of the "men folks," she saw 
from her cabin window a fiiie looking deer pass by, and taking her hus- 
band's loaded gun from its rest, endeavored to bring him in range, but 
without effect. She had two dogs that came at her call and attacked the 
deer, but after a short run and fierce fight they were disabled. Finally 
she shot the animal in the head, without, however, dispatching him, 
and while she returned for a knife to cut its throat, a disreputable charac- 
ter named Cy Bowles, who had quietly watched the performance, hastily 
dispatched the game, and being a large, powerful man, shouldered and 
carried it off before her return. 

A RUNAWAY. 

Occasionally a fugitive slave would find the road to liberty through 
Senachwine, sent upon this out-of-the-way trail to avoid piu'suit. 

Once a negro, hotly pressed by his enemies, was disguised by his 
friends as a woman, and passed through Senachwine in a lumber wagon, 
in charge of George Cone, who lived between this village and Henry. 

On another occasion a fellow came to the house of Asa Cunningham, 
near the village, and begged his assistance. He was an escaped slave, 
from Missouri, and while resting by the roadside discovered in the dis- 
tance an approaching horseman, whom he i\± once knew to be his master. 



274 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIIME. 

The negro said : "I was so skeert dat I shet my eyes, afeerd lie 'd sec 
'em, and did n't dar to draw my bref, afeerd lie 'd smell 'um, for I 'd a ben 
eatin' wild ingens (onions)." The master was at the hotel, and the slave 
dare not move, for it was in the middle of the day. Mr. Cunningham 
was the village undertaker, and rightly believing no one would hunt a 
runaway in a hearse, hitched up his blind horse and loading the " darkey" 
into a cottiii, drove through Senachwine at a melancholy amble, the busi- 
ness gait of the ancient nag. The master saw the cavalcade as it passed, 
and was amused at the oddity of the turnout, while the driver headed his 
course for Hennepin and safely delivered his lively "corpse" into the hands 
of trusty friends, who kept him concealed until the pursuers left the 
country. 

THE MURDER OF m'kEE. 

A number of years ago a man named Anderson McKee was the keeper 
of an inn at Henry. He had j.s a guest one Williams, a drunken, worth- 
less fellow, who never found it convenient to pay his board bills. This 
delinquency was the cause of frequent disputes between the parties, and 
Williams, becoming angered at McKee's continued demands, determined 
to do him bodily harm. He told McKee if he would procure a horse and 
buggy and go with him to Boyd's Grove, where he said money was due 
him, he would liquidate the debt. McKee consented to the arrange- 
ment, and they started off, not, however, directly toward the place 
they proposed to visit, for they were seen riding about the bluffs beyond 
Senachwine, on the road leading to Princeton. It was while in a thick 
piece of woods on these bluffs that Williams, with a knife with which he 
liad that day provided himself, while McKee's attention was diverted, 
deliberately cut the throat of his companion. There was a profuse flow 
of blood from the wound, and the injured man immediately lost con- 
sciousness. Williams, supposing he had fully succeeded in his murderous 
work, dragged the body from the buggy and placed it behind a large log 
lying some distance from the road. Finding water near by, he removed 
the blood stains from the buggy and his person as well as he could, and 
instead of continuing forward on the Princeton road, turned in the direc- 
tion of Henry. When about half way between that place and Senach- 
wine he was met by a man who had seen him and McKee together in the 
buggy before they left Henry, who asked where McKee was. Williams 
gave an evasive answer, and the man continued his journey. Approach- 



DEXTROUS SURGERY IN THE OLBEN TIME. 275 

ing a farm house a short distance beyond, he found the people there in 
great commotion. It seems that McKee, after having been thrown behind 
the log and left for dead by Williams, revived sufficiently to drag him- 
self to the farm house, not many rods away, and with his remaining 
strength tell his pitiable tale. A physician was summoned, but when he 
arrived it was too late. The vital spark had fled. 

The man who had met Williams, on learning these facts and seeing 
the bloody body of McKee, took a circuitous route, hurried to Henry, and 
procured the issue of a warrant for the arrest of the murderer. An officer 
immediately went in pursuit, readily found the man he was in search of, 
and lodged him in jail. In due time a trial of the case was had, the cul- 
prit was convicted of manslaughter, and served out a term in the peniten- 
tiary therefor. 

SICKNESS. o 

The early settlers had many hardships and privations to contend with,^ 
but their worst foes were ague and malarial fevers. Bad as these complaints 
are now, they were infinitely worse then, while the remedies now most 
used were then unknown. Physicians were few, and reliance was mainly 
upon roots, herbs, and good nursing. The year 1838 was particularly un- 
healthful, and numerous deaths occurred among the children. In two 
neighboring families in Senachwine, twelve persons were prostrated at 
once, and only one person to wait upon them. Dr. Montfort, of Henry, 
was the only physician available, and his labors were i'ncessant. Mercury 
in its various forms was largely used, often entailing gi^eat and untold 
suif ering, as in the case of a Miss Reed, one side of whose face was eaten 
away by the poison, leaving the bare and fleshless jaw exposed; her teeth 
fell out, and her jaws became set so that it was with difficulty food 
could be forced into her mouth. Her suiferings were intense, yet she 
recovered, and modern science restored her fearfully mutilated face into 
at least a semblance of humanity, after which she enjoyed good health 
for many years. This was done by removing the skin from a portion of 
the^ arm, binding the arm to her face, and then retaining it with bands 
until it grew there, when the piece so attached was cut off and rounded 
into form. The operation was painful, but the woman's will and endu- 
rance made it a success. 



276 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 




TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

'HE Township of Granville was so named by Ral})li Ware, 
after the town from which he came in Massachusetts. It is 
situated in the nortli-east corner of Putnam County, and is 
bounded on the north by the Illinois River, on the east by 
La Salle County, on the south by Magnolia and on the west 
by Hennepin Township. It contains forty-four sections or 
square miles of surface. Along its northern boundary are 
the bluffs of the Illinois River, while wooded points extend 
into the prairies along either side of such streams as flow toward the 
river. With the exception of the wooded lands referred to, and the "bot- 
tom" lands adjoining the water-courses, the surface of the country is rich 
and level prairie, covered with fertile, well cultivated farms. 



FIRST SETTLERS. 

The flrst settlers in Granville Township were the brothers James and 
George B. Willis, who came in 1827 ; Stephen D. Willis, who afterward 
(in 1853) went to Oregon; and John Robinson, a celebrated hunter, in 
1828; George Ish and his son Bazdale, a youth of fourteen years, James 

D. Ross, Roswell Blanchard, Hugh Warnock, Creswell and Leonard 

Ross in 1829. In 1830 came Bun-, Daniel Jones, Thomas, 

Williams, Daniels. Hendricks and John D. Blake came 

in 1831. Henry Schooler and James Vintiner arrived in the settlement 
in 1832. In 1833 the population was increased by the arrival of Thomas 

Ware, James Mills, Shepard, Robert, John and Alexander Moore, 

Mrs. Mary Mills, Mrs. Ellen Lundy, Mrs. James Harper, Albert Harper 
and Samuel Brown. In 1834, Daniel and J. F. Shepard, Anthony Smith, 
A. D. Hayslip and William Sherman came and settled. In 1835, J. W. 



GRANVILLE APPEARANCE AND SURROUNDINGS. 277 

Hopkins, George B. Hopkins, Luther D. Giinn, Alanson Wbitaker and 
August Brenneman came; and in \SPJ', Isaac Sprague, Amos Dewey and 
Benshaner. 

Some of the old settlers of the Township whose names are not given 
above, who either died or moved away, are James G. Lawton, Joseph, 
James and Simeon Warnock, who came in 1829 or 30, and subsec^iiently 
weLt to Iowa; John Burrows in 1829, dead; Isaac Archer in 1830, dead; 
Thomas Wafer in 1830, went to Texas and is dead 

The fii-st interment made in the cemetery at Granville was the body 
of Levi Shepard, in January, 1837. 

In 1838, Luther D. Gunn settled two and a half miles from Granville; 
Hugh Warnock lived at Union Grove in 1833, and James Warnock in the 
vicinity. 

The Village of Granville. 

The village was surveyed and laid off April 7, 1836. Its first settler 
was a man named Creswell, who built a cabin there in 1832-3. The sec- 
ond house, a fi-ame structure, was erected by Thomas Ware, in 1834. 
In April, 183(), an addition was made to the village by Thos. Ware 
James Pan-, William Smith, Clarissa Ware, Archer and Margaret Hay- 
slip. It occupies a commanding site upon the prairie, affording a fine 
view of the surrounding country, approached in all directions by good 
roads. Few localities present scenes of such varied sylvan beauty. The 
farms are highly cultivated, the houses are elegant, the roads are bor- 
dered with hedges, and a profusion of shade and fruit trees beautify the 
landscape and add to its attractiveness. The fathers of the settlement 
" built foi- all time," and laid its foundations broad and deep in the eternal 
principles of truth and rectitude. Early attention was given to schools, 
and the morals of the country were not overlooked. It is to the credit of 
the citizens that no saloon has ever been licensed in the town, and what- 
ever drunkenness there may have been was imported, and not " to the 
manor born." 

In early times Granville was a bustling, go-ahead place, with a promis- 
ing future. Its merchants were enterprising, and carried large stocks of 
goods. Its public school was known and noted all over Central Illinois, 
and young men came from long distances to avail themselves of its ad- 



278 RECORDS OF TJIE OLDEN TIME. 

vantages. Its ministers of the Gospel were elo(|iient ; society was refined 
and courteous; newspaj)ers and bo..ks circulated freely, and on all ques- 
tions of public interest the people were well informed and voted intelli- 
gently. 

Among the earliest merchants were the; Laughlin Brothers, who were 
better farmers than merchants, and allowed their sympathies to get away 
with their judgment. They sold goods on time, and soon had to abandon 
the business. They commenced, too, at an ill chosen time^ amidst the gen- 
eral crash of 1837. 

Of late years the town has measurably declined. Peru on one side 
and Hennepin on the other have drawn upon its resources, and as they 
grew and increased Granville seemed to decay. 



Religious Services. 



In the vicinity of Granville and Union Grove the blessings of Chris- 
tianity were taught by missionaries at an early day. Every three weeks 
in the fall of 1829, Rev. William Royal, a Methodist preacher, gathered 
his little flock at the house of George Ish, and also about the same time, 
or perhaps a few months later, performed the same pious duty for the 
settlers about Union Grove and the neighborhood where Florid was 
afterward mapped as a town site. Among the pioneer ministers in the 
same faith were Rev. Mr. Parker and Rev. Edward Haile, the latter 
being described as an incorrigible " old bach " of sixty-two years, and 
almost a woman hater, so marked was his aversion to or teri'or of the sex. 

GRANVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Elder Thomas Powell was the first Baptist minister who ever preached 
in Granville. He came there in 1830, and preached to a few people gath- 
ered at the house of Mr. Shepard. A few weeks afterward he returned 
and preached again, his audience including all who could get into the 
building — a small unfui'nished frame store erected by James Laughlin. 
The congregation was composed of Pi'esbyterians, " Seceders," Congrega- 
tionalists and Baptists. 

The people generally were so anxious to have regular religious exer- 



SLAVERY DENOUNCED AS A SIN. 279 

cises that they invited Elder Powell to divide his time between them and 
his other appointments. He had been sent as a Missionary of the Baptist 
Home Mission Society, to Putnam Connty. His first stopping place was 
at John Robinson's, l)etween Granville and Hennepin. The Elder, when 
he visited Granville on the occasions referred to, ^vas a resident of Vermil- 
lonville, and his duties there prevented him from accepting the proposal 
of the people of the former place. His appointments were at Hennepin, 
Clear Creek, Payne's Point, Magnolia, five miles east of Sandy Creek, and on 
the Vermilion River, where Streator now stands. There were then thirteen 
Baptists in Hennepin and Granville, whom ]ie organized into the Baptist 
Church Society of Granville, which organization still exists and has a 
l)lace of worship. It has furnished four young men to the ministry, one 
of whom, Samuel Whitaker, finished his course in the Asiatic department 
of Foreign Missions in Burmah, and died there; another, E. O. Whitaker, 
died while a Chaplain in the late war; the third, Charles Button, is now 

pastor of a church in Wisconsin, and the fourth, Robinson, established 

a church at the mouth of Columbia River, Oregon, which was said to be 
the first Protestant church on the Pacific coast. 

"The Baptist Church of Hennepin and Granville" was organized April 
15, 1837, by Thomas Powell, Daniel Sliepard, Alanson Whitaker, Joseph 
M. Fairfield, Nancy Winters, Elizabeth Winters, Lydia Ann Winters, 
Cynthia Ann Winters, Ruth Ann Gould, Lucy Ann Simpson, Delia Per- 
kins and Ruth Whitaker, who met at Hennepin for that purpose. Daniel 
Shepard was chosen Moderator, and J. M. Fairfield, Clerk. 

At a meeting held by the members of this church in July, 1843, the 
slavery question having became an exciting topic all over the Union', the 
following resolution was adopted : 



Besolved, That slavery is a sin against God and an outrage on human rights, and that 
as a Baptist Church cannot conscientiously admit a slaveholder to our pulpit or commift 
table. 



we 
ion 



At a meeting held December 3, 1843, it was resolved to Iniild a church 
at Granville, and W. A. Pennell, J. W. Fames and Harrison Rice were 
appointed a committee to take the matter in charge, measures also being 
taken to incorporate the Society according to law. 

A frame structure, thirty-six by forty-six feet, was promptly built, 
and a bell weighing 1260 pounds was soon after procured and placed in 
the belfry of the church. This is said to be the first church bell put up 



280 RECOKDS OF THE OLUEN Tl.ME. 

anywhere in Pntnani County. The cLurcli building cost about $2,000, 
and is a very respectable and handsome structure. 



The Presbyterian Church. 

The Presbyterian Church of Granville was organized April 27, 1839. 
On that day George W. Elliott, of Lowell, James H. Dickey, of Union 
Grove, and Mr. Spaulding, of Peoria, who had previously been appointed 
by the Peoria Presbytery for the purpose, met at a house in Granville. 
With them were associated James Mears, Polly Mears, Ealph Mears, 
Lucinda A. Ware, John Pool, Thomas Ware, Nancy L. Ware, James G. 
Laughlin, Ruth Laughlin, Asenath Nash, Hannah Ware, Thomas Wafer, 
Elizabeth Wafer, Harriet N. Wafer, James H. Wafer, John Short, Eleanor 
Short, Cyi'us H. Short, Prior M. Short, William H. Short, James Hale, 
Marena Hale, J. W. Laughlin, Alexander M. Laughlin, Philena Kidder, 
George Perry and David L. Child. These latter named persons were ad- 
mitted to take part in the organization by reason of their being members 
in good standing in the Church, each of them producing letters of dis- 
missal, or other satisfactory evidence to that effect. After the usual 
preliminary exercises were had the meeting organized. James Mears and 
Ralph Ware were chosen as Ruling Elders, whose terms of office were to 
continue until September 3, next ensuing, and John Pool and Thomas 
Ware were chosen to the same office, their terms to begin on the 
expiration of the time for which their predecessors were chosen. 

The Church then extended an invitation to Mr. H. G. Pendleton, a 
licentiate from Lane Theological Seminaiy, to become their preacher, 
which invitation was accepted, and he at once entered upon the discharge 
of ^is duties. The first sacramental communion of the members of the 
new Church was held on the last Sabbath of May, 1839, and on the first 
day of August following, the Church and community were called upon to 
mourn the death of James Mears, one of the first chosen Rulhig Elders of 
the infant Church. 

Almost from its inception this Church seems to have been torn by dis- 
sensions, and as a matter of course it could not become prosperous, either 
in a temporal or spiritual view. In August, 1842, Horace Morse, with 
quite a number of other members who sided with him in one of these un- 
happy quarrels, preferred a request to the session for letters of dismissal 



MERITED RECOGISriTION OF FAITHFUL SERVICE. 281 

to a church at Hennepin. A motion was made to lay the petition on the 
table, — otherwise to refuse the request. This brought on a most stormy 
and acrimonious debate, and after long discussion and the exhibition of 
much hard feeling, the recpiest was granted and the letters issued. 

It seems that the slavery question, pro and con, which was agitating 
the country from Maine to Texas in 1844, crept into the Granville Church 
and proved a fire-brand there. Some of the members were strong Aboli- 
tionists, while others were either indifferent to the question or openly took 
part on the other side. It was probably on that account that Rev. Mr. 
Pendleton, feeling that his day of usefulness had ceased there, was 
prompted to sever his connection with the Church. About the time that 
he did so those who were opposed to him procured a declaration to be en- 
tered on the Chui'ch minutes severely reflecting upon him for entertaining 
pro-slavery views. In August, 1844, at a church meeting, the following 
resolution was adopted: 

Besolved, That Brother H. C. Pendleton having served four years as stated supply, and 
at the end of the fourth year it was decided by a large majority that he was not satisfactoiy 
to the Church on account of his pro-slavery sentiments, a portion of the Church deeply sym- 
pathize with him, as he had proved himself a laborious and faithful minister. 

Mr. Pendleton having severed his connection with the Church, on Sep- 
tember 7, 1844, Rev. J. A. Hallock was called to its pastorate as a "supply," 
who was followed April 10, 1845, l)y Rev. R. C. Clark, also as a supply. 

In 1845 the congregation built a neat and substantial church edifice, 
which has been in constant use for religious purposes ever since. 

Dating back for several years this Society was in a bad way. Rent 
by internal dissensions, much bitterness existed among the members. 
Some had gone off and connected themselves with other churches, 
others abandoned attendance upon any church services whatever, and 
those who remained were not happy. 

In November, 1847, one of the persons who had withdrawn from the 
Chiu'ch in 1842 applied for re-admission. This created a storm from the 
eif ects of which the Church never recovered, and the work of disinteorra- 
tion was complete. A Congregational Church having in the meantime 
been established at Granville, a proposition was made to unite the two or- 
ganizations, and in October, 1850, that arrangement was perfected. 

REV. II. G. PENDLETOlSr. 

The labors of the Rev. Mr. Pendleton deserve special notice. His 



282 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

name is closely identified with those of the Presbyterian Churches of 
Granville, Lacon, Henry, and Providence, Bureau County ; with the Henry 
Female Seminary, and with the cause of Christianity, education and hu- 
man progress generally in this section of Illinois. 

In April, 18o9, theNew School Presbyterian Church at Granville was 
oi'ganized, and Mr. Pendleton, who was then a licentiate from Lane Theo- 
logical Seminary, was invited to come and preach for them, which invita- 
tion he accepted. In Januaiy, 1840, having completed his course of 
studies at the Seminary and passed a rigid and most satisfactory examin- 
tion, he was ordained a minister by Peoria Presbytery, and for four years 
after that time was the beloved pastor of the Granville Church. At 
the beginning of his labors there the membership was twenty-seven, and 
when he retired from its pastorate there were the names of sixty-seven 
active members on the rolls. That church organization noAv constitutes 
substantially the present Congregational Church of Granville. 

In August, 1844, Mr. Pendleton was invited by the Presbyterian 
Church of Lacon to become their pastor, which position he accepted, and 
remained there for one year, during which time twenty persons were 
added to the church. There are many persons in Lacon at the present 
time who have very pleasant recollections of the days when this gentle- 
man ministered to their spiritual needs. 

In March, 1845, the New School Presbyterian Chiu'ch at Henry, with 
tw"elve members, was organized under the auspices of Mr. Pendleton, 
which oi'ganization is the basis of the present Congregational Church 
there. While he was acting as pastor of the Henry church, he had pas- 
toral chai'ge of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch at Providence, Bureau County, 
over which charges he presided for four years. But his lal)Oi's were not 
confined alone to these. He had eight appointments in as many different 
parts of the country, which he regulai'ly filled, and it was while making 
these itinerent journeys he became impressed with the great lack and 
increasing need of qualified school teachers. This state of things led Mr. 
Pendleton to consider the possibility and probability of fo\uiding an insti- 
tution to be devoted to education and preparation of suitable persons as 
teachers. In his travels he saw that because of the previous absence of 
almost everything that looked like schools, the masses of the people were 
very deficient in even the most essential educational accomplishments, and 
that the children who were growing up were equally imfortunate. It is 
true that in most of the villages and neighborhoods some attempts were 



LABORS IN BEHALF OF EDUCATION. 283 

made at school teacliing, but these were but spasmodic efforts made by 
incompetent or untrained persons without system or correct ideas as to 
what studies shoidd be pursued, usually started or carried on by those 
who liad nothing else to do or could find no other employment whereby 
they might make their living, and in log huts which were uncomfortable, 
unhealthy, and not at at all adapted to the purposes for which they were 
used. 

The more he saw of the want of better arrangements for educating 
the rising generation, the more impressed he became with the neces- 
sity of putting forth his strongest efforts to carry out the idea which 
had possessed him, and the Henry Female Seminary was the result. 
After much scheming, planning and consultations with friends, he suc- 
ceeded in raising money sufTicient to erect a building forty-four feet square 
and three stories high, with an ell sixteen by forty feet, two stories in 
height. The Seminary building was M^ell adapted to the pui-poses for 
which it was built, and was a monument to the good man who had 
labored so long and patiently for its erection. 

On November 12, 1839, the doors of the Seminary M^ei'e thrown open 
for the admission of pupils, and from that time until the winter of 1855 
the school was well sustained by eager young people, anxious to prepare 
themselves for the profession of teachers; tlie fall and winter sessions fill- 
ing the building to its utmost capacity. February 15, 1855, the building 
was unfortunately destroyed by fire. The following summer the ell of a 
new building, twenty-four by thirty-two feet, three stories high, was put 
up on the old site, and during the spring and summer of 1856 the main 
building, forty by eighty feet, was also erected; all at a cost of $15,000. 

November 25, 1856, the doors of the new Seminary were opened, and 
the prosperity attending the old blessed the new. The Legislature 
gi-anted this Seminary a charter at its session of 1856-57. 

The teachers employed in the Seminary were drawn mainly from that 
most excellent seat of learning, the Holyoke (Mass.) Female Seminary, 
from whence has been supplied to all parts of the Union large numbers of 
most thoroughly competent and able instructors. The school was well 
sustained until the financial crash of 1857 prostrated business throughout 
the whole countiy. Another influence that operated against the pros- 
perity of the institution was the new system of public graded and high 
schools, which were just then coming into operation in the State, and 
took away much of its patronage. 



284 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

About tlie beginning of the late war Mr. Pendleton contracted a sale 
of tlie Seminary building to the Methodist Central Conference, and sur- 
rendered the j)reniises to their control, with the exception of the rooms 
occupied by his family. The Methodists lield the building for about three 
years, when, through the inefficiency of their agent, they failed to fulfill 
their contract, and the property reverted to its former ownei'. Aftei' this, 
having gone through many changes and vicissitudes during which the 
prosperity of the enterprise was becoming continually lessened, in the 
autumn of 1809 it was sold to the German Reformed Church, which 
closed the connection of Mr. Pendleton with the institution. 

GRANVILLE ACADEMY. 

To Pev. Naham Gould, the First Presbyterian minister who settled in 
Granville Township, the village of Granville and the Academy which 
was one of its chief ornaments are indebted for their birth and existence. 
His i^ea was to establish an academy, commencing on a veiy moderate 
scale, commensurate with the necessities of the community and its financial 
ability. From such modest beginning he hoped that his pet enterprise 
would rapidly assume more pretentious proportions, which would become 
so enlai'ged as to convert his academy into a college, with an organized 
faculty and the usual collegiate paraphernalia. 

Having secured the promise of needed assistance fi'om his neighbors, 
he, in 1835, set about the erection of a suitable building for his school, 
and soon he had a sti'ong, well built and convenient house, 24x36 feet 
square, two stories high, finislied and ready for occuj)ancy. The neigh- 
bors had turned out with skillful hands and willing hearts, gone to the 
forest and hewed out the necessary parts, the (piality of which was so 
good and the workmanship so perfect that the frame of that old academy 
is standing to-day, after having withstood the storms and blasts of many 
winters, and the racking and jostling of having been moved, as perfect, 
sound and useful as though it had just been delivei'ed from the workman's 
hand. 

The association that had the matter of the erection of the building and 
the establishment of the Academy in chai-ge, procured a charter from the 
Legislatui'e in 1837. This having been obtained, they turned the estab- 
lishment over to the Township Trustees for the purpose of opening a pub- 
lic school, and the doors were thrown open for that purpose in December 
following. 



THE FOtJl^DING OF GRANVILLE ACADEMY. ^85 

This institution, from a veiy small beginning, gradually acquired con- 
sideral)le fame, not only in its own locality, but all over the West. The 
men ^vho took a leading part in the enterprise were the old settlers of the 
Township, and with no endowment save their own energy and public 
spirit, had the satisfaction of seeing their school grow into notice and 
bacome a seat of learning from which afterward many prominent and 
scholarly men and women were to graduate. 

The first teacher who had charge of the new school was Otis Fisher, 
several years afterward ordained as a Baptist minister. After him was 
Miss Lovejoy, a sister of Owen Lovejoy, a man whose name lives in the 
history of his county; and later. Miss Jane Hawks. 

Among those whose names have attained prominence in the State who 
were educated at the Granville Academy, are Harvey Jones, Mr. Jackson, 
Hemy Hunter, of Chicago; Judge John Burns, of the Circuit Court of 
Illinois, of Lacon; Benjamin F. Lundy and his twin sistei'; Eev. Charles 
Bolton, of Fond du Lac ; Rev. Daniel Whitaker and Kev. Thomas Allen, 
missionaries to Burinah; Hon. P. A. Armstrong, of Morris; Ex-Governor 
of Illinois John L. Beveridge and his brother, and many others. 

A new building, much larger, more commodious, and possessing many 
modern improvements, has taken the place of the old one. Its dimensions 
are 40 by 75 feet; built at a cost of $8,000. 

The Rev. Mr. Gale, founder of the prosperous city of Galesburg, then 
unborn and unknown, came to Granville on a prospecting tour, seeking a 
place which would be desirable as a site for a town and college, which he 
was designing to establish. He soon discovered in the prairies, timber, 
soil, climate and surroundings of Granville all the requisites which 
nature could furnish for tlie purpose, and concluded to invest his capital 
and apply his energy and business capacity here, in the development of 
his scheme. He bi'oached the subject to Mr. Gould, who at once claimed 
a prior determination to the same end and purpose. Mr. Gale very cour- 
teously said: "There is room in Illinois for two such places and colleges 
as we design to create; let us separate. I will seek a location elsewhere." 
He did so, and Galesburg was the result. 



Old School Houses. 
The first school taught in Granville Township was in the fall of 



286 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

1834, Miss Burr ])eiiig the teacher. It was in a small log cabin, about 
twelve feet square, which Mr. Wafer had put up for a smoke-house, neai 
his residence on the edge of the timber, about one mile north-west of the 
village of Granville. The school was conducted on the pay system, and 
was patronized by George Ish, Thomas Ware, Mrs. Laughlin and Mr. 
Mears. 

In the fall of 18H5, James Laughlin and one or two others built a log 
school house in the timber, and afterward attemj)ted to move it to the 
center of the district, but did not succeed in doing so. Miss Burr taught 
in tliis building in the fall and winter of 1835. The same winter a public 
school was opened by Miss Abbie Hawks in the Academy building, before 
it was entii-ely finished. Since then the Township has so greatly increased 
in population that eleven schools are now taught within its limits, in as 
many different school districts. 



An Obliging Tramp. 



Of James Willis this story is told : In the spring of 1830 he returned 
to his former home to settle up some business, and on his way stopped at a 
wayside house of entertainment, where he made the acquaintance of a 
traveler, looking up, as he said, a location. As usual in those days the 
men made known their respective business, and Mr. Willis stated that 
he had been quite successful in closing up his affairs, and was conveying 
home the results. He had some ready money, and proposed to improve 
his farm, and was on the lookout for a suitable man to engage. The 
stranger listened with interest, and replied that he thought of visiting the 
Illinois country, and if Mr. Willis would give him a job he would change 
his route and accompany him home. A bargain was easily made, and the 
next morning the two started out, Willis riding his horse and the sti'anger 
on foot. In this way they passed the settlements, and entered on an ex- 
tensive prairie, Willis occasionally giving his companion a ride and walk- 
ing himself. As they journeyed along a deer sprung up, and the stranger 
asked to shoot it. His recpiest was granted, but thougli the chance was 
good, the fellow didn't fire, saying he "couldn't get the hang of the 
tarnal thing." Not long after they again changed, Mr. Willis having 
resumed his gun. The money was carried, be it known, in a pair of saddle- 
bags behind the saddle. After mounting the stranger rode off leisurely 



TREATMENT OF I>RlSONERS IN THE OLDEN TIME. 287 

but in a grcidually increasing gait until a sufficient distance was obtained, 
when iie raised liis hat, bade Willis good bye, and rode off at a gallop. 
Willis brought his fusee to his face and ordered him to stop, but the pow- 
der had in the meantime been removed from the pan, and it would not go 
off. He turned off the resjular road and was soon lost to view. WiUis 
meanwhile pushed on hard as he could. A dozen miles or so ahead was 
a settlement where he was known, and a few hours sufficed to gather 
a dozen trusty men on fleet horses, and after a sharp chase of thirty miles 
the thief was overhauled, and money and horse recovered. The proper way 
would have been to have strung the fellow up, but Judge Lynch was not 
presiding then, and he was turned over to the Sheriff of the county where 
the capture was effected, and Willis proceeded homeward. 

There was no jail in the county and the Sheriff took his prisoner 
home, placed shackles on his limbs, and kept liim in his own house. The 
fellow took the arrest quite coolly, and appeared to be not at all dissatis- 
fied with the arrangement. It was the beginning of a hard winter, and 
the prospect of comfortable quarters was not at all displeasing. He read 
and sang, played the fiddle, and made himself both useful and agreeable. 
Finding his landlord's household wanted shoeing, he made it known that 
he understood the whole art and mystery of cobbling, and said if his en- 
tertainer would furnish the leather he would do the work. It was done, 
and the good natured tramp made shoes for the whole family, while 
chained by one leg to his work-bench. One stormy day when the Sheriff 
was absent and none about the premises but women, the cattle broke into 
a field where corn was standing in shocks, and the accommodating prisoner 
unlocked his shackles with an awl, drove them out, and then replaced the 
irons on his legs as usual. Toward spring he grew uneasy, and as coiu't 
was about to convene he told his entertainers his health was failing, and 
was afraid they W have to part, so removing his shackles in their absence, 

he left. 

^ — 

The Hopkins Tragedy. 

Among the mysterious tragedies occasionally enacted where human 
life is taken without apparent cause, and no clue left by which to appre- 
hend and punish the perpetrators, the killing of Thomas Hopkins and his 
young and beautiful wife, in the town of Granville, on July 6, 18G7, 
stands out as a marked and remarkable occurrence. 



288 EECORDS OF THE OLBEN TIME. 

Thomas Ho])kin8, aged twenty-five, and his wife, aged a>)out fifteen or 
sixteen yeai'S, were the victims of as terril)le a fate as fiends in luiman 
form could devise. To obtain any certain cine by which to track the 
murderers baffled the skill of the sharpest detectives, and to this day the 
perpeti-ators have never been brought to justice. 

Hopkins was the son of a farmer living near LaSalle, but had aljan- 
doned the honorable occupation in which he had been reared, prefer- 
ring an idle life among vagabonds rather than the companionship of 
repntable companions. He obtained a flatboat, fitted it up as a dwelling, 
and floated along the river, up and down between Hennepin and Peru or 
LaSalle, loading his craft with driftwood, and supplying himself with 
other conveniently reached property, with little regard, it is said, to any 
rights of ownership save that of possession. In one of his trips he l)ecame 
acquainted with a girl named Sophia Baker, a rather pretty young lady, 
inclined to idleness, whose parents lived not far from the river in the town 
of Granville. She was attending school at the time, and quit it one day to 
marry Hopkins. They had been married Init a few weeks, and little was 
known of theii' conjugal life. At the time of the murder their floating 
home was moored in the river a few miles below Peru, near the Granville 
side, and within the jurisdiction of Putnam County. 

A man named Sherman, the last person known to have seen this ill- 
fated couple ali^^e, stated that he visited them in the evening of the night 
of the murder to deliver a load of wood and a sack of flour, which latter 
Mrs. Hopkins took from his hands. He left them apparently cheerful and 
hapi)y, with everything about the boat seemingly in good order, and the 
table spread for supper. Returning next morning, he found Hopkins' 
body in the water at the side of the boat, in a standing position, the head 
beneath the surface. Near by a sand-bag club was found, but no marks of 
violence were discernible upon the corpse. The table was spread as he 
had seen it the evening before ; there was no evidence of confusion, scuf- 
fling, or acts of violence such as the forcible removal of one or two persons 
from so small a room would have caused. There was no torn clothing, 
no blood stains, no marks of violence, nor the slightest indication of any 
other persons than the victims having been present. Nothing had been 
disturbed ; their personal effects, and such articles of merchandise as Hop- 
kins had supplied himself with in his trading expeditions were all there, 
and one hundred and fifty dollars were found in the dead man's pockets. 
Mrs. Hoi)kins was strangely absent. Upon their accustomed hook were 



LYNCH LAW AMONG THE PIONEERS. 289 

found lier bonnet and sliawl, and it was evident slie had either made a 
singularly hurried flight or been very cunningly abducted. 

The news of the murder soon attracted the people of the neighbor- 
hood, and prompt efforts were made to sift the mystery. Some one had 
heard the voice of a woman screaming during the night, the sound appar- 
ently coming from a short distance down the river, but as boats often 
passed with drunken men and abandoned women on board, no heed was 
paid to the circumstance. A watchman at the mills at Hennepin, " when 
he came to think of it," was certain he heard a woman's voice about day- 
light of the fatal morning' calling piteously for help, and simultaneously 
a boat was seen by him floating down stream near the opposite bank. 
The country turned out and searched everywhere, and at length, three 
days afterward, the body of the poor woman was found on a bar below 
Hennepin, about nine miles from where her husband's boat was moored. 
Beside a few slight scratches on her neck, which might have been caused 
by accident, no marks of violence nor evidence of ill-usage were discovered 
upon her person. 

The Ramsay Tragedy. 

Sometimes by a persistent and long-continued defiance of pu])lic opin- 
ion a bold villain exasperates a community past endurance, until scorning 
forms of law, and the law's delay, they sweep all aside, and taking the 
culprit in hand exact justice, deep, tefrible and lasting. The instinct of 
self-preservation may justify such a resort, but nothing else, though there 
are seemingly times when the enormity of the crime, the danger of escape, 
or the degraded character of the criminal, make the invokers of Judge 

Lynch at least pardonable. 

One of the early settlers of Granville Township was John C. Ramsay, 
who lived on the bottoms of the Illinois River north of the village. He is 
remembered as a good neighbor, but not one with whom a person cared to 
be too intimate, and outwaidly sustained a character for morality, sobriety 
and industry. He was circumspect in language and deportment, was a 
member of the Church, an attendant upon its meetings and a Superintend- 
ent of the Sabbath School. His prayers were long ; he dwelt much on 
youthful follies and had little charity for those who went astray. To 
eome he seemed a regular pillar of light and a shining example for sinners 



290 KECOEDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

to pattern after, yet there were those who believed all this was a mash 
to cover deep purposes, and beneath a saintly exterior he concealed the 
wickedness of a devil incarnate. 

Reports had gone abroad of strange goings on about his secluded home. 
Property mysteriously missing had been tracked towards his saintly dom- 
icile, and rumors were afloat that his family relations were not strictly 
ano-elic. After a time his wife died suddenly, and no one could tell how 
it occurred save that she was found dead in the smoke-house. Her deeply 
afflicted spouse related to the jury, with tears in his eyes, that she went 
there, locked herself in, and was found dead. As the smoke-house could 
only be locked on the outside, the jury could not see how a dying person 
could aif ect it ; but any attempt to get him to explain away this absurdity 
caused the poor man to relapse into paroxysms of grief that were simply 
dreadful. As the jury found no signs of poison, or blows, or violence, 
the twelve wise men looked grave and in eif ect pronounced the cause of 
her death unknown. 

Affairs went on as before at his exceedingly pious dwelling, and the 
people continued to lose property and wonder why it was thus. Stories 
again got afloat of a terrible nature, some perhaps "o'er true" and others 
highly imaginative. It was said he had debauched his own daughters, 
murdered their unnatural offspring, robbed his neighbors, and though his 
children were all cognizant of the facts, such was their fear of him, none 
dare make it known. 

Affairs finally reached a crisis. * There was a rebellion at home, and 
the ghastly secrets could no longer be concealed. 

On the 16th of April, 1870, Esq. Childs, living at Gi'anville, was noti- 
fied by A. J. Carroll, Constable, that Ramsay had been caught stealing 
goods, and an excited mob had gone to wreak summary vengeance upon 
the perpetrator. Mr. Childs went down to Ramsay's dwelling, where 
he found a crowd of men rehearsing his crimes. The old man had 
gone to Peru, and his family had determined on his return to effect his 
arrest. The Justice questioned the inmates, and Mrs. Patterson with 
many tears told the story of her degradation. From a child she had been 
compelled by threats and punishments to submit to his lusts, nor did they 
cease after marriage with her husband. Her health had been wrecked, 
her life embittered, her home, which she dare not leave made a hell of. 
Then the younger daughter told her pitiful tale. If possible it was more 



A MOlSrSTER m IIUMAlSr FORM. 291 

harrowing than her sisters. She too had been compelled through fear of 
her life to submit to his desires, and when she rebelled had been whipped 
nearly to death, with dreadful threats that it would be worse if she dared 
reveal the awful secret. 

As the law required that two justices should attend the preliminary 
examination, Thomas Ware was notified and requested to give his imme- 
diate attention, so that the matter might be disposed of before the fast 
gathering crowd took it out of their hands. They were soon ready, and 
when Ramsay returned the warrant was read, court convened, and the 
witnesses for the State were asked to come forward and be sworn. Up 
to this time Ramsay had shown an air of bravado, but when his daughtei's 
appeared his courage failed, for he saw the game was up. His crimes had 
I'un their coiu'se and reached the inevitable end when concealment was no 
longer possible. His victims were his equals now, and his brutality was 
no longer feared, his presence no longer inspired terror. He saw the 
odds were against him, and, changing tactics, said he would waive an 
examination and enter into bonds for his appearance. 

His intentions probably were to compel the witnesses to deny in court 
all previous assertions, and secondly, if this failed, to forfeit his bail, take 
vengeance on those who had thwarted his plans, and leave the country. 
The Judges, after consxiltation, fixed the bail at $5,000. 

To this Ramsay strongly protested, foi' he foresaw he must go to jail, 
and his chances for vengeance and escape would be greatly lessened. In 
the meantime events outside were transpiring which excited the fast gath- 
ering crowd to frenzy. 

The story of his crimes was repeated from mouth to mouth, and as the 
stricken, helpless wretches, the victims of his lust and brutality, were 
pointed out, deep oaths were registered that found dread fulfillment. 

One of the sons told how his father had been stealing the grain, cattle 
and hogs of his neighbors, compelling his family to assist when necessary. 
For years they had lived in deadly fear, and he added, " if father goes to 
the penitentiary for this, one of us will die when he gets out, for he will 
kill me or I must him." 

It was charged too that Ramsay had purposely burned his own barn 
to secure the insurance, and worse than all, he had murdered their mother, 
compelling her children, who were unwilling witnesses of the act, to re- 
main silent. 



^92 RECORiDS OF THE OLDElST TtME. 

A warrant for Lis committal to jail was made out and handed to tli(i 
officer. Ramsay, at first so unwilling to go, was now anxious, for a look 
at tlie dark faces about, convinced liim his safety was inside of strong 
walls where he could not be reached, and signifying his readiness to go 
]3egged Mr. Childs to accompany him. The latter at first refused, but 
}delded to the request, and along with the Constal)le, the prisoner and 
Mr. D. Ham got into a buggy and started. It was now about seven 
o'clock p, m. The crowd had pretty much all left, a cheerful circumstance 
to the prisoner as he viewed it, but one not without serious apprehension 
to the officers. 

The party drove about a mile at a brisk trot, on the road to Hennepin, 
when suddenly about fifty masked men appeared, and with weapons drawn 
demanded a halt. Ramsay was taken out, his hands tied, and he was told 
if he had any prayers to make now was the time, for his stay on earth 
was shoi't. 

Evidently he was too dazed to comprehend the situation, and believed 
their intention was to extort a confession and compel him to leave the 
country. A rope was placed around his neck, and at the words "hang 
him" a violent jerk was given that lifted him from his feet, when it 
either broke or was cut and let him down. For the first time he felt that 
things were serious, Imt no signs of repentance came. He still thought 
to deceive by an assumption of the piety that had befriended him so long, 
and raising his hands and eyes in a sanctimonious manner he prayed with 
the Savior, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." 

This blasphemous appeal was all that was needed to nerve his execu- 
tioners to duty. The rope was quickly re-tied, and one end being thrown 
over the limb of a tree, fifty strong arms raised the trembling wretch and 
left him hanging by the neck until dead. 

After the body had remained a sufficient time some of the actors cut it 
down, and carried it home, tumbling it out in the yard, very much as one 
might a dead hog. It was duly interred, but a few nights later some en- 
terprising students resurrected the remains, and they now ornament the 
rear room of a doctor's office. 

The hanging of Ramsay created intense excitement and the Governor 
offered a reward of $1,000 for the arrest of the perpetrators, but no one 
so far as known, attempted to earn it. The majority of the people, while 



ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE EELENTLESS LYNCH LAW. 293 

disapproving the method, felt that justice had been done the criminal 
and refused to assist in their punishment. 

Thus terminated the career of as sanctimonious a scoundrel "as ever 
stole the livery of heaven to serve the devil in," as sleek and unctous a 
villain as ever disgraced the human form. 

The tree whereon he was hung was, so long as it remained standing 
known as the Kamsay tree, and for years bore this inscription : 

" Here the carcass of Ramsay lies, 
Nobody laughs and nobody cries. 
Where he's gone to none can tell, 
But all suppose he's gone to ." 

In 1879 it was mysteriously cut down and even the roots dug out, 
leaving not a vestige remaining. By whom it was done is not known. 
Some of his children live in the vicinity and others have gone west. The 
girls were well spoken of and led reputable lives. 



Lynching of "Joe. Sjiith." 

Prior to 1858 the bottoms of the Illinois River near the County line, 
in Granville Township, had been infested by the presence of "Old Joe. 
Smith," as he was called, though not the famous Mormon Prophet of that 
name. This particular member of the multitudinous family of Smith, was 
a man of exceedingly vague notions as to the right of property, possession 
with him not only being the nine points of the law, but conclusive evi- 
dence of absolute ownership ! In his peculiar view the manner of getting 
possession was of little consequence; to possess was to own, with all the 
tei-m implies. 

He was charged with having long been a thief on general principles, 
and specifically a thief of everything of a portable nature. He had a 
special propensity for cattle and hogs, and what was particularly aggra- 
vating in his conduct was, that, though a butcher who supplied the people 
witli fresh meat, he never was kno^vn to Ijuy any cattle. He stole his 
beeves from the farmers, and sold to them again at full prices. He also 
stole their hams, shoulders and poultry. The hams and shoulders from 
neighboring smoke houses found a tolerably secure place of concealment 
in his barn, where, among so many samples from all over the country, 



294 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

individual property could not easily be selected. His depredations, too, 
were extended to neighboring Counties and across tlie rivei'. He would 
capture, also, newly washed shirts, male and female garments, sheets, pil- 
low cases, and stockings long and short, masculine and feminine ! Farmers 
missed their plows and harrows, and though tracked to Smith's all absorb- 
ing ranche, no sign of them coidd be discovered there ! 

At length people became so incensed that they determined to inter- 
view Smith and force from him some sort of explanation of the singu- 
lar spiriting away of their goods and chattels.. Accordingly a large 
number of farmers, who had been victims of the aforesaid Smith, met at 
the domicile of the culj^rit and demanded certain goods, among them two 
jilows and a harrow, and othei- articles, and no satisfactory response being 
made, proceeded to administer to the reticent witness three separate and 
distinct horse- whippings, well laid on ! But he would not confess, and, 
despairing of such gentle means of obtaining information, a clothes-line 
was brought into play, and he was hung up three times, the last well 
nigh choking him "for good," when he yielded and told them where 
some of the missing property could })e found. From one j^low he had 
taken the stock and had it re-wooded at Peru. Some, of the plow irons 
he had burned so as to pi'event discovery when hot pressed for a safe 
hiding place ; others had been buried and the ground plowed over them. 
Some again had been secreted in a similar manner in the neighboring 
woods and fields, and what was remarkable was, all the goods that Smith 
had hidden were so securely and cunningly concealed that it is douljtful 
if any of them could ever have been found by any one except himself or 
"pals," unless by the merest accident. 

He had burned up clothing, hams, smoked and dried meat to prevent 
their discovery. On his confession and pointing out where the articles 
were hidden, a considerable quantity of goods were recovered. He was 
given a day or two to get out of the county, a trip which he made with 
commendable speed. Several suspected accomplices, taking the hint, left 
at the same time, and since then the stealing business has had a long, and, 
to the people, most satisfactory rest. 

The Murder of Dowiiower. 

November 22, 18G7, Aaron Sherman killed Samuel Dowhower, both 
residents of Granville, under the following circumstances : 



LOST ON A TRACKLESS PRAIRIE. 295 

s 

The two named and a Mr. Wedgewood had been to Peru, and on their 
^vay home fell into a qui.iu], wliich ended in Sherman being ejected from 
th(t wagon. The latter swore revenge, and going to the home of a Mr. 
Walker, borrowed a gun, with which he hurried to the dwelling of Dow- 
hower. It was night and the family had retired. He rapped at his vic- 
tim's door, and Mrs. Dowhower arose, lighted a lamp, and opened it. Dow- 
ho^ver had pi-eviously told her of his quarrel with Sherman, and as the 
knock was heard, exclaimed, "There he is now!" Dowhower went to 
to the door and was instantly shot dead. 

^ Sherman was tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiary for twenty- 
five years. He served about iive years and was pardoned out by the Gov- 
ernor. It afterward transpired that the principal getter up of these 
petitions was hired to obtain them and paid liberally for the service; and 
it is also charged that influential names on the petition were placed there 
by others than themselves. Sherman went out West, and is said to be 
now living in Texas. 



Lost On the Prairie. 

• 



The following incident, which happened in 1829, will bring to the 
recollection of old settlers many similar experiences, doubtless, of which 
they were personally cognizant : 

In November of that year Jeremiah Strawn and three others, after- 
wards residents of Magnolia Township, traveled from the "Wabash 
country " westward, heading for Putnam County. They had no map of 
the route, and there was practically neither roads nor trail, so that when 
they lost sight of the settlements they were as much at sea as if sailing in 
the broad Atlantic. Strawn had traveled over a portion of the route, 
understood the topography of the country in general, and believed that 
by travelling due West they would strike the Illinois River. They were 
provided with a pocket compass and a small supply of provisions. 

For twenty miles oi* more traveling was passable, but here they struck 
one of those vast sloughs for whicji the country is noted, and came 
to a halt. Far as the eye could see the country was one vast sheet of 
water, whose depth none of them knew. Hoping to " head it oif " they 
traveled noi'thward some miles without success, and then retraced their 



2 Of) RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TLME. 

steps south, until desj^airing of finding a passage, they returned to their 
resting place of the night before. 

In the morning they took a new direction toward the south-west, fol- 
lowing an old Iniif alo trail all day, and at night coming upon a party of 
Kickapoo Indians destitute of supplies. 

The travelers were without provisions, their horses jaded and worn 
doAvn, and the grass all dead. The Indians could speak but little 
English, but they pointed to a certain star in the north-west and indicated 
that a white man lived there, and with this vague direction the wanderers 
resumed their journey. One man was to watch the star and see that 
their direction did not vary. After some hours of travel it grew cloudy, 
and fearing the direction might be lost, they concluded to encamp. The 
night was bitterly cold, and to keep from freezing they beat down the tall 
grass and ran foot races. In the morning they took their bearings with 
the compass and found they had become completely turned about. They 
now resumed their journey, plodding wearily along all day with nothing 
to eat. Late in the afternoon they were delighted with the sight of a 
settler's cabin. The inmates had corn and pork, and the wayfarers had 
to pound the former and wait for its cooking befoi'e their hunger w^as sat- 
isfied, but all agreed in pi'onouncmg it the best meal they ever ate. After 
a while the owner came in with a fat deer, and insisted upon their eating 
again, to which they readily assented. They remained all night, and the 
next morning were directed on their I'oute, reaching their destination with- 
out further adventure. 



Anecdotes, Incidents, and Miscellaneous Items. 



Granville was a popular stopping place on the underground railroad 
for colored men and women wdio were seeking to free themselves from the 
galling chains of Vjondage. The ])eople generally sympathised with them, 
and if there were any who were not active in aiding the fugitives forward, 
they remained neutral. On one occasion as many as sixteen negroes wei'e 
seen in the village at one time, having come in on the " night accommoda- 
tion train." They had made their way from St, Louis without money or 
molestation. 

In 1835 two negro women, who were pursued by their owners and 



ACTIVE SYMPATHY FOR FUGITIVE SLAVES. 297 

were likely to be captured, were hidden in the cellar of James T. 
Laughliu's house (where S. Harrison now lives), and there remained a 
night and a day. The weather was exceedingly stormy and cold, and the 
pursuers were kept in a continual dance from one place to another on 
false scents and rumors, until they were nearly dead from fatigue and ex- 
posure. The citizens, while pretending to help the confiding slave-catch- 
ers, were deluding them all the time, and the fellows finally gave up their 
job and returned home. Of course the poor fugitives were sent in the 
opposite direction as fast as possible, until they were safe among the 
friendly Canadians. 

Harvey B. Leeper was a very active conductor on this underground 
road, and a well known citizen of Granville, who devoted much of his 
time and means to the cause of freedom. 

The massacre of the Hall and Pettigrew families has been referred to 
before. They had lived in Bureau County, not far from Hennepin, and 
when they were on their way in 1830 to their proposed new home at Fox 
Kiver, passing through Granville, they sto})ped several weeks at the resi- 
dence of George Ish, and ten joyed his hospitality. It was during this visit 
that William Pettigrew courted and won the hand and affections of Mrs. 
Campbell, a young and handsome widow living in the neighborhood. A 
wedding day having been appointed, invitations were sent in to the neigh- 
bors to come and assist at the festivities. They came, and a good, jolly, 
old-fashioned time they had, and many were the wishes made for the fu- 
ture welfare and happiness of the newly married pair. 

The bride accompanied her husband to their new home, where we may 
imagine their lives passed like those of most other settlers in a new 
country. But this happiness was not to be of long continuance. About 
two years after they had reached their new home the Indian war broke 
out, and they were barbarously murdered as related in the story of the 
Hall family. 

The saloons of Peru have been hotbeds of vice, prolific of crimes whose 
consequences were severely felt in Granville Township. It is safe to assert 
that scarcely an outrage mentioned as occui-ring here but had its incep- 
tion in some quarrel instigated V)y poor whisky, or the perpetrators were 
habitual drinkers whose supplies came from over the river. There be- 



298 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

iiig no .saloons in the Township, they must necessarily come from else- 
where, and in Peru they were mainly obtained. In addition to the long 
series of crimes already scored to this cause must be added the Gallaher 
homicide and the killing of De Long, This latter occurrence took place 
about 1844 or later. De Long and a brother-in-law named Osborne wei-e 
I'eturning from a turkey-ratlle at Peru, where both had imbibed freel}^ 
and was into a quarrel in which De Long got V>adly cut, and died a few 
days after. Osborne was arrested and placed in jail, but managed to 
escaj)e and was never seen in the country again. 

Li June, 18GG, Mt. Pleasant was the scene of a most dastardly out- 
rage. A sprightly young German girl, whose name it is not necessary to 
give, had been for s.-me time employed in the family of a man named 
Droll, also a German. She was an unusually bright young woman, and, 
besides being a neat housekeeper, had a general business turn, which made 
her useful to her employer as an accountant. He was not much of an 
English scholar, but had considerable business with his Yankee neighbors, 
and hei- services were indispensable as an interpreter. Mr. Droll had two 
daughters, one older and one younger than the subject of this sketch, but 
they took no particular interest in their father's business, and neither had 
the will or ability to learn it, and left it all to the servant, who managed 
everything in her own way. She was the good genius of the household, 
and the family felt for her all the regard they could for a sistei*. 
Although C|uite pretty, she was not infatuated with the young men who 
sought her company, and seemingly found more pleasure in attending to 
business affairs than in their conversation. On the occasion referred to, 
at the hour of midnight the Droll family were awakened by an alarm at 
their door, which the old man ansAvered. He found there a man whom 
he did not recognize, and who told him there was something wrong at the 
]>a]-n with the horses, and to come and see. Droll went with him. No 
sooner had he reached the barn than a handkerchief was forced into his 
mouth and he was tied to the manger. The girl, hearing an unusual 
noise, came out in her night clothes to see what was the matter, when she 
was seized, gagged and put into a wagon, which was driven off to the 
prairie. There were seven or eight persons engaged in this infamous pro- 
ceeding, but being unable to speak, and in great fear of her life and of a 
fate more to be dreaded by a pure woman than death, she could but weep 



A DASTARDLY AND CAUSELESS OUTRAGE. 209 

in silence. About two miles from the village, in a south-westerly direc- 
tion, the wagon was stopped; the crowd of ruffians gathered around the 
terrified girl, cut oif her haii', removed her from the wagon, stripped her 
of her scanty garments and delibeiately covered her body with tar and 
feathers. 

This infamous performance having been completed, though shocking 
in itself, was a relief to the mind of the poor girl, since it assured her 
her that only this indignity was in stoi-e for her. When these cowardly 
scoundrels had finished their valoi'ous pei'formance they got into their 
wagon and drove off. Covered with feathers and without clothing, at a 
dead hour of the night, two miles from any house, the villains left her, 
gagged and insensible. How long she lay thus is not known, but the bit- 
ter cold restored her senses, and after several hours' wandering about she 
reached the house of a kind neighbor, who cared for her distresses. 

The terrified old man after some delay was able to attract the atten- 
tion of his family, and was released. The abduction of the girl was not 
known until they went to her room to tell about the sti'ange event. The 
astonishment of the household knew no bounds when her absence was dis- 
covered. 

In the morning a messenger came for the girl's clothes, and when the 
story of her wrongs became known the ])eoi3le were justly indignant and 
excited. As soon as she was sufficiently recovered from the shock she 
went before Esquire Laughlin to tell all she knew which might thro^v 
light upon the matter and lead to the arrest of the wretches. But her 
evidence was insufficient. They had not spoken a word, and of course she 
could not identify tliem by their voices. There was nothing by which they 
could be distinguished, or that gave her the slightest clue to the cause of tae 
fearful indignity. Mr. Droll and his wife and daughters came and bore 
witness to the uniform good conduct of the girl. They had known her 
from childhood, and for years she had been an inmate of their family, and 
during all that time she never had in the slightest degree depai'ted from 
the strictest rules of propriety, nor in any way deviated from the most ex- 
acting laws of correct deportment or maidenly modesty. She was a model 
of frankness, diligence, good sense and excellent temper. Her conduct 
toward young men had been extremely reserved; in fact, she had avoided 
rather than encouraged their society. In this latter fact there seemed the 
only possible clue to the mystery. Was it possible that certain young 



300 llKCOliDS OF THK OLDKN TIME. 

men whose advances slic Iim(1 met with indifference or cohlness, and whose 
addi'esses she had refused, coidd have committed tliis dastardly outraci:e 
in revenge if Inquiry around tlK; neiglihoi'liood satisfied Mr, Laugldin 
tliat none of the Amei-ican oi- Ii'isli })oys of tlie settlement were absent 
from their homes on tlu^ niglit in (juestion, ])ut there were a few young 
Germans who could not or would not ex})lain their absence fi'om their 
beds at about the time, when the wrong was being perpetrated. These 
fellows were prom])tly ari'ested, and several long and tedious trials re- 
sulted, but ther(^ not being sufhci(^nt evidence against tluun to convict, 
they were all ac(j[uitted. 

The young woman continued to live in the family of Mi'. Droll and 
manage their aifairs as usual for some time after this, until she married a 
respectable young man living in a neighboring county, where she yet lives, 
respected by all who know her. The affair is only remembered as one of 
those outi'ages which innocent peojde sometimes suffer, and for the per- 
petration of which the guilty escape richly mei'ited punishment. 

One of tli(^ (hMiizeus of the settlement about (Ji-anville was a Mrs. 
Cresswell, a virago of AmMzoiii.-m strength and warlike ])ropensities. She 
was th(^ governor of lu^r household, hei- lius]>;uid nie(ikly acce})ting the 
second position in family affairs. She "wort; the i)ants," not only figura- 
tively, but literally, being fre(pi<;ntly seen dressed in her meeker half's 
unmentionables, astride an old horse, going to market. She made lu^r 
thoi-oughly subdued husband cook, wash, iron ;uid do the housework, 
while sIk; bossed tlu; outside of the ranche to suit hers(df. Besides other 
ecceiiti'icities, she was a sort of "yarb doctor," and pretended to know 
many hidden vii'tues in various barks, wcimIs, roots and fiowei's, and is 
accredited with having fii-st introduced " gyiupson weed" into the country. 
Her nag usually wor(; a bell, and its familiar tinkle, indicating hei' 
a])proacli to the village, re])ressed all unnecessary gaiety and subdued any 
a})proach to merriment, for the masculine mendx'rs shai'cd with her timid 
s[)ouse a well guarded respcjct for her uuisculai' ai'nis and num])er ten 
])oots. 

On one occasion Mr. Wafer and James Laugldin desired to cross her 
field, it being the shortest route to their destination, and asked permission 
as gently as possible, but the female, with arms akimbo, gave a fierce re- 
fusal. They held a council of war, and concluded, as the case was urgent, 



lI^CtD:ENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. HOI 

to force their way, while she brandished a formidable bunch of "fives" and 
dared them to come on. The battle began, one of the men attacking in 
front while the other by a flank movement reached the rear, and grasp- 
ing her arms, liekl them as in a vice while his companion let down the 
bars, and driving the team through, replaced them and signalled his com- 
rade, who then turned and ran. Our informant avers the magnitude of 
her curses has ever since prevented anything but tlie detested gympson 
weed from growing on the spot. 

One of the early settlers was John Robinson, an old Indian hunter, 
w^ho is known to have lived here in 1H28. He was a keen sportsman, and 
very successful. During the Indian troubles he refused to go into a fort, 
and so remained in his cabin, sleeping at night with arms by liis side. 
No Indian came to claim his scalp. He was an original genius, and when 
asked how long he had lived in the State, said it was so long he couldn't 
tell, but when he came the Illinois was only a small brook. 

Another well known citizen was George Ish, who originally settled 
in Peoria County. He was an old Indian fighter in the war of 1812, when 
he served under General Harrison. 

The ability of the aborigines to withstand cold is shown in an incident 
related by Mr. Isli. During the severe winter of 1830 there came to his 
father's cabin a squaw, nearly perishing with cold. She was taken in, 
and such restoratives as were handy applied until her half frozen members 
were thawed out and the circulation restored. Although solicited to re- 
main all night she refused, and, soon as able, re-mounted her pony and 
proceeded, although the atmosphei'e was such that a white man couhl not 
travel without risking his life. 

Mrs. Gunn tells that when they came to the country, ten men, women 
and children wintered in a cabin twelve feet square, and did n't feel partic- 
ularly crowded! 

Hei-e Mr. Gunn came in search of a wife, and pleasantly recalls their 
courting "under difficulties." But where there 's a will, woman's wit will 
find a way, and a private parlor was improvised by hanging a quilt across 
one corner. 

Mr. Willis finding himself "out of meat" once, undertook to go after 



,^02 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

supplies. His trip was made in a dugout, and he had to go somewhere in 
the vicinity of Beardstown. It took a month to make the trip, and when 
he returned the family had been on short rations for a week. 

In 1836-7, when paper towns were springing up all over the State, 
certain individuals laid out the town of Barcelona, along the eastern limits 
of Granville. A hotel was conti'acted for, and a steam mill was to be 
built, but nothing ever came of the enterprise. 

The early settlers lived on plain food, and had plenty of exercise. 
They dressed })lainly, kept regular hours, abstained from excesses, and as 
a rule enjoyed good health. The exception to this was the fever, that 
" smote them by day and' wasted them by night. Fi'om this there seemed 
no escape except to wear it out. Large families were the rule, and the 
cabin that could not show its round half dozen or more of tow-headed 
boys and girls was an exception. The farmers returns in the field wei'e 
not more regular than the periodical yield of the cradle. Occasionally the 
measles oi' some such disease "got loose" in a family and created an 
unusual demand for catnip tea and other medicinal herbs. Once the 
measles got into the family of Hugh Wanock, and a commiserating neigh- 
bor in(piiring how many were "down" was answered, " only twelve of the 
youngest." 

It was the custom in early days for farmers to exchange work during 
haying, harvest and other heavy lal)or. In estimating such labor, a day's 
work was counted equal to two bushels of wheat. 

Wheat in those early days was frequently hauled to Chicago by horse 
or ox teams, and the price was as low as 37i to 44 cents. Then calicos 
at Hennepin were worth 81 to 371 cents per yard ; eggs 3 cents per dozen; 
l)utter () cents a pound ! 

The settlers did not regard times as desperate or hard in any sense. 
They had plenty to eat and wear, and little need of money. People were 
were healthy, hearty and happy. 

The strange, Avild beauty of the ])rairies will never be forgotten. They 
were one vast parterre of flowers, changing their hues each month of the 
season. In the fall great fires swept them over, leaving only a blackened 
waste, but still sublimely beautiful. Upon the prairies of Granville deer 
were j^lenty, and were sometimes seen in great droves or flocks like cattle 



INCIDENTS AND MlSCELLANEOrS ITE:\IS. 303 

or sheep. They were not much hunted, and would come near the wood- 
chop])er and visit the feeding places of the cattle. 

Wolves, the pests of the barn-yard in winter, were numerous. Now 
and then they were run down on horseback and killed, but not often, as 
it was a difficult job and worth a good horse's life to attempt it, for the 
wolf is long-winded and very difficult to capture in this way. Many good 
horses were ruined in attempting it. 

During the cold winters they became ravenous for food and would 
come to the very doors of the cabins in quest of it. They would 
visit men chopping in the woods, coming so close that they could almost 
strike them with their axes. 

The Indian had a superstitious dread of prairie wolves, and did not 
molest them, ])ut would kill the timber species because they scared their 
ponies, and, when occasion permitted, destroyed their young colts. 

Snakes were abundant everywhere, and the venomous rattlesnake was 
justly dreaded. Mr. Gann once found one coiled beneath his chair, which 
had crept into the house unobserved. It was despatched, and the next 
day its mate was discovered and killed neai* the same place. These rep- 
tiles always go in pairs, and when one is killed its mate invariably seeks 
it. Deer are the deadly foes of snakes, and a citizen describes the killing 
of one east of the village of Granville. He was traveling the road, when 
he saw a grouj^ of deer seemingly greatly excited, and striving to stamp 
something beneath their feet. They would go off a few steps and then 
return, striking viciously and rapidly with their fore feet. The traveler 
watched the performance until it closed, and on going to the place found 
a large yellow rattlesnake cut to pieces ^vith their sharp hoofs. 

The Indians never fed their ponies, that white men knew of. These 
little beasts, no matter how long they had been used, would be turned 
out at night to skirmish around for food among the dead leaves and hazle 
twigs as best they could. 

Previous to 'the winter of the great snow, opossums were very numer- 
ous, l)ut that year they nearly all died off, and not for many years after 
did they become plentiful. The somewhat unpopular, but pretty and 
sometimes highly perfumed Jfephitis Aniericauus^ or skunk, was no 
Granger,- but was found in the swamps, timber, and on the prairies, and 
the traveler on horseback was frequently glad to give the saiicy little 
white-necked, black-eyed, bushy-tailed, odoriferous creature not only the 
whole road, but several rods margin beside. 



B04 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Another animal often seen was the badger, as pugnacious jind full of 
fight when cornered as to-day, Mr. Ish describes a combat he once saM^ 
between a sow and one of these fellows, in which the sow got decidedly 
worsted. 

No coal has been found in Putnam County, and probaV)ly from the 
charactei' of the formation none exists in the vicinity of Hennepin, as the 
limestone formation which is reached near the surface and has been bored 
to the depth of 800 feet precludes the idea. But, toward the eastern 
limits, on the prairies at Tonica, and in the country south and south-west 
is found this useful product, garnered in nature's storehclise for man's 
future use, and as the surface and charactei' of the earth so far as tested 
are exactly similar to the coal region immediately adjoining, there is no 
reason to doubt V)ut that a stratum of coal underlies both Granville and 
Mao;nolia. 





^-^/(y6c/>-o /f ^^--i^^. 



LA PRAIRIE. ILL. 



ORGANIZATION OF MARSHALL COUNTY. 307 



Marshall County. 




CHAPTER XXXIII. i 

ITS ORGANIZATION. 

>HE increase of population after the war was rapid, and by the 
close of 1837 there were large and flourishing settlements 
in various localities, and the question of forming new coun- 
ties and county seats was sharply discussed. 

The people hei*eabout were clamorous for a county of 
their own. Lacon, Henry and Webster were looming up as 
future cities, and numerous towns with high-sounding names 
had been built — on paper! Such as Troy City, Lyons, 
Chambersburg, Auburn, Bristol, Dorchester, etc. Robert's 
Point, Strawn's Woods, Round and Half Moon Prairies were — for 
those times, populous farming sections. A few farms here and there 
dotted the vast prairies on the west of the Illinois, and the territory that 
aspii"ed to become a separate county had a population of 1,500 people. 

A colony of energetic people from Ohio had settled in Lacon in 
1836, and at once gave the infant town a surprising "boom," to use a 
phrase then unknown. 

January 13, 1838, a meeting of the citizens of Lacon and vicinity was 
called, ostensibly to nominate candidates for legislative honoi-s, but really 
to form a new county. Colonel Henderson, of Spoon River, having been 
previously sounded and found to be "solid" for the scheme, was recom- 
mended to the voters as a man "of ability and integrity," and he was 
named for Representative ; and John Hamlin, also known to be right on 
the all-absorbing question, was recommended for the Senatorship. 

Doctor Effner, Ira I. Fenn and Jesse C. Smith were appointed a com- 
mittee to act and correspond as might be necessary in forwarding the 
objects of the meeting. 

The gentlemen composing the meeting knew that the county question 



^^" Hecords of the olden time. 

would be unpopular with their neighbors in the vicinity of Hennepin, and 
also along the line of Tazewell County, whose interests would be antago- 
nistic to the proposed dismemberment, hence a "still hunt" in the prem- 
ises was deemed best. The people of Tazewell getting wind of the 
scheme, and discovering that two of their townships were coveted by the 
"Laconites," called a meeting "for the purpose of consulting on the best 
means to prevent the citizens of Putnam County from curtailing our 
county on the north." Learning this, the Lacon committee shrewdly dis- 
claimed any such intention ! 

The vote of Lacon Precinct went almost to a man for Colonel Hender- 
son, who felt under obligations to return favors to his enthusiastic and 
warm supporters. The local press — even that of Hennepin — favored the 
project, as many of the people there feared they would lose the county 
seat if the j^roposed' division was not made. 

Petitions were circulated and numerously signed praying for the estab- 
lisliment of the new County of Marshall. They were presented December 
10, 1838, by Colonel Henderson, at once acted upon, a bill reported two 
days afterwai-d, and by January 19 became a law. 

Three days afterward, petitions for the formation of Stark County 
came in, also numerousl}^ signed by Hennepin people. So eager were 
they to save their county seat that they consented to the loss of almost 
the entire county. The act fixed the boundaries as at present, except that 
it did not include the townships of Evans and Bennington, then a portion 
of La Salle ; but the law was afterward amended to include them, pro- 
vided the people therein were willing. They, however, refused, and it 
failed; but under an act approved March 1, 18 — , they yielded, and the 
towns named were duly annexed to Marshall County. 

The Commissioners designated by law to select the county seat were : 
D. Gr. Salisbuiy, of Bureau ; Wm. Ogle, of Putnam, and Campbell Wake- 
field, of McLean Coimty. They came into court and repoi-ted that "they 
had examined the different proposed sites for the seat of justice in Mar- 
shall County, taking into consideration the convenience, and the situation 
of the settlements with an eye to future population of the place to be 
chosen. Lacon possessed the natural advantages of location, and all 
other requisites, and they had accordingly chosen this town as the seat 
of justice of Marshall County. They also reported that they had se- 
lected Lots three, four and five, in Block forty-five, as the ground for 
a Court House and other buildings; also, that the propiietors of the 



FIRST ELECTION OF COUNTY OFFICEES. '^'-'^ 

town had donated said lots to Marshall County, giving their notes and 
bonds in the sum of $5,000 to the County, payable in equal instal- 
ments of $1,C)GG.6(), in six, twelve and eighteen months from date, with 
interest. The men who executed these notes were : Win. Fenn, Samuel 
Howe, Elisha Swan, Ira I. Fenn, Jonathan Babb, Robert Boal, Wm. 
Fisher and Greorge Snyder. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

Marshall County, as at present constituted, consists of eight full 
townships of six miles square each, viz: Bennington, Evans, Belle Plain 
and Roberts on the east, and La Prairie, Saratoga and Whitefield west of 
the Illinois River. The others, made more or less fractional by the wind- 
ing of the river, are Hopewell, Lacon, Henry and Steuben. 

The river bottoms are from three to five miles wide. The bottom 
land is remarkable for its richness of soil, and some exceedingly profitable 
farms are to be found. 

The chain of hills bounding the west of the valley are full of ex- 
cellent coal, obtained by drifting into the l)luff s, and supplies the wants 
of the people of the villages and farmers on the prairies with fuel at very 
low rates. ' 

l^he law fixed the 25th of February, 1839, as election day, to choose 
the new county ofiicers. 

George Snyder, Esq., a Justice of the Peace of Lacon Precinct, gave 
the notices fifteen days before the event, and candidates swarmed around 
the polls. There were tweiity-eight worthy gentlemen who were willing 
to sacrifice themselves upon the altar of their country, — to hold different 
offices, eight of whom wanted to be Sheriff. 

The candidates chosen were: Elisha Swan, William Maxwell and 
George H. Shaw, County Commissioners; Wm. H. Effner, Probate Jus- 
tice; Chas. F. Speyers, Recorder; Silas Ramsey, Sheriff; Anson L. Dem- 
ing, Treasurer ; A. S. Fishburn, County Clerk ; Geo. F. Case, Coroner ; 
and Jordan Sawyer, Surveyor. 



County Commissioners' Court. 

The Governmental history of the new County is best told in the rec- 
ords of the County Commissioners' Court, which, before township organi- 
zations, supplied the place of the present Board of Super\^sors. 



310 Records of the olden time. 

The first acts of the members, whose first meeting was at the house of 
John D. Coutlett, March 2, 18,S9, was to look to the credentials of the 
various officers, and see that bonds required were satisfactory; after which 
the county was divided into election districts, as follows : 

No, 1. La Fayette Precinct, — All that part of Marshall County west 
of the Illinois River, south of the line of Townships Nos. 12 and 13. 

No, 2. Henry Precinct. — All of the County west of the river, and 
north of the line of the towns above, adjoining La Fayette Precinct ; vot- 
ing place at the house of Elias Thompson. 

No. o. Lacon Precinct. — All the County east of the river, and west 
of Ranges Nos. 1 and 2, west of the 3d principal meridian; elections 
to be held at the County Clerk's office. 

No. 4. Lyons Precinct. — All east of the dividing line of Ranges 1 and 
2 ; elections to be held at the house of W. B. Green. 

The County was also divided into fourteen road districts, and three 
days' road labor requii'ed of every able-bodied man subject to such duty 
by law. Greorge H. Shaw was appointed a commissioner to receive the 
money due Marshall County from the Internal Improvement fund, which 
the State had appropriated to Putnam County in 1837. The proportion 
due Marshall was $3,290.00, with interest. John Wier was appointed 
School Commissioner, and gave bonds in the sum of $10,000. For want 
of better accommodations, the Circuit Clerk, County Commissioners' Clerk, 
County Recorder, and Probate Justice of the Peace, were obliged to hold 
their offices in one room, in a building owned by Elisha Swan, who was 
limited in his charges to a rental not exceeding $75 per annum. 

The Commissioners voted themselves $2.50 per diem, and the Clerk 
$2.00; and they allowed Coutlett $2.00 for the use of his house and fire- 
wood for four days, which would strike the reader as being reasonable. 
The pay of jurymen was fixed at 75 cents per day and "find themselves." 

Among the first things to claim the attention of the Board was the lay- 
ing out of new roads, and by their orders the present highway from Lacon 
to Spoon River was laid out June 3, 1839, and the same month the 
"State Road " was located through the eastern part of Marshall ; and also 
a road thi'ough the towns of LaPrairie and Saratoga ; likewise others. The 
sum of $50 was appropriated for improving a "slew" near Lyons ; a like 
sum to be expended near Owens' Mills, on Crow Creek,, and $100 to be 
expended on the road from Lacon to Wyoming. 

In June, 1839, the home Board began to indulge in luxuries, and or- 



ATTEMPT TO IMPEACH COUNTY CLERK SHANNON. "^ ^ ^ 

dered six chairs and a map of the State, at a total cost of $9.00. They 
were bought of Fenn, Howe & Co. They also invested $1.75 in a Bible, 
on condition the seller threw in 'an ink stand and sand box. A. N. Ford 
files a bill for printing to the extent of $2.00. Dr. Boal asks permission 
to run a ferry, which is granted on condition that he pay a fee of $15.00, 
which, in September, was cut down to half that sum. 

The first County Clerk elected by the people was James M. Shannon. 
He was a man of fair education and excellent qualifications for the place. 
He filled the ofiice until March, 1845, when his habits became objectionable 
and could be no longer tolerated. He was complained of by information 
signed by two of the County Commissioners, of habitual intoxication, 
using abusive language, and insulting the Court in open session. 

In June, 1845, the information filed came up for examination; The 
Commissioners tried it before themselves — Shannon, the defendant, as 
well as the complainants, appearing by attorneys. They refused to grant 
the accused a change of venue, or to sustain a plea as to their own juris- 
diction, and saw no impropriety in trying a case before themselves brought 
by two of their own number, a majority of the Court. After hearing the 
evidence, they "bounced" the Ijibulous clerk and appointed David David- 
son, June 3, 1845. 

Long and tedious proceedings followed. Shannon having appealed to the 
Supreme Court for a hearing. During the trial at Ottawa, many wit- 
nesses were compelled to attend, costing the County several hundi'ed dol- 
lars. 

In the mean time Shannon had gone before the people with his griev- 
ances, and petitions circulated everywhere in the county to "re-onstate" 
him were numerously signed and laid before the Board, of which that tri- 
bunal took no notice. The fall election, however, settled the whole mat- 
ter, for the people re-elected Shannon by a triumphant majority. He held 
the office until December 20, 1845, and then handed in his resignation, 
which was filed December 30. 

His successor was Samuel C. Cochran, who was appointed to fill the 
vacancy, and at the next election was chosen t > that office by the people. 

In June 1847, Cochran resigned, and Silas Ramsey was appointed. He 
was afterward elected by the people. He held the otfice until 1849, when 
he became County Judge, and Washington E. Cook, Clerk. 

In 1839, the total tax levied was $875, and of this sum, Silas 
Ramsey, who was both Sheriff and Collector, raised $787.12, showing him 



^ ] 2 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIJIE. 

to have been a very efficient officer. Forty cents on each one hundred dol- 
lars valuation was the sum assessed for county purposes. 

In June 1840, tlie general census was taken, and Samuel Howe re- 
ceived the appointment of enumerator. He was a well known Aboli- 
tionist, and his appointment cb'ew from one of the Commissioners the fol- 
lowing spirited protest: ^ 

"The undersigned heing opposed to the principles avowed by modern 
Abolitionists for the immediate emancipation of the slaves of the United 
States, do hereby enter my solemn protest against the appointment of Sam- 
uel Howe as Commissioner to take the census of Marshall County, on the 
ground that said Howe is in favor of immediate emancipation of the slaves 
aforesaid. Elisiia Swan." 

In September, 1840, David Myers brought into Court certain papers 
and a small amount of silver found in the purse of an unknown man who 
died at his house, and claimed $15.00 foi' his care and burial, which was 
allowed. 

About this time, also, Greo. F. Case was allowed $14.00 for holding an 
inquest on the body of James McBride. 

William Fisher was allowed at the same time, $8.50 for paper and 
quills, — steel pens not having been introduced. 

March 2, 1841, Joseph Burr was licensed to keep a ferry at Henry, 
and the license was fixed at $2.00. 

In March, too, Anson L. Deming resigned the office of Treasurer. He 
had received and paid out during his term $931.43, all of which save 
$40.00 was in County orders. The account was closed thus: "Com- 
missions, $38.80; balance, $1.20. This sum was found to be safe, and 
was duly turned over to his successor, Lundsfoi'd Broaddus. 

Putnam County, up to this date, had not paid over the intei'nal im- 
provement fund quota. Edward Jones, Esq., of Tremont, Tazewell 
Coimty, was appointed to prosecute and collect the money, March, 1841. 

In September of this year, William Fenn was directed to see about 
putting up lightning-rods on the Court House. He had them made at 
home, by blacksmiths, and the job cost $53.96. 

Up to 1845 there had been no jail, and prisoners had to be guarded 
at the cost of the County. Thus we find a man named Andrew Zellar had 
been guilty of larceny, and bills were allowed as follows : Jesse Oran, 
guarding Zellar twenty-four hours, $1.00; George Durat, forty-eight hours. 



THE COUNTY EEVEISTUE FR0:M TAXES. ^\^ 

$2.00; J. O'Connel twenty-four hours, $1.00; Sam'l B. McLaughlin, 
twenty-four hours, $1.00; J. W. Bettis, cmmitting Zellar and guardmg 
him, $2.00. After getting him in some sort of a place, they had to feed 
him, and the bills were: $1.75, $4.0G and $3.62i. This, with similar 
cases, awakened the Commissioners to an appreciation of the needs of a 
good jail, and we find them debating it soon after. 

All efforts to compel Putnam County to pay over the funds she held 
belonging to Marshall, it seems, failed, and the latter paid her attorneys 
in the case, Messrs. Fenn <fe Peters, one hundred dollars. 

Lundsford Broaddus, in June, 1842, resigned the office of County 
Treasurer, and Hezekiah S. Crane was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

In 1841 the tax levy was fifty cents on each one hundred dollars of 
valuation. The Commissioners appear to have gone into the "furnishing" 
business, and the records show this entry: "Addison Ramsey is allowed 
$3.00 for a pair of pants furnished the infamous Andrew Zellar." The 
next year the assessment system was changed, and Peter Tem]^)le, for 
assessing the whole county, was allowed $104. 

James Hoyt was the Assessor for 1 843. State bank paper had suf- 
fered a sad depreciation, and the Treasurer refused to receive it. He 
was ordered to take it at fifty per cent discount, and give tax-payers 
the benefit of " the rise." 

In June, 1843, Sampson Rowe was licensed to keep a feriy at Hemy, 
by paying the usual license of $2.00. 

Sandy Precinct, a new election district, was organized this session, and 
elections fixed at the house of Enoch Dent. 

Town 29, Range 1 west, and 29, Range 1 east was organized into an 
election precinct, and Pierce Perry's house designated as the voting place 
thereof. 

Wm. Maxwell was re-elected County Commissioner in August, 1843, 
and Le\d Wilcox, Treasurer. James Hoyt assessed the county this year 
for $57.50. 

C. F. Speyer, Recorder of Deeds, resigned June, 1844, and County 
Clerk Shannon was appointed to take charge of the books and j^apers of 
the office till further orders. 

C. S. Edwards was again re-elected a Commissioner in x\ugust, 1844, 
and Levi Wilcox assessed the county for $11G. 

Doctor Boal was again granted a license to run a ferry at Lacon, he 
paying the usual fee. 



314 



RECORDS Ol rilE OLDEN TIME. 



In Marcli, 1844, a petition was presented asking the county to ])ur- 
cliase tlie Lacon fei'iy, signed by Silas Ramsey and a number of promi- 
nent citizens, but for some reason this sensible project was abandoned 
and the petition withdrawn. 

In March, 1846, $300 was appropriated by the County Commissionei's 
to build an embankment through the sloughs from Lacon ferry to Spar- 
land, on condition that the citizens would contribute $400 in addition for 
the same purpose, and F. D. Drake was appointed a Conmiissioner to ex- 
pend the money and superintend the work. 

In March, 1846, the town of Lyons, near where Varna is now, was 
dropped from the Assessor's books and assessed as lands. 

Thomas Gallaher, who had transcribed such of the records at Henne- 
23in as related to Marshall County, was allowed $250 for the work, the 
books having been received and approved. 

In this year the ferry at Lacon passed into the hands of Wm. Fisher 
<fe Co., who were licensed to run it upon payment of $15.00. 

The cost of assessing the county in 1844 was $150. 

December 8, 1845, Richard Vinecore made application foi- license to 
keep a grocery in a biick building 023posite the Lacon House. "The 
Court, taking into consideration the subject of said application, and be- 
lieving that 'groceries' are not conducive to the public good, reject the 
application!" was the discouraging result of this petition. 

In June, 1847, David M. Robinson was allowed $14.00 for boarding 
Thomas Dobson, accused of and in custody for the killing of Hollenback. 

In September, 1847, Richard Vinecore came again with his grocery 
petition, and met with better luck, being allowed to run his proposed 
saloon for $40.00 per year license. 

In June, 1848, a standing reward of fifty dollars was offered for the 
appi'ehension of all horse-thieves escaping from the County. 

In December, 1849, under a new law Silas Ramsey was elected County 
Judge, and Thomas Cowan and J. W. Bettis Associate Justices of the 
Peace; Washington E. Cook, County Clerk; Abrani Wall, School Com- 
missioner ; Resin B. Rogers, Treasurer. 



New Townships. 



In March, 1850, the new law, providing for township organization 
took effect, and Samuel Camp, Addison Ramsey and Nathan Patton were 



OKGAIsriZATION OF TOWNSHIPS. 



ni5 



appointed Commissions to divide the territory into convenient townships, 
which they did as follows : 

Congressional Town 30, Range 1 west, 3d parallel meridian, to be 
named Roberts. 

Town 30, Range 1 east, 3d parallel meridian, Evans. 

Town 30, Range 2 west, Hopewell. 

Fractional Town 30, Range 3 west, and Fractional Town 29, Range 3 
west, Lacon. 

Town 29, Range 2 west, Richland. 

Town 29, Range 1 west, and Town 29, Range 1 east. Belle Plain. 

Fractional Town 13, Range 10 east, 4th parallel meridian and road 
on the east side of the line leading from the ferry in said town, and here- 
tofore held by the County of Putnam, Henry. 

Town 13, Range 9 east, 4th parallel meridian, and Town 13, Range 8 
east, same parallel meridian, Whitefield. 

Town 12, Range 8 east, 4th parallel meridian, Fairfield. 

Town 12, Range 9 east, 4th parallel meridian, Steuben. 

The law provided that in selecting the names for towns under the 
township organization law, that the Commissioners should avoid getting 
the names of towns in other counties, and as "Fairfield" had been 
adopted numerously elsewhere, County Judge Ramsey changed " Fair- 
field," the first choice of the people of that region, to " La Prairie," their 
second preference. 

The first Board of Supervisors of Marshall County met at the Court 
House in Lacon, November 11, 1850. There were present: Theodore 
Perry, Henry Snyder, John B. White, Chas. S. Edwards, James Gibson, 
Albert Ramsey, Reul)en F. Bell, Wm. Maxwell, Amasa Garrett, George 
W. Bettis. 

Saratoga was set off in September, 1855, and Bennington, Dec. 17, 1856. 

Greenberry L. Fort was chosen Messenger of this body, an oflice of great 
ornament, which subsequent boards of supervisors have dispensed with. 

On motion of Edwards, Wm. Maxwell was chosen the first Chairman. 

In March, 1851, Silas Ramsey, W. E. Cook and G. L. Fort were chosen 
Commissioners to purchase eighty acres of lancf for a county 2)oor farm. 



Early Records. 
The first deed recorded in the new Court was from Daniel Da^ds to Al- 



316 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



exander Mcintosh, March 20, 1888, for a piece of land in Putnam County. 
The next, from Kobert Bird and Rachel, his wife, to John Strawn, August 
15, 1831, for a piece of land in Columbia (Lacon), for $38; witness: James 
Dever and John Kemp ; before Colby F. Stevenson, Justice of the Peace. 

The town of Columbia was surveyed by Colby F. Stevenson, August G, 
1831, containing 130 lots, for John Strawn and others. The first convey- 
ance of lots in Columbia was from John Strawn to Jesse Sawyer, October 
G, 1831. 

The first marriages recorded are: David Gwynn and Harriet Jane 
Martin, March 10, 1839, "by Henry D. Palmer, elder and minister of the 
Gospel." The next was Joel B. Perkins and Margaret Burt, by the Rev. 
Henry D. Palmer, April 4, 1839 ; John D. Coutlett and Sarah E. Dever, 
by Rev. Zadock Hall, April 6, 1839; Samuel Mitchell was married to 
Mary Work, May 29, 1839, by Rev. James H. Dickey. 

The first Circuit Court in Marshall County began in Lacon, April 23, 
1839. Thos. Ford was Judge; James M. Shannon, Clerk; Silas Ramsey, 
Sheriff. It was held in the old Methodist Church, long since turned into 
a mercantile establishment. The first case before the Court was that of 
Luther P. Frost vs. Long & Ramsey, which was dismissed at the plain- 
tiff's cost. 

Another was The People vs. Solomon Brewer, for assault and battery. 
The jury, after being out all night, returned a verdict of "not guilty." 
Ira Fenn, Esq., talking for the State, moved for a new trial, but it was 
overruled. 

The Grand Jury met at the M. E. Church, and was composed of 
Ira F. Lowery, foreman; Lewis Barney, Joel Corbett, Jeremiah Cooper, 
Allen N. Ford, Chas. Rice, Wm. Gray, Enoch Sawyer, Jonah D. Stewart, 
Elijah Freeman, Jr., Nathan Owen, Geo. Scott, Sam. Howe, Robt. Ben- 
nington, John Bird, Andrew Jackson, Henry Snyder, Allen Hunter. 

No business claimed their attention, and they were discharged. 

At the next term, October, 1839, a peddler put in his appearance as a 
defendant in a case in which he had been indicted for selling clocks with- 
out a license. At that time there existed a deeply-rooted prejudice against 
Yankee clock peddlers, Vhich appears to have come down to this day. 
Besides, clocks were regarded as extravagant luxuries, the sun being con- 
sidered the best regidator and indicator of time. 

The peddler, whose name was Erastus Higbee, had been jerked up and 



ERECTION OF COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



317 



accused of selling without a license. He pleaded guilty, was fined fifty 
dollars and costs, and told to travel. And it is on record that he did 
travel. 

At the same time Chas. H. Bevins was indicted for larceny, convicted 
and sent to the Penitentiary for three years, being the first convict from 
Marshall County. 

The first divorce applied for or granted was that of Elizabeth Gibbons 
vs. James H. Gibbons. 

In the first court docket, on a fly leaf, is written a portion of the Lord's 
Prayer, ending with the word " trespasses," which, being a legal one, was 
deemed a proper introduction to court proceedings. 

Thomas Fitzpatrick and Dennis Daily were the first foreigners who 
were naturalized in the County, having been admitted to citizenship at the 
April term of the Circuit Court, 1840. 

The first Circuit Judges presiding here were : Thos. Ford, from 1839 
to 1842; John D. Caton, from 1842 to 1848; followed by T. L. Dickey, 
Edwin L. Leland, J. L. Richmond and John Burns. Judge Richmond 
died before the expiration of his term, and Mark Bangs was appointed his 
successor. He was an able and upright officer, and presided with impar- 
tial fairness. 



Court Houses and Jails. 

The Court House question began to agitate the Court at the first 
meeting of that body, and Eiisha Swan was directed to get from the 
"machanicks" an estimate of the cost of building one, "say forty-five 
feet wide and fifty feet long, the foundation and superstructure to be of 
brick." The contract was awarded in December, 1839, to Edward White 
and Thomas F. Shepherd, and signed January 14, 1840. The cost was 
fixed at $8,000. It was to be 40x55 feet, two stories high. The con- 
tractors were required to give bonds in $16,000, or double the amount of 
the cost of the proposed building. 

In January, 1840, they were allowed to draw, as part pajTuent on 
their job, $5,000 in county bonds. 

December 8, 1840, the building was finished and turned over to the 
County, and the additional bonds in payment therefor were issued. 

September 7, 1843, a contract was entered into with John Guthrie to 



;)18 



EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



build a jail for $515, and soon after Thomas Weir became his partner in 
the work. 

Wm. A. and Elijah Bird for fencing the Court House received $52.80, 
and $0.00 for making stiles. 

In June, 184(5, the Commissioners decided to erect a house as a dwell- 
ing for the jailor, and advertised for bids for the work. John M. Lindley 
obtained the contract, for $450. 

The Court House caught hi'e at eight o'clock on the morning of Jan- 
uary 5, 1847, from a defective flue, on the west side, near the roof, and 
was burned down, being a total loss of the building and fixtures in the 
court room as well as below. The books and paj)ers and movable furni- 
ture were all saved. 

Immediately after this event the Board of Supervisors met, and meas- 
ures for I'ebuilding were taken. Fortunately there was an insurance 
of $5,000 on the old building, which was at once available. The old 
material saved was ordered sold, and W. E. Cook appointed to collect the 
money and hold it subject to the order of the Board. To make the 
County secure, he gave bonds in the sum of $10,000, and in a short time 
reported every dollar on hand. 

In the meantime the Board rented a room from Mr. Wm. Fenn, at the 
rate of $125 per annum, for county purposes, where the records mostly 
saved were stored, and the different officers (quartered therein. 

Albert Ramsey, Theodore Perry and James W. Maxwell were a com- 
mittee on building, and soon as plans and specifications could be prepared, 
the contract was awarded to Comegys tfe Bro., and Card and Haggai'd at 
the February session, 1853. JohnW. Bettis, Theodore Perry and H. L. 
Crane were appointed to superintend the work and suggest such changes 
and alterations as might be beneficial to the County. 

The Building Committee reported the work done, and the building in 
the hands of the Board in November, 1853, for which they had paid, for 
the orighial contract, $7,050.50; alterations, $301.89 — total, $7,351.89. 

In September 1856, the old Jail having proven defective and inade- 
quate to the wants of the County, H. L. Crane, N. G. Henthorn and Ed- 
ward White were appointed a committee to draft plans for a new jail and 
Sheriff's house. 

In December, plans and specifications were presented and bids invited. 

In January 1857, Edward White received the contract to do the work 



THE GROWING ISTEEDS OE THE COUNTY. 



310 



for $12,000, and H. L. Crane, N. Gr. Hentliorn and W. E. Cook were 
chosen a committee to superintend the work. It was done during that 
spring and summer, and as the I'ecords have it, duly "excepted." 

During these years the County east and west was rapidly filling up, 
and land was advancing in value. The river aif orded the only outlet for 
the rapidly increasing volume of products, and enterprising parties began 
to look for otlier modes of transportation. 




320 



EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 




CHAPTER XXXIV. 



THE WESTERN AIR LINE RAILROAD. 



>HIS once famous projected road was to run from Pliila- 
delphia to Fort Wayne, Ind. ; tb.ence across the prairies of 
our State, tbrougli Marshall County fi'om Wenona to La- 
con, where it was to cross the Illinois River ; thence west 
to Wyoming, Stark County, and onward over the Missis- 
sippi at New Boston, in a direct line to Council Bluffs, on 
the Missouri. It was grand in its inception, but failed mis- 
erably in execution, and involved the County and indi\dd- 
uals in large losses, entailing debts not yet liquidated. 

Lacon, in its corporate capacity, voted $50,000 in aid of its construc- 
tion, and Marshall County $100,000, to be invested in the capital stock of 
the road. The firm of Fisher & Co. subscribed $10,000, and the sum 
total swelled to large proportions. 

Much of the credit of originating the enterprise and giving it force is 
due to Ira I. Fenn and Theodore Perry, both at that time citizens of 
Lacon. To give it character, the Hon. Robert Schenck, of Ohio, was 
made President, while Mr. Fenn was elected Treasurer and E. A. Whip- 
ple, Secretary. The Board of Directors were: William Fisher, Silas 
Ramsey, S. L. Fleming and Theodore Perry. 

The headquarters of the company were at Lacon, and Ira I. Fenn was 
the principal worker. He had great faith in the ultimate success of the 
project, and devoted most of his time to the interests of the road. 

Work began in 1853, and in November of that year the Board of Su- 
pervisors, cariying out the wishes of their constituents, caused the bonds 
voted to issue, bearing ten per cent interest, with twenty years to run. 
In the meantime there was considerable opposition manifested, and in 
March, 1854, the Clerk of the Board was ordered to withhold their deliv- 
ery, the vote standing 7 to 3. 

In December, 1855, Ira I. Fenn, on behalf of the Railroad Company, 
came before the Board and demanded $30,000 worth of the bonds. A 
lively fight resulted, and finally the subject was tabled till June, 1856, 



T'AILtiKE or THE RAILWAY 1>R0JECT. ^^1 

when a motion to issue $35,000 was lost by a vote of 4 to 8, but the next 
day reconsidered and passed, 6 to 4. 

In March, 1856, Fenn came again and demanded the eighth and ninth 
installments of $5,000 each. Meantime an injunction had been granted 
restraining the Board fi'om issuing any of the preceding amounts. 

In September, they passed an order by a vote of 6 for and 5 votes 
against, to issue $40,000 of the bonds, requiring an indemnity against loss 
or expense of exchange between Lacon and New York city, where the 
payments were to be made. December, 1856, those remaining unsold were 
ordered delivered, and found ready purchasers. 

In 1861 President Schenck was sent to Europe to negotiate for iron 
and rolling stock. He was supplied with bonds of different couiities and 
towns, about $5,000 worth of which he hypothecated before starting, to 
raise money for expenses. While there the war broke out, and British 
capitalists refused to invest money in our "blarsted country" in the 
beginning of a civil war the end of which could not be clearly foreseen, 
and Schenck returned, to become a Federal General. 

The bonds which he had hypothecated were put up at a forced sale 
and advertised in the New York papers. The conveyance or trust deed 
to secure a loan was one of those "cut- throat" documents which give all 
the advantage to the money lender and places the borrower completely at 
his mercy. This intrument gave the trustee power to sell the entire road- 
bed if the money was not paid when due ! 

Judge Thompson, of Oledo; Olof Johnson, of Galva; Wm. Thomas, 
of Wyoming, and one or two others living along the line of the road west 
of the Illinois River, having money, saw a chance for a speculation at this 
sale. They formed a sort of syndicate, sent one of their number to New 
York, and bought the entire road-bed, right of way and everything it had 
of value, which they subsequently sold in parcels to suit customers. The 
C, B. <fe. Q. Company became owner of most of the line in this State, and 
aftei-ward transferi'ed that portion lying between Lacon and Dwight to 
the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Company. 

Judge Thompson was severely censured for this course, and not long 
after emigrated to California, where he has since resided. 




r>22 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



LAOON TOWNSHIP. 




CHAPTER XXV. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL. 



'ERIVING its name from the principal town within its 
borders, this township is conspicuous for its varied scenery, 
though what resemblance there may be between Laconia, or 
Sparta, in ancient Greece (from which the town is named), 
and this division of Marshall County, topographically or 
otherwise, is not apparent. The surface is diversified by 
hill and dale, prairie and woodland. It is about ten miles 
in length from north to south, and at its southern extremity 
near the mouth of Crow Creek, is four miles wide, gradu- 
ally diminishing toward its northern limit. Across its southern border runs 
Crow Creek, a deep, quiet stream ordinarily, but capable of indefinite ex- 
pansion when it spreads over almost the entire country. 

The bluffs are picturesque, and at their base is a valley affording good 
pasturage and arable land, subject to occasional ovei-flow. The bottoms 
are filled with ponds, sloughs, small lakes, and patches of excellent timber. 
Several minor streams intersect it beside the first named, known re- 
spectively as Pigeon Creek, Strawn's Run, Dry Run, etc., all of them 
flowing into the Illinois. 

A short distance below the city of Lacon, the bluffs bend to the east- 
ward, leaving a prairie from two to three miles in width. It is on a 
second plateau, or level, about midway between the river bed and the top 
of the outer bluffs, and covered with well tilled farms. 

The soil is a deep sandy loam made, up from the deposits of long ages 
ago, but affords reasonably good crops, and is especially adapted to fruit 
growing and vegetables. 

The bluffs along the eastern line of the town and the ravines are cov- 
ered with timber, much of it of very fair quality, consisting of white, 
red, black and bur oaks, ash, hickory linden wood, and black walnut. 



LACON LOCATIOlSr AND SUEROUKDINGS. 323 

The timber line extends from two to three miles inland, and the 
quality is good, affording at this day an abundance for fuel and building 
purposes. 

Along the streams and bordering the fields and roads, when allowed to 
grow, are thickets of sumac, crab-apple, wild cherry, paw-paw, the bril- 
liant flowered red-bud, etc., while in the bottoms of the Illinois is still to 
be found the pecan tree, bearing the delicious and peculiarly American 
nut of that name. They are not found, we are told, north of the latitude 
of Lacon. 

Paw-paws grew everywhere near the rivers or larger streams, and 
were in great request by the Indians and some of the whites, not all of 
the latter being able to cultivate a liking for the extremely rich and 
strongly flavored fruit. 

The principal business outlets of the township are the river, the Chi- 
cago and Alton Railroad, and the Bureau Valley Branch of the Chicago, 
Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, through its station at Sparland. 



Lacon. 

The first explorers who looked upon the site of Lacon must have been 
struck with its singular beauty and the possession of every requirement 
desirable in the location of a city. Beginning at the river, there was a 
gradual rise for half a mile, and then a level prairie extending a mile 
further to the wooded terrace beyond. The surface intervening was 
dotted with knolls, eminences, and occasional miniature lakes, since 
di'ained or filled up. In summer the prairie was one vast bed of waving 
grass and brilliant flowers, changing their tints with each month. 

Along the river's bank a belt of oaks, cottonwood and red maples, 
with an inner lining of willows extended, through which, at intervals 
glimpses of water were had, which in the sunlight shimmered like molten 
silver. 

What is now Water street was covered with a dense thicket of hazle 
brush, with here and there a large tree. At the upper end a bayou 
opened into what was afterward known as "Swan's Basin," and below 
town a similar outlet gave egress to the surplus water of the numerous 
springs along the bank. A thicket of hazel brush covered the ground 
where the woolen mill stands, and extended down to the cemetery; and 



324 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the l)ottoni where the ohl slaugliter house stood was dotted with trees 
and patches of plum and ci'ab-apple thickets, while Johnson's grove ex- 
tended in the shape of a V northward to the Coui't House squai'e. Scat- 
tering trees covered the bottom west of W. E. Cook's, and thence around 
to the Benson (now Henry Fisher) place. Another })elt followed the 
brewery ravine, covering the ground where Hoffrichter's slaughter house 
stands, and extending to the timber on the l)luffs. All else was prairie, 
covered in summer with tall grass and gaily painted ilowers, where 
the wild deer roamed, the wolf made his covert, the prairie chicken beat 
his tattoo and called his flock together, and each spring and fall the 
migrating duck and wild goose tari'ied for rest and recreation during their 
long voyages " from lands of sun to lands of snow" on the shores of 
Hudson's Bay. 

The setting of this sylvan picture on the east was a line of bluffs cov- 
ered with heavy forest trees, unvexed by 'woodman's ax and their occu- 
2")ants undisturbed by hunter's rifle. The children of tlie forest whose 
houses were in the valley below I'oamed through its leafy lal^yrinths, and 
with l»ow and spear struck down the lordly buck and timid doe. The 
rivei' swarmed with fish, the pi-airies and forests with game, the earth 
brought forth bountifully, and the red man, the only dweller unmolested 
for centuries, hunted, fought, sung his death song and died. 

But a change came over the scene. The pale faces made their appear- 
ance and the Indian gave way before the civilizing influences of whisky 
and gunpowder. 

The first white man who looked upon the site where Lacon stands 
cannot be named. Over two hundred years ago La Salle and his adven- 
turous companions explored the river and built a rude fort opposite 
Peoria, where they passed the winter, followed by Champlain and others; 
but the thick fringe of trees that curtained the bank here, shut out all view 
from the river and we have no evidence of their eif ecting a landing. 

Adventurous trappers and land explorers undoubtedly traversed this 
section, and the Government surveyors who laid out the military tract 
across the river in 1815-16 probably came over to view the panorama 
spread before them from the western bluffs, but the first positive visit to 
the place we have record of was by John Strawn and a man named Haver, 
in tlie summer of 1828. In the succeeding year Strawn removed with his 
family to the prairie three miles east, reaching there the 21st day oi Sep- 
tember. The country in the vicinity of Beardstown had been undei' cul- 



LACON LOCATION AND SUEEOUNDINGS. 325 

tivation several years, and Strawn, seeing the importance of laying in sup- 
plies for tlie winter, proceeded there on horseback, and chartering a keel 
boat, loaded it with corn, etc., which was propelled u]! the river and landed 
near the site of the old mill below town, where its contents were unloaded 
and hauled to their destination. One pleasant Sabbath in February of 
that winter Rachael (Mrs. Bane), aged eleven, and Mary Jane (Mrs. 
Thompson), aged nine, started unattended, and following the track made 
])y the wagons, reached the river in due time, and were undoubtedly the 
first white females who saw the place. A company of Pottawatomie 
Indians were camped in a grove near where the woolen mill stands, and 
looked curiously upon the pale faced squaws, but did not molest them. 
A few rods distant were a couple of low, covered pens made of poles, 
from which a sickening stench emanated. Looking through the crevices, 
the decaying remains of several Indians were seen placed in sitting 230S- 
tures, with their guns and blankets at their sides, ready for departure when 
the Great Spirit called. They were the victims of a drunken debauch of a 
few days previous, in which five j^ersons were killed. The girls visited 
the river bank, gathered a few pebbles as mementos of their visit, and 
returned unmolested, to the great relief of their anxious mother, who 
very much feared she would never again behold them. 

The Legislature of 1824-5 organized the County of Putnam, embrac- 
ing all the territory east and north of Marshall to the State line of Wis- 
consin, west to Warren, and thence southward 105 miles, covering about 
11,000 square miles, out of which has since been formed twenty-three of 
the richest counties in the State. The County, however, was never 
organized, the few hunters and trap23ers in the territory caring little for 
form, and being, as it were, a law unto themselves. 

In 1830-1 Putnam was re-organized, including in its territory the pres- 
ent Counties of Marshall, Bureau, Putnam and Stark, and Hennepin made 
the county seat. Settlements had already begun on Eound and Sand 
Prairies, and a few families had opened farms in what since became Rob- 
erts' Township. Although the west side was surveyed in 1815-16, no 
attempt at settlement had been made up to this time. In the spring of 
1831 General Jonathan Babb and Major Henry Filler, of Somerset, Ohio 
companions in arms in the war of 1812, journeyed on horseback from 
Ohio to Illinois, and visited the present site of Lacon, then known as 
Strawn's Landing. They were struck with the beauty of the place and 
ts favorable location for a town, and as the land was comino- into market 



326 feJECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

in July, they left with John Strawn a sum of money to secure the entry 
of the fractional tract next the river, on joint account. 

On the 18th of July, 1831, the first day of the Government land sales 
at Springfield, Strawn, in behalf of Babb & Filler, entered the south-east 
fractional quarter of Section twenty-six, in Township thirty, north of 
Range three, west of the third principal meridian. It embraced 67 15-100 
acres, being that on which the greater part of the original town was laid 
off. Strawn entered it in his own name, for the convenience of transfer, 
and with the alleged consent of the other parties donated certain lots to 
induce the investment of capital. These transfers the parties refused to 
confirm, and out of it grew a long and acrimonious lawsuit, running 
through all the coui'ts and ending in the defeat of Strawn. The tract in 
controversy covered the territory west of Washington street and north of 
the woolen mill. 

The patent of the land was not issued until October 27, 1835, and 
bears the signature of Andrew Jackson, President. 

The fraction of land below Second street and west of Prairie was en- 
tered by Robert Bird, one of the oldest settlers of Belle Plain Township, 
and sold by him to John Strawn. The instrument of sale bears record of 
August 15, 1831, and was the first deed recorded in Putnam County. 

The land lying between Washington and High streets (80 acres) was 
entered by Morgan Buckingham, and that lying between High street and 
the Barnes place (80 acres) was entered by Isaac Buckingham, and by 
them transferred October 2, 1833, to Ira I. Fenn for $2,600. The Barnes 
property (160 acres), the Reddan, Hoffrichter and Jahu Buckingham 
places were originally entered by Jacob and Frances Reeder. South and 
west of this was 160 acres of school lands, divided into ten-acre tracts, now 
covered by Wilcox's, Henthorn's and Ball's additions, Mrs. Ramsey's 
farm and Johnson's Grrove. 

The town was laid off in August, 1831, and named Columbia, the sur- 
veys being made by John Stevenson, Sui'veyor of Sangamon, and Colby 
F. Stevenson, Surveyor of Putnam County. It was acknowledged Au- 
gust 19, before Thomas Gallaher, a Justice of the Peace at Hennepin, and 
was the first town plat recorded in Putnam County. 

It is worthy of mention that at this time a large part of Northern Illi- 
nois was still a wilderness. Six years before a Mr. Schoolcraft traveled 
from Peoria to Chicago without finding a civilized habitation on the way. 
Chicago was not laid off, though a tliriving village of forty or fifty houses. 



LACON SURVEYED, CHRISTENED, STREETS NAMED. 327 

witli two Inindred and fifty inLabitants and five stores covered the site. 
Peoria was a village of some promise, and the lead mines about Galena 
had been worked for several years, but the future cities of Princeton, 
Henry and Chillicothe had not a single inhabitant. 

About twelve miles eastward Jesse Roberts had reared a cabin where 
his son Livingston now lives, and Geo. H. Shaw and Chas. Edwards had 
selected their future homes at the "Point." A few homes skirted the 
forest along the edge of Round Prairie, and a single settler looked out 
upon the fertile waste of Half Moon. Three and a half miles east of the 
river the hospitable log cabin of John Strawn stood, with its latch-string 
always outside, and upon the bluffs where they reside to-day stood the 
cabins of Lot and Joshua Bullman, with that of their brother-in-law, Bel- 
tha Grifiith, hard by. On the south came James Hall and Newton Reeder, 
who built a little east of the dwelling afterward erected by Lundsford 
Broadus, where the latter 's son Irving lives to-day. Further south an 
Ohio emigrant named Hamilton had made a claim which he sold to John. 
Wier, and down the river Joseph Babb had opened a farm. John Arm- 
strong had made a claim on land afterward owned by Robert Rickey; 
in the neighborhood lived Geo. Easter, and north of town a family named 
Waughob and another named Lancaster had temporary residences. 

The future site of Lacon was covered with a dense growth of coarse 
grass, and to make the surveys correctly William Strawn was mounted 
on a strong horse attached to a log of wood, with which he traversed the 
principle streets, thus enabling the engineers to run their lines. 

The survey made, the streets named, the lots numbered and the place 
christened, it was advertised in the few papers in the State, and a pub- 
lic sale of lots held on the 28th day of September of that year. The 
auctioneer was John Knox, and Robert Barries acted as clerk; some 
fifteen persons attended the sale. Among the sales made were lot 1 in 
block 2, and lots 1 and 2 in block 21, to Jesse Sawyer; lots 7 and 8 in 
block 21, to Samuel Russell; lots 5 and 6 in block 2, to Henry K. Cas- 
sell; lots 3 and 4 in block 2, to Thaddeus Barney; lot 4 in block 8, 
and 1 and 4 in block 5, to William Haws; lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in block 
9, to A. N. Dening; lot 1 in block G, to Elisha Swan; lots 3, 5, 6, 7 and 
8 in block 8, lot 8 in block G, and lot 2 in block 7, were bought by Jesse 
C. Smith and Joseph Johnson. 

These sales were either made at the time or soon after, the considera- 
tion paid varying from five to ten dollars each, No improvements were 



OZO EECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

made this fall, but in the winter of 1831 H. K. Cassell, who was living 
on the Babb place, assisted by John Shaner, hewed and framed the tim- 
bers for a house, which he set up the spring following where Mrs. John 
McEntee now lives, but before completion the breaking out of the war 
changed his plans, and it was not finished and occupied until the spring 
of 1834. The windows and door frames were made of hackberry, split 
and smoothed with a drawing knife. The chimney was made of sticks, 
and the lime was obtained west of the river. In getting it to the bank 
he was assisted by Franklin Graves and George Sparr, obtaining it from 
the latter. 

In 1831 General Neal, of Springfield, in anticipation of trouble with 
the Indians, came to the settlement and organized the nucleus of a militia 
force, appointing John Strawn Colonel, and designating it the Fortieth 
Kegiment of Illinois Militia. Black Hawk's re-crossing the Mississippi 
and Stillman's defeat are matters of history, and immediately thereafter 
Strawn was ordered to enroll whatever number he could and muster them 
in for duty. In obedience to this runners were sent out, and such as 
could bear arms assembled where Lacon now stands, May 20, 1832. The 
men were mounted, and each was armed with rifle or shot-gun, with 
haversack and powder-horn strung at the side. 

The duty assigned them was to patrol the river and give notice of the 
approach of Indians. Their farthest march was to the Winnebago Swamps, 
but they never encountered the enemy. In a few weeks it was demon- 
strated there was no danger or need of military protection, and they were 
mustered out at Hennepin, June 18th of the same year. 

In the summer of 1831 Elisha Swan brought a stock of merchandise 
to Columbia and opened out in a cabin built by Newton Reeder, standing 
in the Irving Broadus field, south of Mrs. Vernay's, near the foot of the 
bluff. 

In the summer of 1833 he hewed out the frame of a new building and 
hauled it to where Henry now stands, intending to start a town and open 
business there, but finding the site covered by the Sixteenth (school) Sec- 
tion, and unable to procure titles at the time, he changed his plans and 
determined to set it up and establish himself in Lacon, which was done. 
This was in the fall of 1833, and hence to Elisha Swan belongs the honor 
of being the iirst settler of this town. 

The building stood on the ground afterward occupied by Miller's 
Brewery, since burned down. It was a one and a half story building. 



LACON BUSINESS BEGINNINGS. 329 

'iOxoi;, and served for a time as both store and dwelling. The boards for 
the Hoor were ])rouglit on a keel boat from St. Louis, but the weather 
boards and shingles were riven by hand. It was a rather pretentious 
]>uilding for the times, and served its purpose well. Afterward it changed 
hands, and for a number of years was known as the old "Gapen House." 

Swan opened business soon as the building was completed, and here 
during the same year was born his daughter Louisa, afterward married to 
W. Kol)inson, and the first white child born in the place. 

The firm name under which Swan operated was that of Swan & 
Deming, and tlieir stock was unusually large and good. It embraced 
articles required by the new settlers, and also for the Indian trade, 
many of whom came in early times to l^arter furs, feathers or game for 
whatever suited their fancy. Stocks were brought from St. Louis on keel 
boats. Mr. Swan purchased one called the "Dido," which he loaded with 
wheat and took to St. Louis in the fall of 1883, his crew consisting of 
himself, Robert Bird, Jr., H. W. Cassell and two men named Chaplin and 
Bronson. Returning, they loaded with merchandise, making the trip in 
two weeks. 

Mr. Swan extended his business as the country settled up and trade 
increased, and assisted largely in developing the interests of the town ; 
but through an extended credit got into financial difliculties and failed, 
after which he remove'd to Naples, where he died a few years later of 
cholera. His wife was a daugjhter of Enoch Dent, and still survives. 

In the spring of 1834 Cassell moved from his claim south of town to 
his residence in Columbia, and soon a well defined path between his house 
and Swan's store marked the line of what is now Water street. 

In June of this year an election for Constable and Justice of the Peace 
was ordered for the precinct, and fifty votes were polled, the voting place 
being at John Sti'awn's. 

In August of 1833 Thaddeus Barney and wife came from Northern 
New York, being the first emigrants from abroad to Columbia. Engaging 
board for himself and wife at Swan's, and afterward at John Wier's, he 
set about the erection of a cabin on the lot now occupied by Richard 
Boyd, — a part of which is still standing. It was two stories high, cov- 
ered with the usual "shake" roof, and had a substantial chimney of mud 
and sticks at the end. It was soon finished and occupied, but his wife 
getting sick, he became disheartened and disgusted, and determined to 
abandon the place forever. Packing their household goods, they awaited 



330 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the return of a boat known to be up the river, and had the inexpressible 
mortification of seeing her pass without landing. It was known to be the 
last trip of the season, and Mrs. B., utterly discouraged, declared her 
intention of going to St. Louis in a dug-out sooner than remain here. It 
was indeed their only recourse, and the suggestion was acted upon at 
at once. A few indispensable articles were thrown in, a couch made for 
the invalid, and the frail craft paddled out into the stream. They reached 
St. Louis in safety, and after three years absence returned to the town 
and opened the "Marshall House," long afterward the leading hotel in 
Lacon. Mr. Barney died in 1844 and was buried in the cemetery below 
town, and Mrs. Barney became the wife of John Rogers, with whom she 
lived until 1 8 — , when she too died, and sleeps beside her first husband. 
She was formerly from Wheeling, Va., and while living here two nieces 
came to visit her from there, one of whom became the first wife of Robert 
Davis, the banker of Henry, and the other married William Hadley. 

The fourth house in Columbia was a two-story log cal)in built by Geo. 
Snyder, in the fall of 1834, but was not occupied until the following 
sj)ring. With Jacob Reeder he came from Ohio on the steamer Joe Da- 
viess, with their respective families, Mr. R. buying a log cabin and an acre 
of land near where John Hoffrichter's slaughter-house stands, for $40.00. 
The forty acres adjoining was still in market, and was entered by him. 
Snyder's cabin stood west of Fisher's brick house and next to the distil- 
lery. He kept open doors to the new settlers, and was genial and hospit- 
able in the extreme. The rooms were partitioned with cotton cloth, and 
a some-time occupant has humorously told how its scanty proportions 
served for a drug store, a harness shop, a law ofiice and a young ladies 
sleeping apartment, besides the families of the owners and numerous 
boarders and visitors. 

Dr. Robert Boal visited Columbia this year, but did not remove to the 
place until later. 

In 1834 came Jesse C. Smith and Joseph H. Johnson, from Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. The former at one time was doing business in Wheeling, Va., 
where he became acquainted with John Wier, which fact probably 
induced him to visit the new town. Smith and Johnson journeyed on 
horseback, sometimes camping on the way. They proposed, if a suitable 
place could be found, to go into tlie milling business, and Strawn, to 
secure their location in Columbia, made them a liberal donation of lots in 
the new town. The site selected was that now occupied by the Lacon 



LACON EARLY LETTLERS IN THE VICINITY. ?)?)! 

elevator. The castings, macliineiy, etc., were brought from Cincinnati, 
and the mill was opened for business in 1885-G. By their agreement 
with Strawn they were to pay the nominal sum of $10 for each lot 
"donated," but Strawn^s partners refused to confirm this, and the Courts 
compelled them to pay $50 per lot. The sums advanced were all repaid 
after the mill was completed. 

Though Columbia had made little progress at this time, the country 
to the eastward was rapidly filling up, and those living in the vicinity may 
very properly be named in this coimection. Three miles below town 
Joseph Babb had located in 1831, and built a double log cabin, where he 
dispensed a generous hospitality. He had a son named Benjamin who 
succeeded to the estate, and several daughters married to well-known citi- 
zens. He died in 1835, and at his request was buried on the point of the 
high bluff near the road north of his house, so that he could see (as he 
expressed it) "his old friends and neighbors when they passed by." 

Near where Henry Wier lives, two men named Hurlburt and Hardesty 
had made a claim and built a house, which they sold to Hezekiah Crane. 
In the old cabin upon the brow of the bluff John Wier lived, having set- 
tled there in 1832. He bought a claim of 240 acres of Samuel Hamilton 
for $500, and entered 240 more at the same time. 

Among the prominent settlers in these times was a family named 
Waughob or Walkup, who emigrated to the County from Pennsylvania, 
along with John Strawn. It consisted of William Waughob and wife, — 
the latter bed-ridden — two sons and four daughters, one of them married 
to a man named Easter, who built a cabin where the brick school house, 
two miles below Lacon, stands. 

Another emigrant was James Shaner, who made a claim where James 
Hall lives, and built a part of the old house, which is still standing. Mr. 
Waughob laid claim to the property afterward owned by the Bullmans, 
and to various tracts elsewhere. He entered the eighty acres Avhere St. 
Clair Bullman lives, but got into litigation, and part (^f it went to Judge 
Caton for services. He was the first, also, to claim tlie Shafer place. Mr. 
Waughob, Sr., died in the fall of 1831. He was the first person interred 
in the Broadus Cemetery. Mrs. Waughob died October 6, 1838. The 
only living representative of the family living in this County, so far as we 
know, is an old lady named Overmire, who lives on Sandy Creek. Of 
George Easter, wedded to one of the girls, it is said he at one time broke 



332 ■ RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

liis leg, and there being no doctor nearer than Hennepin, John Wier set 
the limb, and the man got well. 

In the fall of 1831 James Hall came to the country and settled where 
he has ever since lived, and there likewise came with him a man named 
Jolinson, and William McNeil, afterward brutally murdered. In the 
spring of 1832 came the Bullmans — Lot and Joshua, The latter was 
married at the time, and Lot afterwai'd wedded Aim, daughter of Joshua 
Babb. With them came a brother-in-law named James Smalley and built 
a cabin on the hill north of Joshua. His wife died not Ions; after and he 
wedded Mary, daughter of James Orr, afterward Mrs. Asa Thompson, 
who still lives in the enjoyment of a green old age. He was something 
of a speculator, and along with Mr. Orr laid out the long forgotten town 
of Bristol, on the grounds of the latter north of John Fisher^s. Only one 
lot was sold and this was traded for a box of hats in St. Louis, which 
never came, so the expected future Chicago dropped out of existence. It 
never had an inhabitant. A little south of this William Feazle, who died 
a few years ago, lived in a cabin built by Virgil Lancaster. He was mar- 
ried to a sister of Silas Ramsay, and one day while standing by a fire- 
place a bolt of lightning struck her dead. In the field at the bottom of 
the bluff north of Joshua Bullman's lived a man named Beltha Griffith. 
He sold his claim to Fenn, Howe <fe Co., and here Ira and Norman Fenn 
and their families spent their first wintei- in Lacon. The place where 
Heiny Fisher lives was first settled by a man named Gage. 

The Vernay place was entered by Robert IlifP, who sold it to David 
Vernay, whose widowed companion still lives there. In the Irving 
Broadus field not far from John Hoff richter's slaughter house stood the 
cabin of Jacob Reeder, owner of the Barnes' ])i'operty, which lie sold soon 
aftei" to Theodore Perry, who first improved it. 

We now return to Columbia. The year 1835 brought little change. 
Work upon the new flouring mill j^rogressed slowly. The building was 
large, and facilities for construction were wanting, so that it was nearly 
two years from commencement to completion. It was set in operation in 
the fall of 183(), and at once gave an impetus to the business of the place. 
People came to it from an hundred miles away. The Grand De Tour 
plow works were just starting in business, and came here for their first 
supplies. In 1838-9 there was a great scarcity of fiour in Galena, and 
Johnson loaded five teams, with ten barrels each, and sent them there, 
realizing $20 per barrel. 



FLOUKING MILL BUILT FERRY ESTABLISHED. 383 

During its construction the proprietors kept a store in a small ])uild- 
ing 0})posite, now owned hy Mrs. Conroy, the license for which was 
issued by the Commissioners' Court of Putnam County, June 1, 1835. 
For some time they kept "bachelor's hall'' with their employes in a log 
building, on Water street, one block north of the distillery. The cellar 
of this building was (piite a resort for snakes, which paid unceremonious 
visits to one of the proprietors (Smith) as he lay sick upon the floor aljove. 

The mill did a flourishing business up to 1857, when, owing to the 
death of one of the partners, it was sold at administeator's sale, and was 
bought by William Fisher & Co., for $2,000. They expended a large 
sum in enlarging and improving, and had just ordered new* boilers for it 
when it took fire and burned down, about the year 1855. 

In March, 1832, Swan obtained a license from the authorities of Put- 
nam County for the establishment of a ferry, paying five dollars for the 
privilege. Formerly crossing had been done in canoes, and if anything 
bulky .was to be taken over, two were lashed together and a platform 
laid upon them. Horses or cattle were made to swim. Mr. Swan put on 
a small boat, hut the amount of travel at the time was very small, and 
the enterprise far from being profitaVjle. 

Roads had previously been surveyed eastward toward Metamora and 
to Caledonia on the way to Hennepin, and in 183() the Commissioners' 
Court ordered the survey of one f.iom the bank of the river opposite 
Columbia westward, to intersect the road I'unning from Peoria to Galena. 
Previously there had been no authorized road coming to the ferry. 

The year 1835 witnessed various improvements. The proprietors of the 
town, to induce settlers, made offers of certain lots at nominal prices to 
those who would erect houses two stories high, and on those conditions 
two or three were built, one of them by Philip McGruire, a single man, 
and another l)y William Burns, a relative of John Wier. 

The cemetery below town was laid out in 1836. It was thickly cov- 
ered with hazel brush at the time, and scattering oaks of various sizes. 
The first person interred was a daughter of Virgil Lancaster, and the 
second was James Henthorn, who died in Se})tember. He assisted in 
forming the Methodist Society and was its first class-leader. 

About this time, too, or a few months earliei-. Barrows Sz Case l^uilt a 
steam saw-mill at the lower end of town, and the same year Dennis 
Barney erected one on the Babb place, three miles below, and not long 
after added a wool carding and fulling machine. • 



334 • RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The new settlers began raising sheep at an early day, and in the 
course of time Mr. Barney's modest ventuie grew into a first-class carding 
and wool dressing mill, 45x4(J feet, three stories high. He was on the 
high road to prosperity, when on the night of June 14, 1843, it took fire 
and was entirely destroyed. He had no insurance, and the loss was irre- 
parable. He began again in a small way at Crow Creek, but met with 
poor success. 

Dr. Condee was the first physician in the place. He came in 1834 and 
taught a term of school in a cabin south-west of Irving Broadus' place, 
built by William Waughob. He became a partner of Dr. Boal, and built 
a residence across the railway track from the packing house, into which 
Dr. Boal and family moved on their arrival, and wherein their daughter, 
Clara, wife of our eminent townsman. Colonel Fort, w^as born. The house 
still stands on Broad street, east of the Pomeroy cooper shop. 

Dr. Condee returned to Rushville, Indiana, and died in 1838. 

In 1835 a man named O'Neal opened a store and built a cabin where 
the Eagle Mill stood, which passed into the hands of William Hadley. 

Dr. Eff ner was the second physician. He came from Bloomington in 
1834, and began a two-story log house on the corner opposite the old 
brick liotel. It was not completed until some time after, and fell into the 
hands of Fenn, Howe & Co., who sold it to a man named Boyle. It was 
burned down in 185G and the lot sold to James Hadley, who built a two- 
story frame building thereon, since burned down. 

Another physician of Lacon was a Dr. Wolfe. He was addicted to 
drinking, and when the saloon keepers here refused to longer sell to him, 
took a couple of jugs and went to Chillicothe. He swam the river and 
got them filled, and returned in like manner, losing one of them on the 
way. With the other he reached home, mixed the liquor with opium, 
and drank himself to death. 

In 1835, too, came Gen. Jonathan Babb and Nelson G. Henthorn, who 
reached Columbia on the 3()th of September, and took up their temporary 
abode with friends below the town. The General began at once the con- 
struction of a substantial frame house near where the office of the Phcenix 
Mill long after stood. When that was built, the old house was removed 
up town, and still stands. 

In 1835 Ira I. Fenn, a young and rising young lawyer, of Dayton, 
Ohio, in company with Samuel Howe, journeyed West on horseback, 
visiting Lacon and the country surrounding. They were so well pleased 



LACOl!? THE iPORK- PACKING INTERESTS. S35 

that they purchased a half interest in the new toMm, and prepared for re- 
moval. They were the pioneers of the so-called Lacon Colony, embracing 
the three brothers Fenn, viz: Ira I., Norir.an and William, the Rev. 
Augustus Pomeroy and Dr. Robert Boal, with their respective families, 
William Fisher, Augustus Pomeroy, Jr., and Samuel Howe, a single man. 
Later in the season came William Hancock, Hartley Malone, H. L. and 
H. P. Crane. They were all men of character and standing, and would 
exert an influence for good in any community. To them more than any 
others Lacon is indebted for its good name, its social standing, and its high 
literaiy and moral status. 

The name of Fisher deserves more than the brief mention accorded 
above. William, who preceded his older brother, had been doing busi- 
ness with the latter at Rossville, Ohio, but dissolved partnership, and 
purchasing a two-ninths' interest in the new town of Columbia for $4,000, 
became a partner in the firm of Fenn, Howe & Co. As this market 
seemed overstocked with goods, he took a portion of their stock to Hen- 
nepin, and remained until the completion of the brick on the south-east cor- 
ner of Fifth and Main streets, when he returned to Lacon. In the fall of 
1838 he withdrew from the firm to form that of William Fisher & Co., and 
opened a store in a building north of Reil's livery stable. They also be- 
gan packing pork, and the first year cut up 750 hogs, mostly from La Salle 
Prairie, west of Chillicothe. 

It is proper to state here that the first pork packed in the place was 
by Fenn, Howe tfe Co., in 1837. Swan also went into the business, cut- 
ting up, in 1839, 3,000 hogs. ♦ 

Jabez Fisher having decided to concentrate his western business in 
Lacon, extensive preparations were made, and the old slaughter house 
below town and several other buildings were erected in 1840. In 
1849-50 the brick packing house was built at a cost of $10,000. At the 
time it was considered the most complete of its kind in the West. The 
number of hogs packed by them ranged from 750 (the first year's product) 
to 11,000, and the amount annually paid out varied from $50,000 to 
$300,000. It was no unusual thing for steamers to take on an entire 
cargo of pork and its products and proceed to New Orleans without 
breaking bulk. It furnished a market for all the surrounding country, 
and hogs were driven here from territory now covered by eleven counties. 
Another important interest connected with it was the coopering busi- 
ness, employing throughout the season from six to twenty men. The 

? 



336 EECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

pioneeT cooper was Samuel Pomeroy, and the business was the means of 
bringing to the place such men as Calvin Chapman, Abner Shinn and 
George F. Wightman. 

The currency in circulation at the time was ])retty nearly worthless, 
and would not be I'eceived for taxes. There was little gold or silver in 
circidation, and the financial situation was deplorable. Mr. Fisher In-ought 
good money, and such was the confidence in his integrity that tax collec- 
tors gave pul)lic notice that "Boston money," as the funds he paid were 
called, would l)e receivable for all public dues. To his credit be it said — 
and no finer ti'ibute could be paid — that during liis long business life 
this confidence was never shaken. 

In those times there were neither I'ailroads nor express companies in 
tlie West and exchanges and collections were attended with difficulties. 
The mail and stage coach were the means employed for the conveyance of 
valuables, and it was the usual custom to insure packages and then start 
them on their long journey. Occasionally they were lost, but not often. 

Somewhere about the year 1852 a package sent from Boston was 
missed. The Postmaster here was a one-legged Mexican soldier named 
Williamson, who was believed to be a person of the strictest integrity. 
The Fishers were instructed in advance of the shipment of packages and 
knew when to expect them. There was seldom any delay, and hence 
when two packages of fifteen hundred dollars each failed to arrive it oc- 
casioned endless wonder and comment. Williamson was well connected 
here, his brother being married to a daughter of Norman Fenn, and was 
not suspected, but the Postoffice Department concluded he was the 
guilty party, and placed detectives on his track who soon obtained evi- 
dence that convicted him, and he made a clean breast of the matter. He 
was sent to the Alton Penitentiary for ten years, and died there. 

The rapid development of the country and the competence that many 
men enjoy to-day is due to this firm. They made a market foi- hogs when 
there was none other between Chicago and St. Louis, and paid good 
money when most needed. Misfortunes came in after years, and the riches 
laboriously piled up were swept away ; yet they can say with the old 
Roman, " All is not lost while honor remains." 

In 1830 the name of the town was changed to Lacon. The credit of 
suggesting it I'ightly belongs to D. C. Holbrook, of Cincinnati. He was 
one of the founders of Cairo, largely interested in the extensive im- 
provements undertaken by the State at this time, and a personal friend of 



NA]ME CHANGED FROM COLUMBIA TO LACON. 337 

Jesse C. Smith. General Henderson was Representative from the District, 
and Smitli and Ira Fenn went down to lobby the measure through. 
There they met Holbrook, who gave them some assistance and contributed 
the name. The matter was referi-ed home, discussed and adopted. 

Reference has been made to the firm of Fenn, Howe <k Co., who be- 
came part owners of the town site and built a store in the winter of 183(1, 
east of the present elevator, which was afterward removed, and it now 
forms part of the dwelling and restaurant of Fred. Roth. Swan, at a 
later date, removed his storehouse to the corner, where the brick hotel 
stands, which, after his failure, burned down, and the lot fell into the hands of 
Dr. Wilcox, who erected on the ground a two-story frame building, and 
that likewise caught fire one fourth of Jiily and was consumed. 

William Hadley was another emigrant who came in 1830, and his son 
James is one of the leading merchants of Peoria. 

Other early settlers were Jesse Bane, who married Rachel, eldest 
daughter of Jolm Strawn, and J. C. Coutlett, who for many yeai's carried 
on the merchant tailoring business. A])Out this time, too, came Barrows 
and C'ase, Cochran and Perry, merchants, Lindley and Fishburn and 
many others. 

In the summer of 183(3 the street leading to the river was cleared and 
a substantial road made through the morass by placing timbers side by 
side and covering them with brush and dirt. The succeeding winter the 
timber fronting the town was chopped down, and a great freshet in the 
spring carried it away. Instead of the shallow ponds now seen, they 
were deep and clear, being fed from springs in the bottom. 

In 1837 the town was incorporated under the general act, and elected 
a Board of Trustees, with William Fenn for President, and Ira I. Fenn, 
Clerk. 

The postoflace was established in 1835, and Dr. Eif ner appointed post- 
master. Before this the citizens relied upon the ofiice of Crow Creek, at 
Beirs Ford, for mail facilities. A letter from the Eastern States cost 
25 cents postage, and correspondence was small, as compared with the 
present time. The new Postmaster, it is said, carried the entire mail in 
his hat, and distributed it among the owners as he foiuid them. Mails 
were carried in four-horse stages, and the route was from Peru to Henne- 
pin, via Granville, and thence to Bell's Crossing, over Crow Creek, and 
so on to Peoria; but after the establishment of the postoflice here it was 



B38 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

changed so that stages came directly down the river from Hennepin, and 
crossed the Illinois at this place. 

In 1(S88 Frink Sl Trowbridge obtained contracts for all the routes in 
this country. Their headquarters were in Chicago, and the schedule called 
for a daily mail between that place and Peoria. 

In this year (1837) the Presbyterian Church was organized, an ex- 
tended notice of this and the other churches being given elsewhere. 

From this time the new town grew rapidly. In 1838 Norman Fenn 
built the house where George W. Wightman lives, and Ira I. Fenn com- 
pleted the dwelling where he lived until the day of his death. 

The Fisher brick, as the corner store was called, was begun in 1837 by 
Fenn, Howe &, Co., and finished the succeeding season. Samuel Howe 
built the house formerly occupied by Owen McEntee as a flour store and 
still standing, and the Kev. Mr. Pomeroy built the " Jake Foster" house. 
The front I'oom was made purposely large for prayer meetings, but we fear 
its "days of grace" are ended. 

The new proprietors of the place early turned their attention to educa- 
tion, and in 1836 the "Lacon Academy" was organized, and $1,000 
pledged to its support. A building was put up in that year capable of 
holding sixty or seventy pupils, which for several years afforded all the 
educational ]3rivileges needed. It was used for church purposes, town 
meetings, elections, lyceums and all public purposes for many years, and 
afterward was turned into a dwelling house. Later still it served as a 
work-sh.»p, and finally was turned around facing the street, a more pre- 
tentious front added, and became the store which William Fisher oc- 
cupies. Here in the spring of 1837 was taught the first school in Lacon, 
by Jane M- Kilgore, now a well preserved matron of sixty, and wife of 
Heniy M. Barnes. Among her pupils were the three children of Norman 
Fenn, — Sarah Ann, Adaline and William Porter. Sarah married Samuel 
Dunham, builder of the Presbyterian Church, who in less than one month 
died, and she became a widow, after which she wedded Eleazer Pomeroy, 
dying many years ago. Adaline mariied James N. Williamson, moved 
to Chicago, and died in Michigan in 1878. William Porter enlisted in the 
Seventy-seventh Illinois Ingantry in the war of the rebellion, served with 
credit until after the capture of Moljile and died of the small pox. 

Gen. Babb sent three children — Jane, Evaline and Erastus. The two 
girls became wives of the Rev. John T. Devore, a noted Methodist min- 
ister of early times, and both died in Oregon. Erastus also died there. 





W. E. COOK 



LACON. I LL 



DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 341 A 

William Hadley sent his two sons, at present living in Peoria; ancltlie 
lev. Augustus Pomeroy sent two, — Henry and Augustus. They re- 
noved elsewhere at an early day. 

Samuel Pomeroy sent Cornelia, Samuel and Frank. Cornelia became 
the wife of Judge Bangs, for many years a resident of Lacon, and now of 
Chicago. Samuel was for several years with William Fisher, and died in 
Peru, and Frank lives in Cedar Raj)ids, Iowa. 

Ira Fenn sent three nieces named resj)ectively Matilda, Laetitia and 
Maria McMillen. Matilda died in Lacon; Laetitia married Geo. Eckley, 
became the mother of two children, removed to California, and now lives 
with her daughter in the Sandwich Islands. 

There were two children named Lindsay, — Benjamin and Dorcas. 
The former was for many years a conductor on the C. & A. Railroad, and 
the latter married George Wightman. There was also among the pupils 
a girl named Jemima Ori', who afterward became the wife of Philip 
Maguire. 

The old school house served its purpose for several years, and was re- 
placed by a larger one, afterward reconstructed into the dwelling now 
occupied by the family of the late Henry L. Crane. 

In 1856 the present High School building was erected at a cost of 
$8,000, and was reconstructed in 1878. The public schools of the ]3lace 
have always stood high, and still maintain their reputation. 

The act establishing the County of Marshall passed January 19, 1839, 
and under its provisions Lacon was made the County seat April G, 1839. 
The first Cii'cuit Court was held in the old M. E. Church (long since con- 
verted into a place of business). April 23d of that ^ear, Thomas Ford 
presided as Judge," and J. M. Shannon was appointed Clerk. The Grand 
Jurors were Ira Lowrey, Lewis Barney, Joel Corbill, Jeremiah Cooper, 
Allen N. Ford, Charles Rice, William Gray, Enoch Sawyer, Zorah D. 
Stewart, Elijah Freeman, Jr., Nathan Owen, George Scott, Samuel Howe, 
Robert Bennington, John Bird, Andrew Jackson, Henry Snyder, Allen 
Hunter. There being no jury cases on the docket, no petit juiy was 
summoned. 

A movement toward constructing a Court House was begun in June, 
and in December a contract was entered into with White & Shepherd, of 
Tremont, for putting up a building with stone foundations and brick 
superstructure, 40x55 feet, for $8,000. It stood fourteen years, and 
burned down January 5, 1853, through a defect in one of the chimneys. 



342 liECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The present edifice was built in 1854, by two Peoria firms, and cost $7, 300. 

The old log jail, still standing in the rear of the Court House, was 
built in 1844, by George and Thomas Wier, for $500. It proved quite 
insecure and inadequate for the purpose, many prisoners escaping from it. 
The present structure, with comfortable rooms for the Sheriff, etc., was 
built in 1857, and cost $12,000. 

About this time a movement was set on foot for constructing a rail- 
road from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Fort Wayne, Ind., crossing the river at 
this point. A charter was obtained from the Legislature, and the County 
voted by a large majority to subscribe $100,000 to the capital stock. In 
December, 1855, the city of Lacon also voted bonds to the extent of 
$50,000 for the same purpose. Individual subscriptions to a considerable 
amount were likewise procured, and a large amount of grading done ; but 
it was evidently too early for so great an enterprise, and the return of 
hard times compelled its abandonment for lack of means to carry it 
through. The bonds voted by the city were paid with intei'est and the 
debt extinguished in 1878, but a portion of the County bonds are still 
outstanding. 

The Township of Lacon voted $60,000 toward building a branch of 
the Chicago & Alton Eailroad from Wenona to Lacon, which was com- 
pleted, but there appears to have been some informality in the proceeding, 
and their legality is disputed. 

Among other improvements worthy of extended note may be men- 
tioned the milling interest of Lacon. The Phcenix Mill, built in 1855 by 
William Fisher, cost $42,000, and the Model Mill, built by Fenn, Perry 
& Dodds, cost a like sum. The former burned down about 1871, and 
was not rebuilt. In 1857 a distillery was added to the Model Mill, which 
burned down in the spring of 18G2. The next year the Thayer Bros., of 
Chicago, purchased the property and greatly enlarged its capacity. Au- 
gust 12, 18G4, the boilers of the distillery exploded, damaging the prop- 
erty to the extent of $25,000 and killing five men, viz: Michael Sullivan, 

James Howard, Daniel Barnhouse, Daniel Foltz and Stephens. In 

a single year it paid the Government a revenue tax of one million nine 
hundred and ninety-three thousand dollars. After the death of the 
Thayers the works were run in a desultory way for some time and then 
dismantled. 

Another enterprise of which Lacon is deservedly proud is its Woolen 
Mill, where are made the celebrated and widely known Prairie State 



LACON WOOLEN MILL THE FERRY. 343 

shawls. So far as known, it is the first establishment of the kind west 
of the Alleganies, and such is the excellence of their manufacture that they 
successfully compete in style and finish with the best Eastern-made goods. 
Their annual production is about 30,000 shawls of various patterns and 
styles, as well as a large quantity of piece goods. The project originated 
in a letter upon the subject of manufactures written by Spencer Ellsworth 
for the Chicago Tribune, which attracted the attention of William F. 
Sague and John Grieves, out of which grew a correspondence leading to a 
meeting of a half dozen citizens and the appointment of William Fisher 
and Mr. Ellsworth as a committee to meet and confer with those gen- 
tlemen. Their report was considered so favorable that a company was 
organized and incorporated with a nominal capital of $100,000, afterward 
increased to $123,000. Books of subscription were opened and a Board 
of Directors chosen, consisting of Archibald Riddell, Andrew Smith, Rob- 
ert Pringle, John Grieves, William Fisher, D. E. Thomas and Spencer 
Ellsworth. D. E. Thomas was chosen President, and Spencer Ellsworth, 
Secretary. During the winter the capital subscription was worked up 
until $50,000 was raised, when the buildings were put under contract and 
finished that summer. They furnish employment to some sixty-five per- 
sons, and with little intermission the mill has run continuously since its 
erection. 



The Lacon Ferry. 



The first ferry across the river was established by Elisha Swan in 1832, 
who built a flat for the purpose and propelled it with oars. Its principal 
use was the conveyance of coal from the Sparland banks. In 1837 he 
sold his interest to Dr. Boal, who built a larger flat capable of carr}'ing 
two teams. It was constructed on the bank near the lower saw mill, so 
as to run it out at the slough entrance. 

On the opposite shore the track turned up the river bank for a quarter 
of a mile, and then followed the high ground near the creek to what was 
known as the Reddick House. A very good road was found for most of 
the way. 

Joseph Johnson and Charles Ballance, of Peoria, secured the fractional 
tract of ground across the river, above the ferry, with a view of establish- 
ing a rival feny, but sold their interest to William Fisher. William 



344 ftECOilDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Fisher <fe Co. bought Dr. Boal's interest, and several years later, wliile 
the Doctor was in the Legislature, secured a charter through him. A 
larger boat was constructed, which served until 1849, when a new one 
was built. The receipts were small and the franchise was not considered 
valuable. 

The first ferryman was Joseph Mac Taylor, and Eichard Vinecore ran 
it for several years. He was succeeded by a man named King, who got 
drunk, fell off the boat and was drowned. Josiah Martin ran it several 
years, and John Jason also. Ed. Corcoran was the "boatman pale" for 
seventeen years, and a better man 't were hard to find. 

The road and its repairs across the river has cost, according to William 
Fisher, $12,000. The County paid Sparr toward constructing the first 
bridge $300. 

In 1857 William Fisher became sole owner of the property for a con- 
sideration of $20,000. He built a new boat and added steam power. He 
also purchased a steamer for use in seasons of high water, and made the 
crossing popular with the public. 

In January, 1869, it passed into the hands of Jabez Fisher <fe Co., and 
in 1879 was sold to the city of Lacon for $6,000. 




THE PRESBYTERIATSr CIIURCH OF LACON. 



345 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 




THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

^HE Presbyterian Cliiircli of Lacon was organized mainly 
through the aid of the Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, assisted by 
a few devout Christian men and women, who had been in 
the County but a short time. Among those prominent in 
the good work may be mentioned the three Fenn brothers, 
Ira I., William and Norman ; likewise Samuel Howe, Heze- 
kiah T. Crane, and others, who had known and listened to 
the ministrations of Mr. Pomeroy in Ohio, and at whose 
solicitation he had agreed to accompany them into the wilderness. Serv- 
ices were held in private houses, and as considerable interest was manifested 
in the cause it was decided to organize a society. Accordingly the 12th 
of May, 1837, was set aj:)art, and due notice being given, a large congi-e- 
gation assembled at the residence of the Rev. Mr. Pomeroy. Here a ser- 
mon was preached by Rev. Mr. Farnum, by direction of the Peoria 
Presbytery, assisted by the Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, after which those 
qualified and desiring to enter into a Church organization were ad\dsed to 
come forward. 

Thirty-eight persons presented themselves, exhibiting satisfactory evi- 
dence of previous good standing, and were enrolled, as follows: 

Samuel M. Kilgore and his wife, Jacob and Frances Reeder, William 
and Eleanor McCuen, David and Harriet Mitchell, Xorman Fenn, Ira I. 
and Eunice B. Fenn, Hezekiah and Clarissa Crane, Thaddeus and Ann 
Barney, James and Margaret Work, Susan Work, Isabella Work, Wm. 
and Maria Fenn, Martha Ramsay, Jane M. Kilgore, John T. Shepherd, 
Charles and Mary Barrows, Mrs. Susan L. Pomeroy, Mary Ann Pomeroy, 
Rev. Augustus D. Pomeroy, William Fisher, George and Mary Snyder, 
William and Priscilla Dodds, Mrs. Mary Mui'phy, Samuel and Sarah 
Howe and Mary J. McEwen. 

The Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Presbytery of Ottawa were 
adopted, and Charles Barrows, David Mitchell Hezekiah T, Crane and Ira 



346 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

I. Fenn were elected Elders. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was 
administered for the first time June 14, 1837. 

The Rev. Mr. Pomeroy, who had previously labored a part of the 
time at Hennepin, was employed to devote his whole services to the 
Church here. 

July 29, Ira I. Fenn was elected Clerk. August 1, Samuel Pomeroy, 
Mary Pomery, Elijah Pomeroy, Isabella Kilgore, Emily Spaugler, James 
Work, Jr., Samuel Work, Mary Work, Elizabeth and Margaret Work 
joined. January, 27, 1838, twelve new members were enrolled, and eight 
admitted for examination. January 28, five persons were baptized, the 
first recorded. 

During the winter the most remarkable revival in the history of the 
Chiu'ch took place, and on the 19th of February thirty-four persons made 
profession of faith and were received in the Society. 

February 19, six persons were baptized, and April 7, six additional 
members joined. ' 

In March, 1838, there were five dismissals of members who wished to 
join other churches. 

In July, 1837, William McCune was removed by death, and on the 
14th of August Eunice B. Fenn, and in Februaiy, 1838, Harriet Mitchell. 
In September, 1838, Mrs. Sarah W. Johnson ; November, Mary Pome- 
roy; June 20, 1839, Jacob Smalley. 

September 15, 1838, four new converts were secured. 

February 25, 1839, the Rev. Mr. Pomeroy asked to be relieved from 
the care of the Church on account of failing health, which was granted. 

The first minister of the Society, as stated before, was the Rev. 
Augustus Pomeroy, who began in the fall of 1836, and closed by resigna- 
tion February 25, 1839. 

The second was the Rev. H. T. Pendleton, who commenced his labors 
in June, 1839, and served one year. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
David Jones, who preached three years. 

In Octobei', 1843, the Rev. David Smith was engaged and labored one 
year, when his services were terminated by death. 

On the 4th of August, 1844, Henry C Pendleton began his labors, 
preaching one year. 

August 19, the Rev. Joseph Fowler was secured and preached until 
April, 1853, — a longer time than any other minister since the organization 
of the Society. 



THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LACON. ?)47 

In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Christoplier began preaching as stated supply, 
and served the Society four and a half years. He was dismissed in No- 
vember, 1858, and died in 1879. On December 1st of that year the Rev. 
Mr. Waldo was hired and labored eighteen months. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. Mr. Parsons, who preached for three and a half years. 

In July, 18G5, the Rev. Mr. Felch took charge of the Church, and con- 
tinued until dismissed in 1865. During his pastorate about one-half the 
congregation seceded and formed the Congregational Church. Both 
societies got along pleasantly together until 1879, when joint services 
were resumed again under the ministration of the Rev. Mr. Tracey. Mr. 
Felch afterward abandoned the ministry and went into the insurance 
business. 

December 10, 1805, the Rev. John McLeish was engaged as "stated 
supply," and preached two years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. 
Curtiss, who remained three years and six months. After Mr. Curtiss 
came the Rev. C. F. Littell, Rev. T. S. Vail, and Rev. S. D. Wells, who 
was succeeded by the present incumbent, the Rev. William Tracey. 

Public worship was first held and the Church organized at the resi- 
dence of Mr. Pomeroy, and afterward at the house of Henry L. Crane, in 
a room occupied jointly with the Methodists. This served until the old 
public school house was built, which accommodated all denominations 
alike for years. The attendants sat on benches of the rudest construction, 
and the minister stood at a table equally primitive. 

The present house of worship was begun in 1849, and finished in 
1851, at a total cost of $4,000. It contains a fine bell, and a pipe organ 
costing originally $1,500. The Society is in a flourishing condition. 



The M. E. Church or Lacon. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lacon dates back to the spring of 
1836, when so far as known the first sermon heard in the j^lace was 
preached in the unfinished Jesse Smith mill, by the Rev. Quinn Hall. 
The families of Hartley Malone and Henry L. Crane, both Methodists and 
ardent workers, had reached the place a few days before, and took 
an active interest in the cause. At this meeting a large congregation 
assembled, coming from the country round about, and notice was given 



348 BECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tliat service would be held the Thursday following at the cabin of James 
Hall, east of Lacon, and the Eev. A. E. Phelps would officiate. This 
worthy and pious man, of remarkable ability, and John McMurtry, 
a sweet singer of Israel, traveled the PeMn circuit, embracing all the 
country between Hennepin and Pekin and the Illinois and Vermilion 
Kivers, making the "round" once in two weeks. The Methodists of 
Lacon, requesting the appointment be changed to the village, on 
his next arrival Mr. Phelps held services at the cabin of Mr. Ma- 
lone. At this meeting the little band of Methodists handed in their 
"letters" or credentials of standing, and from this may be dated the first 
organized class and society of the place. The names of those uniting at 
this time were : James Henthorn, Sarah Henthorn, Nancy Henthorn, Sarah 
Effner, Jonathan Babb, Mary Babb, E. H. Williamson, Catherine Wil- 
liamson, H. L. Crane, Elizabeth Crane, Hartley Malone, Julia Malone, Wil- 
liam Hadley, Sarah Hadley, D lM. Robinson, Elizabeth Robinson. James 
Henthorn was appointed leader, but died in September. He was the sec- 
ond person interred in the new cemetery, a daughter of Virgil Lancaster 
being the first. After the death of Mr. Henthorn, H. L. Crane was ap- 
pointed leader, in which capacity he served faithfully for many years. He 
died in February, 1880, and with a single exception (Mrs. Hartley Ma- 
lone) was the only survivor of the original class. For the first year 
services were held in a frame building erected by Dr. Condee that stood 
near the Fisher Mill. It had neither fire-place nor stove, yet during this 
time served both the Methodists and Presbyterians. 

The first Church was erected in 1837, and dedicated in November by 
the Rev. Wm. CundifP, pastor. It served the Society for twenty years, or 
until the completion of the present fine structure. After that it became 
a workshop, and then a store. At present it stands on the south side of 
Fifth street, and is used as a merchant tailor's shop. The building of the 
present Church was begun in 1855, and dedicated Sunday, June 24, 1860. 
At eleven A. M., Dr. O. S. Munsell preached in the audience room, and A. 
C. Price in the basement. F. Smith preached at three P. M., and Dr. 
Munsell in the evening. The dedicatory services were held at the close 
of the evening service. 

1838, Z. Hall was pastor. 

1839, Lacon became the head of a "circuit" embracing all of Putnam 
and Marshall Counties east of the Illinois River, with what is now 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH WHEN ORGANIZED. 349 

Tonica, and Cedar Point, in La Salle County — David Blackwell, pastor. 

1840, David Dickinson. 

1841, C. Atkinson, J. B. Hoiits. 

1842, J. C. Pinckard. 

1843, "supplied.'^ 

1844, J. F. Devore. 

1845, Francis Smith. 

1846, C. Babcock, T. F. Royal. 

1847 and '48, W. C. Cumming, A. D. Field. 

1849, Lacon became a station, B. C. Swartz, pastor, who was suc- 
ceeded as follows : 

1850 and '51, L. R. Ellis. 

1852 and '53, Z. Hall. 

1854 and '55, Joseph S. Frost. 

1856, Ira Norris (supply). 

1857, Ahab Keller. 

1858 and '59, B. Applebee. 

1860, S. B. Smith. 

1861 and '62, C. C. Knowlton. 

1863, J. S. Millsap. 

1864, G. M. Irwin. 

1865, 'C)Q and '67, J. W. Haney. 
1868, William Watson. 

i869 and '70, Jarvice Gr. Evans. 

1871, W. P. Graves. 

1872, P. A. Crist. 
1873 and '74, A. Bower. 
1875, L. B. Kent. 

1876 and '77, S. Brink. 

1878, A. C. Price. 

1879, L. Springer. 



The Baptist Church of Lacon. 

The Baptist Society of Lacon was organized in Februar}^, 1855, under 
the ministrations of Elder I. L. Mahan, of Connecticut, who, guided by 
Divine influences, selected Lacon as a fleld for his operations. 

At first meetings were held in various places. It was nearly a month 



350 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

before a Baptist Society was formed, and it was not until January 4, 
185(5, that they decided to erect a church. Before this, however, unsuc- 
cessfid attempts had been made to collect money by subscriptions to 
procure a building suitable for Divine worship. The originators and 
founders of the Baptist Church consisted of the following, eight in num- 
ber: L. Holland, B. T. Baldwin, Lucius G. Thompson, James McWhitney, 
Jane McWhitney, Esther A. Bauham, I. L. Mahan, H. Jane Mahow. 

The latter part of the year 1857, by untiring diligence and hard labor, 
nearly $4,500 was raised, and with this the Society determined to erect an 
edifice and consecrate it to the good work, trusting in a Divine Provi- 
dence for aid to complete it. 

The first pastor of the Church was Rev. I. L. Mahan, who succeeded 
in increasing the membership "a hundred fold." During his two years 
pastorage the number of members increased from eight to twenty souls. 

During the first two years eight of the members were expelled, and 
three died. Notwithstanding, the Church was in a very good condition 
when Rev. Mr. Gray was called, after the resignation of Elder Mahan. 
Since then Rev. Mr. Thompson, Rev. A. P. Graves, Rev. J. P. Agen- 
broad and Rev. D. Shields have supplied the pulpit. Since the first 
steps that were taken in the foundation of this Society it clearly shows 
that the overruling hand of Providence prospered these few people, and 
made the Church what it now is. 



The Catholic Church. 



The Catholic Church of Lacon was established at a comparatively re- 
cent date, but previous to that time services were held and masses cele- 
brated at the houses of individuals, notably that of Jack Kelly. The 
earliest person we can identify was Rev. Father Montori, an Italian, who 
came once a month. A lot for church purposes was donated by the pro- 
prietors of the place, and a building, part frame and part log, erected 
thereon, and served as a place of worship several years. It now forms a 
part of tlie Jesse Whittaker residence. 

Father Montori was succeeded by Father Rinaldi, likewise an Italian, 
through whose exertions a frame building was erected,, which served the 
purposes of the Society until 1867. He also built the Mrs. Thompson 
residence, and lived there with his sisters as housekeeper. After him 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LACON. 351 

came Kev. Thomas Lynch, in December 31, 1853, who serv^ed until his 
death, July 15, 1856. Following him came Father Francis McGuire, and 
he was succeeded by Father Mehan, date unknown. To him succeded 
Father Thos. Ogden, 

" Walter H. Power, 

" John N. Harrigan, 

" James Wall, 

" E. Delihanty, 

" John Kilkenny, 

" P. Flanagan, 

" M. McDermott, 

" P. J. Campbell, 

" John F. Power, the present incumbent. 
Under Father Kilkenny's administration the building of the present 
church edifice was undertaken and finished in 18()7. It is probably the 
the costliest church building in the County, and cost when completed 
$13,000. 

Rev. Father Campbell's services were terminated by death, in May, 
1877. He had many friends, and died greatly regretted. 

Under the ministration of Father Power a fine school building was 
erected, and a flourishing school in charge of sisters of the church estab- 
lished. 



The Congregational Church. 

The First Congregational Church of Lacon was organized October 1, 
1865, with a membership of forty persons, viz: Mark Bangs, H. C. Bangs, 
C. H. Madeley, H. P. B. Madeley, E. C. Turner, Abigail Turner, William 
B. Thomas, C. B. Meyer, Emma M. Meyer, C. Belle Hamaker, Mrs. John 
M. Shields, I. H. Reeder, John Hutchins, Helen E. Hutchins, Samuel 
Pomeroy, Susan Pomeroy, Mrs. E. A. C. Roberts, Miss Margaret Madeley, 
E. F. Pomeroy, Mrs. E. F. Pomeroy, Euphemia Blodgett, Mrs. D. G. 
Warner, Martha Mosier, John P. Shepard, Eveline Shepard, Mrs. S. J. 
McFadin, Mrs. A. E. Hutchins, Miss Anna T. Hutchins, John S. Bane, 
Ephriam Williamson, C. C. Beadle, Mrs. C. C. Beadle, D. W. Coan, Mrs. 
A. Stephens, Mrs. H. F. Akeroid, Lucy A. Eckley, Millie P. Ball, Mrs. 
A. Page, Mrs. W. E. Cook, Minnie Ross. 

They erected their Church building during the autumn of the sam^ 



?)52 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

year, at a cost of $4,200. The lots were given by W. E. Cook, and were 
at that time valued at $1,000. The house was dedicated in November of 
that year. 

The first Deacons were Sanuiel Pomeroy, Edward C. Turner, Mark 
Bangs and Charles H. Madeley. 

Trustees — Mark Bangs, John Hutchins and C. B. Meyer. 

First pastor, Kev. S. S. Reeves ; followed by the Rev. Mr. Stevens, now 
of the First Congregational Church of Peoria; Mr. Codington, a graduate 
of Chicago Theological Seminary, who received his first ordination here; 
Mr. Williams, from Boston, Mass.; Mr. Clifton, a graduate of Chicago 
Theological Seminary; and Rev. William Tracy, the present pastor of the 
Union Church. 

The Church received an accession of about forty members during the 
first year under the pastorate of Mr. Reeves. 

The succeeding Deacons were Ira Norris and John Hutchins. 

In April 1879, the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches united 
as the Union Church of Lacon, upon a basis of Confession of Faith, com- 
mon to both organizations. 



The Episcopal Church. 



In 1858 an Episcopal Society was organized under Rev. Mr. Lay, 
with about a dozen members, and a liberal attendance of outsiders. They 
built a church the succeeding year, and flourished for a while, but most 
of the leading members moved elsewhere, and services were not sustained. 
The building is unoccupied. 



Benevolent Societies. 



MASONS. 



Lacon Lodge No. (>! A. F. Sz A. M. is one of the oldest in this part 
of the State, having been chartered October 4, 1 848. In the disastrous 
fire that destroyed Cook's block all its records and charter were destroyed, 
and the only information attainable comes from the records of the Grand 
Lodge. From it we learn that William Fenn, Abner Shinn, Joseph Ra- 



i:ARLY Newspapers and editors. B5S 

ley and Addison Ramsay were charter members, and William Fenn its 
first presiding officer. 

The affairs of the Society are in a very flourishing condition, and it 
numbers about fifty active members. 

ODD fellows. 

This Society was organized October 17, 1851, the charter members 
being W. E. Cook, Silas Ramsay, Charles I. Wood and John T. Pride. 

The oldest living member of the organization is George Johnson, 
whose menibershi]^ dates from the year 1852. 

There are about eighty active members, and the Society is in a very 
flourishing condition. In the fire that burned their hall their records and 
much valuable furniture were destroyed, but all their former prosperity 
has been regained, and contracts have been let for a new and better one, 
and the Society has a surplus fund on hand of nearly $2,000. 



The Newspaper Business of Lacon. 

The newspaper history of Lacon dates back to the year 1837, when 
Allen N. Ford, an enterprising young printer of Hartford, Connecticut, 
entered into a contract with the proprietors of the then town of Columbia 
to transfer himself, family and material for issuing a weekly paper to the 
new town. The proprietors of Columbia possessed both enterprise and 
intelligence, and were quick to discover that printer's ink was the talismanic 
"open sesame" leading to success. So early as 1836 an effort was made to 
start a paper in the new town, which fell through, and negotiations were 
then began, through the Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, with Mr. Ford, and 
carried to a termination satisfactory to all parties. The conditions were 
that he accept a bonus of |2,000, subscribed by the citizens, and j)ublish 
for them a paper at least two years. As men of all shades of opinion, 
religious and political, contributed to the purpose, it was necessarily non- 
partisan. 

Mr. Ford having accepted the conditions, early made preparations to 
depart. An office outfit was purchased, exceptionally good for the time, 
and shipped via New Orleans, while the proprietor and his family, con- 
sisting of himself, wife, and two little boys (one of whom is now an 



354 RECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

influential political writer and the other a practical printer), set out for 
the West, making the long journey by railroad, steamboat and canal. 

At Alton he engaged two printers to assist on his paper, one of them 
a brother of the martyr Lovejoy. 

It was seven weeks after their shipment before his press and fixtures 
arrived, and finally on the 13th of December, 1837, the initial number 
appeared, christened the Lacon Herald. It was a neatly printed and well 
edited seven column paper, and in general news compares favorably with 
the newspapers of to-day. There was a notable lack of local news, an 
entire absence of fun and facetiae, but in solid instruction and useful in- 
formation it was the equal of more pretentious papers to-day. The selec- 
tions were excellent — particularly of poetry, most of the cotemporary 
gems of the day appearing in its pages. The paper was printed in a small 
building standing where Brereton's carriage shop now does, and appeared 
with greater or less regularity for two years, when the proprietor changed 
its name to the Illinois Gazette, and espoused the Whig side of partisan 
politics. 

In 1858-9, owing to failing health, Mr. Ford sold the office to Joshua 
Allen, a young printer from Hartford, Conn., who associated with him- 
self in its publication J. H. Bonham. Failing in his payments, the office 
reverted to its former owner. When the war of the rebellion broke out 
Mr. Allen enlisted as a private in Captain Shaw's company of the Elev- 
enth Regiment, and fell at Fort Donelson." 

In the later years of the Gazette, Capt. Henry Ford, a son of the pro- 
prietor, contributed many scholarly and well written articles, in the 
absence of the editor taking entire editorial charge of its pages. He is 
now engaged upon the Cleveland Leader, and has won a deservedly high 
reputation as an educator and journalist. 

In 18GG the Gazette passed into the hands of Spencer Ellsworth, its 
present owner, who changed its name to the Home Journal, and has con- 
tinued its publication to the present time. The office is equipped with 
every appliance required in first class offices, having steam power and 
cylinder presses for newspaper and jobbing, and in circulation and influ- 
ence compares favorably with country newspapers throughout the State. 

The records of the Democratic press here are vague and indefinite in 
spite of our efforts to obtain them. No records or files appear to have 
been preserved. About 1850 Jesse Lynch, assisted by the party, pur- 
chased a press and outfit and started the Lacon Herald. How long he 



« EARLY NEWSPArEilS AND EDITORS. S55 

continued in its charge is not known, but it afterward passed into the 
hands of Robert Burns; he gave place to J. W. Mason, and he in 
turn to Chandler <fe Golliday. P. K. Barrett was the editorial succes- 
sor of Chandler. He was a caustic writer, and long remembered by the 
citizens. At some time unknown the name of the paper was changed 
to the Sentinel., and in 1854 John Harney became its owner and 
turned it into the Lacon Intelligencer. Three years later Deacon 
Ira Norris was its purchaser, and continued its publication success- 
fully until 1869, when he sold to William Trench, a practical printer 
and editor, formerly connected with the Peoria daily press. He was a 
conscientious writer and an honest man, respected by all. The publica- 
tion was continued by him until its sale to Meyers Sl Bell, when it under- 
went another change of name and became the Illinois Statesnicm. 

Mr. Bell was an able political writer, but neither himself nor Mr. 
Myers had a practical knowledge of the business, and wishing to dispose 
of it, a purchaser was found ostensibly in the person of J. L. Mohler, who 
bought it for Spencer Ellsworth, and its publication was suspended. The 
press and much of the material were sold to parties in Galva. 

In 1867, J. G. Ford, a Kentuckian, brought an office here and started 
the Lacon Democrat, a very good paper, which he published one year, 
but not meeting the success anticipated, removed to Pontiac. An office 
was subsec[uently brought from Chillicothe and its publication continued. 

The Marshall County bar has always ranked high, and individual 
members have won eminent positions in the judicial and political history 
of the State. The father of " all lawyers " in the place was clearly Ira I. 
Fenn, who as counselor and advocate maintained an excellent reputation. 
One of his first students was Silas Ramsey, and another was Mark Bangs, 
at one time Circuit Judge, and for four years United States District At- 
torney. 

Another noted lawyer and upright Judge was S. L. Richmond, who 
wore the ermine for several years, and won a high reputation for judicial 
fairness and knowledge of law. 

Another lawyei' with a national record is the Hon. G. L. Fort, present 
Member of Congress and prospective Governor of the State. He has won 
promotion by fair and honorable service, and deserves the honors thrust 
upon him. 

Another name "honored among the people" is John Burns. Fred. 



356 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Shaw was a promising lawyer, killed at Donelson ; and Henry Miller, a 
victim of consumption, had many admirers, as likewise did Robert O'Hara, 
a young lawyer and printer of stainless reputation, who found an early 
grave. 

It is safe to assert that Lacon, as insignificant a place as it occupies on 
the map, has contributed more public men to the service of the nation 
than most places of its size, and that all began life as lawyers. In 
proof of this, during its brief existence it has furnished one Congressman, 
four Circuit Court Judges, and one United States District Attorney. 

During the war of the rebellion Lacon bore its full share of burdens, 
contributing liberally in men and means. Company D of the Eleventh 
Regiinent Illinois Infantry was mainly recruited here, and in the disas- 
trous fight of Fort Donelson many of its bravest men went down, among 
whom were Capt. Fred. Shaw, killed upon the field, and Lieutenant Wil- 
cox was dangerously wounded and came home to die. Our limits will 
not admit a record of their names and glorious deeds, and to give it of 
this place alone would be an invidious distinction we care not to make. 
A company was raised here for the Seventy-seventh, of which Robert 
Brock was Captain and J. D. Shields, Lieutenant. No mention we can 
make does justice to their bravery and patriotism, — a volume would be 
required to fitly do it. 




A LOCALITY RICH IN PRl: - HISTORIC REMINDERS. 357 




CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CROW CREEK AND VICINITY. 

' SETTLEMENT was made in the vicinity of what is known 
as Crow Creek at an early day, the new comers being at- 
tracted by the rich alluvial bottoms, the clear springs of 
water, and the general attractiveness of the locality. The 
hills widen as they approach the Illinois River, and 
leave an extensive tract of lich farming land in the valley 
between them. 

The bluffs here, in addition to their beautiful con- 
formations, varieties of shape and commanding prominence, become inter- 
esting from their historical associations and Indian traditions. They are 
covered with timber, and the sides where not precipitious are lined with 
Indian graves, to which investigation has assigned a 2)re-historic age. 
Stone utensils curiously wrought and specimens of pottery have been 
brought to light, which scientists agree in ascril^iug to the artisan- 
ship of an unknown race of people whose rise, existence, decline and 
final extermination remain among the dim uncertainties of ages long 
since past. 

When the first settlers saw this region, fifty years ago, there were 
indisputable evidences of long continued Indian occupation. 

FISRT SETTLERS. 

The first cabin on Crow Creek stood not far above the biidge, where 
there was a good body of timber. Daniel, the father of James Sowards, 
cut logs for his house there in 1833. 

John Hunter lived upon a claim made l)y himself, where he afterward 
died, and near where his widow still remains, having sold his first claim 
to Samuel Gibbs. 

Nathan Owen also lived here, and Samuel Headlock arrived in 1833 



358 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIMS. 

from Walnut Grove. Bird sold his claim to Obediah McCiine, who after- 
ward removed to Tazewell County, and was buried there. 

Headloelv and Frazier Sowards came here together. 

Among the settlers of the vicinity is James Sowards, who as boy and 
man has been a citizen of the locality since 1832. He drove team and 
made himself generally useful for several years about the mills, and still 
remains upon his farm. His recollection of the early settlers is that Robert 
Bird had a cabin up the creek where the McCune faiin is, before the 
Owen mills were built. 

In the spring of 1831 the waters of the creek and Illinois River were 
four feet higher than they have Ijeen at any time since that date. 

The first school house in this locality was built in 1835, about one 
hundred yards from Samuel Gibbs' dwelling, and Charles Richards taught 
school therein during the winter of that yeai*. Messrs. Irwin, Cummings 
and Ogle are remembered among the early teachers. 

A school house was also put up near the roadside not far from Owen's 
Mills, at an early day. 

THE CROW CREEK MILLS. 

Timothy Owen came here in 1834, and about the same time Nathan 
Owen, Preston Conley and William Davis made claims in the vicinity. 
The Owens built a cabin on what was afterward the Martin place. 

In the fall of the same year and the winter and spring following, the 
Owens and Samuel Headlock erected a saw and grist mill not far above 
the present crossing. The saw mill was first completed, and attained 
an excellent reputation and a large patronage. The flouring mill was 
completed in 1834, and did excellent work. At first nearly all the 
machinery in both mills was of wood, made by the Owen brothei-s, a third 
brother, Roderick Owen, who was a blacksmith, contributing such iron 
work as was indispensable. 

The toll for grinding was one-eighth of the product. , 

For sawing walnut lumber the price was 75 cents per 100 feet; if the 
millers sold the bmiber, $1.50 per 100 feet. Ash lumber was about the 
same, and oak a trifle less. After the grist mill was completed and in 
successful operation the saw mill was abandoned. 

Neither of these mills proved a profitable investments. Although 



LACON TOWNSHIP OHOW CREEK AND VICINITY. 359 

not often troubled with high water, or either hindrances, the mill running 
continually, there was very little ready money to be had, and the credit 
system which extensively prevailed everywhere I'equired a large capital. 
Much of this credit was never turned into casii, either by the Owens or 
those to whom the mill was leased. 

Timothy Owen leased his interest and settled upon his fanii in Kich- 
land, but afterward continued a partner in the management of the 
mills, until in June 185-, Avhen they burned down, and as there was no 
insurance, involved a loss to him of about $5,000. 

Mr. Owens' brother-in-law, Mr. Headlock, made a claim on Crow 
Creek, at the mouth of Dry Kun, in 1838. 

In 1 834 Joe Martin put up a mill on Crow Creek, about forty rods 
below Owen's Mill, but his dam backed water upon the latter, and he 
could get no sufficient head. A lawsuit grew out of this affair, and 
Martin finally abandoned his mill project here and went farther down the 
stream, where he began again on a saw mill, but shortly afterward sold 
to Samuel Headlock and he to Dr. Temple, who in a year or so turned it 
into a grist mill, i-an it five years, sold to Temple and Hull and went to 
Missouri. 

Part of the dam at Owen's Mill was on Congress land, and had not 
been included in the lines of a tract entered by that firm, which they sup- 
posed enclosed their mill site. The fact of the defective title was dis- 
covered by an unprincipled fellow, who happened to let it leak out that 
he intended to steal a march on the Owens and get to Springfield and 
obtain the title before they knew it. A race ensued, which was won by 
the millers. 

In 1840 Dennis Barney built a carding and fulling mill on Crow 
Creek, above Owens' Mills, near and below the Gibbs place, he having 
been burned out of a similar enterprise near Joseph Babb's. 

THE CROW CREEK COUNCIL. 

In May, 1827, rumors reached Washington that the Indian tribes of 
Indiana and Illinois were uniting preparatory to a general uprising against 
the whites. General Cass, at that time Indian agent for the north-west, 
proceeded immediately to Peoria, where he called a council of chiefs repre- 
senting the different tribes to learn their grievances, and, if possible, avert 
threatened calamity. 



3 GO fefeCORbS Ot THE OLDEN tiME. 

This council convened at the mouth of Ci-ow Greek, June 21, 1827. 
General Cass made a conciliatory speech, promising them many reforms 
and urging them to withdraw from their alliance with the Winnebagos. 
Presents were distributed among the discontented savages and pledges of 
friendship passed. Grirty, the infamous outlaw, acted as interpreter, and 
it is said many of the presents stuck to his fingers in passing through his 
hands. However, he succeeded in so favorably impressing General Cass 
as to receive from him a silver medal in recognition of his services in this 
important council. Twenty-five years after General Cass, in adverting to 
this council, spoke of it as one of the most agreeable events of his life. 

FREE STATE. 

The region round about the mouth of Crow Creek for many years bore 
the pompous title of "Free State." The majority of the people who 
first settled there were, as a class, prone to be a law unto themselves; 
that is, they did not puzzle themselves with poring over law-books and 
blindly-worded statutes to ascertain their rights or learn the technical 
name of their rights and grievances, but each individual took his own 
course, and depended upon the strength of his arms or the agility of his 
legs to get him out of any trouble. True, they understood themselves to 
be an important part of the nation on election days, and voted eai'ly and 
often, showing "Fr«e State" to be generally solid for any person or party 
lucky enough to win its support. 

They did not acquire their highly complimentary name from being 
above all law, however, because they took unto themselves the right to 
make laws and execute statutes in their own way. They, elected justices 
and constables enough, but not so much to enforce the laws as to go 
through the forms, for every man of commanding muscle was his own 
justice and constable, judge and jury. The early justices who held high 
court here disj^ensed justice in a manner from which there was no appeal, 
because an attempt to aj^peal from their decisions was a direct insult to 
the court, amounting to an impeachment of the judicial purity and legal 
qualifications of the judge, and the penalty was invariably a fight or a 
foot race — the appellee pursued hy an indignant judge armed with a club, 
his insignia of oflice. 

At the sittings of these early courts, black eyes and bloody noses con- 



LACON TOWNSHIP " FREE STATE." 361 

stitiited a regular part of tlie proceedings, and "The Court"" was usually a 
lively participant in thes.^ trials, frequently coming out second, third or 
fourth best, but never grumbling, because these were a legitimate and 
important part of its duties. The fees, it is said, were always payable in 
Avhisky ! As an evidence of the perfect independence in these very early 
courts from the cumbersome hindrance and delays of the law, a pioneer 
Justice of the Peace once foreclosed a mortgage before himself, issued an 
execution, and actually sold out a delinquent debtor's farm, all in fifteen 
minutes' time! Where could one have found a Freer State than here? 

This highly independent community had a prejudice against all 
gentlemen of the cloth, whether lawyers or preachers. They managed 
their law suits in their own peculiar way, as we have seen. When a 
preacher's ill-fated stars sent him here he would be allowed to eat and 
"bait" his horse^ if in day-light, or to obtain a night's lodgings peaceably, 
but any manifestation of an intention on his part to preach or abide among 
them would be promptly met with a notice served by the authorities of 
"Free State," giving him twenty-four hours in which to get away! They 
were never known to defy such a notice! 

Sometimes they did not deem it necessary, or were unwilling, to try 
the question of their misunderstandings even before their expeditious 
courts, and instead referred theii* causes to the ancient legal method of "a 
wager by trial of battle." One case, that of "Ben. Headlock vs. old 
Jeff So wards," is remembered, in which the plaintiff and defendant met 
on the open plain, near where the present school house stands, stripped to 
the Iniff in presence of many witnesses, and argued the case for half an 
hour, during which three rounds were fought, and neither succeeded in 
proving his superior claims to a verdict in his favor. The Court, one of 
the Justices of the Peace, declared that they had "no cause of action," and 
on each party paying his own costs, i. e., the whisky, the case was dis- 
missed ! 

During election times "Free State " was the scene of great commotion. 
The boys would vote at one poll, cross the (county line into the next 
voting place, and there also give their favorite candidates a lift, provided 
the other party was not too strong; and if nearly ecpial, a general pitched 
battle was the residt of denying these extremely free American citizens 
their right to vote early and often, "a right inestimable to them, and 
foi-midable to tyrants only!" 

In these conflicts, as detailed by an eye witness, besides brawny fists, 



362 RECORDS OF THE OLDET^ TIME. 

such weapons were used as clubs, fence stakes, pieces of l^roken rails, hand- 
sj)ikes, and such stones as could be found lying around loose. In one of 
these skirmishes a then well known yoimg man of that section had his 
entire clothing stripped off, and was obliged to wend his way homeward 
under cover of a horse blanket. 

"Bill Sowards," elsewhere mentioned, also lived here, and was never 
an idle spectator of such performances. He was, in fact, an active spirit 
among them, and when properly "liquored up," usually went around 
"spoiling for a fight" and anxious to "chaw some one up." 

For years Bill "ruled the roost" like a tyrant, but at last met his 
match. Among others, he had deeply insulted Greorge Hedlock, a dimin- 
utive fellow, but full of grit, who determined on revenge. Getting 
together a number of "the boys," pledged to see fair play, he took a 
handful of fed pepper in one hand, and challenging Sowards to a contest, 
filled the bully's eyes with the pungent powder, completely l^linding him, 
and then pounded his victim until the latter prayed for mercy and i)romised 
to ever after behave himself. It was Bill's last fight, and he became a 
quiet, peaceable citizen. 

In justice to Bill, it should be said that when soljer he was a generous, 
warm-hearted man, upright and industrious; but when inflamed by drink 
his brutal qualites were developed. 



An Old Pioneer. 



Joseph Babb, an old pioneer of Lacoii To.wnship, came to the country 
in the fall of 1831, and erected a cabin three miles Ijelow town, on what 
has since been called the " Babb place." He stayed two weeks at John 
Strawn's while selecting a location and building a cabin, and the night of 
moving into it was sui'prised by the appearance of a large body of In- 
dians, mounted on their ponies, whose camping ground he had unwit- 
tingly invaded. They were returning from their ainnial fall hunt, and 
came back, as was their custom, to spend the winter here. Mr. Babb 
having seen his family comfortably settled, returned to Ohio to close up 
some unfinished business, and for four months his unprotected family, 
consisting mainly of women, were exposed to the ignorant and — when in- 
flamed with whisky — infuriate wJiims of three hundred savages. Of his 
six children, five were girls, and his only son a stripling of nineteen. 



LACON TOWNSHIP AN INDIAN WAR INCIDP^NT. 8(k> 

Mrs. Babb was an exceedingly timid woman, and the agony and terror 
they suifered cannot 1)e desei'ibed. 

The life led l)y Mis. BabV) and her family, alone in the woods, over a 
mile from any white settler, in the edge of this hell of blood-thirsty de- 
mons, was fearfid l)eyond descrij)tion and how she passed through it is a 
marvel. One of the actors, then a timid girl of fifteen, still lives (Mrs. 
Lot Bullman), and to this day her recollection of the terrible scenes seems 
like a hideous nightmare. The days were haid enough, but the nights 
were worse, and when the drunken savages grew too demonstrative it was 
the mother's custom to take her little children and flee to the woods in 
the rear of her cabin, where sheltei'ed Ijehind some friendly log, wrapped 
in Idankets, they lay exposed to the pitiless cold until morning. These 
orgies ^vere of daily and nightly occurrence, and not once but many times 
did the poor wife and children lay in their blankets upon the bleak hillside. 
Toward spring a Mr. Newton Reeder, learning the state of things, volun- 
tarily rode to the Indian Agent's below, ^vlio promptly came to their 
relief and compelled the chief [and his people to remove their camp across 
the river, threatening if not done to send his soldiers and shoot every In- 
dian found. As the lands had been already sold to the Government, and 
the savages had no longer any right to remain, they had to comply. 

Nacquette, the chief, had seven wives whose wigwams were ranged 
round his own, and who reigned supreme. He had a son, a fine looking 
Indian, who desired to marry Anna Babb (now Mrs. Bullman), and one 
day pi'esented himself before her father's cabin, arrayed in the killing 
outfit of an Indian brave, and formally proposed to "swap" a dozen or 
more of ponies for the comely white squaw, and great was his grief when 
his offer was declined. 

AN INCIDENT IN THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

During the Black Hawk war it was greatly feared by the settlers of 
Round Prairie and neighborhood that the Indians would pay them a 
visit, destroy their homes, and massacre tlieir families. Joseph Babb, 
who was a most courageous and energetic man, declared from the first, 
however, that he was confident they would not be molested, and en- 
deavored in many ways to imbue his neighbors with a like feeling of con- 
fidence. His wife, however, was a very timid lady, and the many wild 
rumors which reached the settlement from time to time tended to greatly 



364 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

excite and alarm her, and in obedience to her wishes he i-emoved her and 
the children from his own house to Mr. John Wier's, 

At Mr. Wier's quite a number already had collected, and the first 
night the Babbs were there twenty-two persons slept in one room, which 
was scarcely larger than an ordinary sleeping apartment in our days. 

It was reported that the Indians had appeared in large forca some dis- 
tance up the Illinois River, and that they had killed a Mr. Phillips, west 
of Hennepin. The rangers thereupon hastened to the scene of th^ir re- 
ported depredations. 

In the meantime orders had been given that from sunrise to sunset no 
guns should be iired, lest their report should create unnecessary alarm 
among the settlers, and it was determined that a fine of five dollars should 
be imposed on whoever should be guilty of disobedience. This was well 
understood throughout the vicinity and everyone was exceedingly careful. 

One day about three o'clock in the afternoon, the party assembled at 
Mr. Wiers were suddenly startled by a heavy discharge of firearms. All 
were seized with terror and fright, for it was immediately supposed that 
the long expected and much dreaded savages had come at last, and that 
scenes of havoc, bloodshed and outra<ji:e were aV)out to be enacted. 

Momentarily expecting to hear the fearful war-whoop, they awaited in 
terror and almost breathlessly for the appearance -of the painted fiends, 
but hours passed and yet no enemy appeared, nor did any alarming sounds 
greet their ears. 

Evening came at last and with it Mr. Swan and Miss Price, both on 
horseback. All rushed forth to meet them, anxious to hear the latest 
news. 

Mr. Swan said the Indians had encountered the Rangers and fired 
upon them, about sixteen miles up the river, and that they intended to 
attack the settlement that night. He advised everyone to flee at once to 
Colonel Strawn's — a mile or two distant — whither he and Miss Price 
were going, and assist in fortifying the place. With this he and his com- 
panion rode on. 

Mr. Babb and Mr. Wier determined, however, to remain where they 
were and began to make preparations for defense, Mrs. Babb was a very 
religious woman and possessed great faith in the efiicacy of pi-ayer. 
Calling Mrs. Wier to one side she whispered to her and together they 
withdrew to the woods near by, where they remained a short time. 



LACON TOWNSHIP MISCELLANEOUS REMINISCENCES. 365 

When they returned, Mr. Wier, assisted by Mr. Babh, was rolling a 
wagon up against a window to still further strengthen their position. 

" Joseph," cried Mrs. Babb to her husband in a peculiarly joyous tone 
of voice, " you need n't fortify any more against the Indians, for I have 
been out in the forest and on my bended knees I have prayed to my 
Maker for protection and He has answered my prayers, and told me in 
His way that there is no danger." 

B)th m3n gazed at her in surprise and reverence akin to awe, for 
her cheeks were like roses, her face shown with an unusual light and her 
eyes sparkled with a singular brilliancy. So impressed were they by her 
words that they made no more attempts at fortifying, and such confidence 
had been restored by her surprising speech and appearance that all 
thought of danger seemed to have faded from their minds and they went 
to bed that night at the usual time. 

About midnight, however, they were awakened and again startled. 
On this occasion by a loud knocking on their cabin door and by the bark- 
ing and howling of dogs. " The Indians have come ! " exclaimed some 
one, and in a moment all was confusion. Guns were seized, locks were 
hastily inspected and they prepared to sell their lives as dearly as possible, 
but the sound of a familiar voice outside soon allayed all their fears. It 
was Mr. S^^an, who, having learned that all rumors of the presence of 
Indians in the neighborhood were false, and thinking that the people at 
Wier's would all be sitting up and anxiously watching the turn of affairs, 
had very considerately come to acquaint them with the glad tidings. 

The firing they had heard was done by the Rangers themselves, who 
had returned home about three in the afternoon, and having been absent 
when the agreement about the use of firearms had been made and being 
ignorant of it, had discharged their weapons, as it was the custom to do 
in the days of flint-locks. 

WILD HOGS. 

The first settlers in the country found the river bottoms abounding in 
hogs, and when a diet of fresh pork was wanted a few hours' hunt would 
yield a supply. We have been told that in 1825-6 a man named Funk 
used to drive hogs from the vicinity of Springfield to Galena and many 
escaped by the way, from which sprung those found in this section. 
They were tall and raw-boned — regular rail splitters as the settlers said, 



366 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

and as ferocious as they were wild. Namerous instances are told of 
settlers being "treed" by tliem, but no w^orse accidents La]:)pened. One 
Billy Marsh, fi'om the vicinity of Ci'ow Creek, was returning home one 
night in a jubilant mood when he ]*an into and wakened a In-ood, which 
pursued and compelled him to take to a tree for safety; and once on a 
time Sam Headlock and Roderick Owen, ofoino; home from Lacon at nio:ht, 
disturbed a drove near the mouth of Crow Creek, and were compelled to 
climl) trees for safety. The infuriated porkers gashed the trees with 
their teeth and tried to shake them down, Init failing in this they I'etired 
a few rods and kept sharp watch of theii* prisoners until morning, when 
they wandered ofF and allowed them to escape. 

A DRUNKEN INDIAN RIOT. 

In the spring of I80I Robert Bii-d,' Jr., and John S. Armstrong, now 
a prominent citizen of La Salle County, nephew of Col. John Strawn, 
visited the camping place of the Indians, a little north of where the Lacon 
cemetery is located. As the visitors were entering the camp a violent out- 
break occurred among the red men, in which knives and tomahawks were 
freely used, and a fearful tumult of cries arose. As they passed the tent 
of Nauquette, the chief, he rushed to the door and exclaimed, ^^ Puckachee 
{clear out), Indians drunk, Indians kill chimokanian^'' (white man). They 
left as directed, but returning next day found the place deserted, and in a 
rudely constructed pen the bodies of five dead Indians lying stark 
and stiif, killed in the melee of the day before. One fellow's head 
had been nearly cut off. By his side near one hand the carcass of an 
opossum was placed. The bodies were laid side by side upon mats made 
of flags from the neighboring swamj)s, with pipes and tobacco at the left 
and a knife by the right hand of each. Blankets were laid over the bod- 
ies and the heads of the dead were all turned toward the east. Around 
this strange grave, on an elevation a foot or more above the general level of 
the ground, there was built a pen of maple and ash poles, and a few poles 
covered the same, which were weighted down by heavier logs and stones, 
which the boys had no difhculty in removing to get a better view of the 
bodies, some of ^vhich were hacked and cut in a frightful manner. 

It appears that a number of the Indians the day before had re- 
turned from "Cock-a-mink," — the name by which Peoria was known to 



lACON TOWNSHIP — MISCELLANEOUS KEMINISCENCES. 367 

them-wliere they had bartered furs, venison and fish for knives, blankets, 
tobacco and whisky, with results as above stated. 

FATHER AND DAirGHTER FROZEN TO DEATH. 

The remarkable change of temperature that took place December 20 
1836, is noted all over this section, and has its place in the memoiy of 
every old citizen. One person describes it as follows: 

The mornint; was mild, with a settled rain gradually changing the 
,now on the ground into a miserable slush. Suddenly a black cloud came 
sweeping over the sky from the northwest, accompanied with a roaring 
wind As the cold wave it bore struck the land, the rain and slush were 
changed in a twinkling into ice. 

It is stated upon the authority of many that the change of tempera- 
ture was so great and so swift that "chickens and geese, also hogs aiid 
cows were frozen in the slush as they stood, and unless they were extri- 
cated by cutting the ice around their feet, they remained there to per^L 
It is reported that a drover on the large prairie north of Springfield, w th 
a herd of 1 000 to 1,500 hogs, was overtaken by the sudden cold on the 
prairie eight miles from town. He left his hogs and drove with his men 
to the village for' safety,- all of the party more or less frozen before 
shelter was reached. The abandoned animals piled one upon another tor 
warmth Those on the inside smothered, and those on the outside froze; 
and next mo™ing a pyramid of 500 dead swine was heaped up on the 
prairie The remainder wandered about, but eventually perished of cold. 
Almost every locality has its separate story of suffering and exposure, 
which will be told in their appropriate places, but the crowning horror 
Lppened iust across the line of Woodford County, in Black Partridge 
Township A laborer, named Butler lived there his family consisting 
of himself and wife, a grown up daughter named Margaret, and a son 
about ten years old. They were in very destitute circumstances, and fre- 
quently objects of _ public charity, the neighbors supplying them with 

clothiiief and provisions. i r. ^i i, ;,. 

That fatal afternoon Mr. Butler and his daughter left he hou e in 
search of an estray cow. When they started a light ram was falling, and the 
g ., was covered with mud and slush. How far they had journeyed 
is not exactly known, but from circumstances it is presumed when a 
mile or two from home, on their return, the fearful change began. They 



3{)8 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

were most thinly clad, tlie girl's clothing consisting of a calico dress, a 
sinirle under o-arment, and an old shawl thrown across her shoulders. 

They traveled as fast as possible, but the intense and piercing cold so 
affected the girl that she could go no further. They were less than a mile 
from home, and her father removing his coat and putting it around her; 
put his boots upon her feet, and placing her in a sitting position against 
a tree he left, hoping to return and save her. 

He started home coatless and barefoot, and I'eached a running stream, 
where appearances indicated he turned to restoi'e circulation to his frozen 
feet by placing them in the water. 

On the following morning neither of the ' unfortunate people having 
returned, search was made and he was found at the creek frozen stiff, his 
ftet encased in a sheet of ice. The girl was found sitting against the tree 
dressed as stated and so frozen that it was impossible to compose her 
limbs so as to ht an ordinaiy coffin. They were buried a couple of days- 
afterwaid, the unusual spectacle attracting people from long distances. In 
the locality the noted change is commemorated as the "Butler Snap." 



FIGHT OF HOOVER AND BOWLES, AND DEATH OF BOWLES. 

Cy. Bowles was the bully of all this coimtiy until the advent of big 
Bill HoDver. He came from the vicinity of Hennepin, and numerous 
stoiies are yet told in the liver towns of his fights and arrests. He 
could not bear a rival, and when Hoover came upon the scene would not 
I'est until he had tested his strength. Report cretlited him with coming 
purposely to provoke a (piarrel with his rival, and that he Vjegan the 
contest is proven. Hoover sat in Vinecore's saloon, when Bowles entered 
with gun in hand, and setting his foot on Hoov^er's knee, gave him a push, 
upon which Hoover remarked he "had best let him alone." Bowles re- 
peated the act, when Hoover rose, and catching him round the waist, 
doubled him down on the flooi- as he would a ten year old boy. 

In all of this no temper was exhibited by the parties, but it is evident 
Bowles, who was a man of ungovernable passions, w^as deeply angered at 
his discomfiture, and going over to Fenn's store, procured a heavy dirk 
knife and hid it in his sleeve. .Some one told Hoover of this, and he was 
cautioned to beware of him. Presently Bowles returned, and the men, 
warily watching each other, began bantering for a fight and passed out of 



LACON TOWNSHIP MISELLANIOUS REMlNlSCEMCES. 300 

the door. Going out Bowles made a pass at Hoover and cut him in the 
Imck and again in the breast, and the fight began. 

Hoover was unarmed while his antagonist held a knife in one hand 
and his gun in the other. It was the aim of the former to knock the 
knife from Bowles' hand' by striki]|g his wrist, and twice he tried it with- 
out effect, but the third time succeeded. Bowles then grasped his gun 
by the muzzle and aimed a fearful blow, which Hoover dodged with sur- 
prising agility, recovering himself with incredible quickness. The gun 
was broken to pieces, and Hoover, warding off the blows, wrenched 
it from his hands, when Bowles ran into the street. 

Prudence, it seems, should have taught the man the futility of a longer 
fight and warned him to let Hoover alone. But he was insane with 
passion and incapable of reasoning. Procuring a stout cudgel, he returned 
to renew the contest. Hoover waited until he saw his enemy, and then 
went to him. The latter aimed a blow with his cudgel, which was turned 
aside, when Hoover's weapon descended on Bowles' head, cutting it clear 
open and exposing the brain. He lived but three days. 

Mac Robinson was Constable, and tried to arrest Hoovei', Ijut the lat- 
ter told him to stand aside. He went to Peoria for a time, but the Grand 
Jury refused to find a bill against him, he returned. In 1852-^:) he went 
to California, and was finally killed there in a row. 

BIG BILL HOOVER. 

A noted character here in early times was the individual named 
above. He was a Hercules in form and muscle, stood six feet in his 
stockings, and weighed 248 pounds. One who saw him stripped said he 
was the finest specimen of physical manhood he ever looked upon. He 
was quick as a mountain cat and feai'less of dangei'. His disposition was 
quiet and peaceable, but he was addicted to drink, and when in his cups 
was like an enraged tiger. 

At one time while livins; in Peoria he attended Mabie's circus, and 
became enraged at some remark of the clown, whom he wished to punish 
in the ring, but being prevented, went to the hotel where the latter 
stopped and knocked him down. Attached to the circus were three men 
who, priding themselves on their fighting abilities, determined to have 
revenge. Bill had gone to the Franklin House, where he boarded, and 



k> 



70 HECOUBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



sat hy the iire playing witli a poker when they entered and asked the 
landlord for their man, who, suspecting trouble, answered evasively, 
while Bill passed into the dining room and secreting a large butcher 
knife in his sleeve and further arming himself with the poker returned. 
"Have you seen Bill Hoover?" they asked, as he entered, and the answer 
was given, "That's me." Quick as lightning came a blow that felled 
him to the floor, but he was on his feet in an instant, knife in hand, with 
which he dealt his assailant a deadly blow across the ribs and laid him 
out. The next one he struck aci'oss the face, making a gash that cut 
one eye out, laid open the side of his head, and nearly severed an 
ear. The third he knocked down with the poker, and the battle was 
over. He was arrested by the Coroner and discharged, as he had acted 
clearly in self-defense. 




GENERAL DESCEIPTION OF HENRY TOWNSHIP. 



S71 



HENRY TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XXXVIIL 




GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



HIS is a fiactional Township consisting of ten full and eight 
parts of sections, or portions of eight sections. The Illinois 
River in a devious way washes its eastern boundary, and 
Senachwine and Whitetield V)ound it noi'th and west. 

Along the river borders it is low and swampy and unfit 
for cultivation, but soon rises into arable table lands cap- 
able of high cultivation and yielding large returns to the 
husbandman. This portion is known as Crow Meadow 
Prairie, once a favorite hunting ground for the Indians, and long noted 
for its unrivaled beauty. 

On the west, a border of low wooded hills enclose it when the leaves 
are out with an emerald setting, while on the east the bolder bluffs of the 
Illinois sweep round in a graceful curve, and then bend away again to- 
wards Lacon. 

The river is navigable for boats of the largest size, and here is located 
the finest lock in the West, built at a cost of half a million dollars. The 
town is well situated for business and commands a heavy trade in grain 
and lumber. It has likewise an energetic set of business men and mer- 
chants, who have pushed their enterprises far beyond the usual limits of 
trade and draw tratfic from all the towns surroundino;. A steamer con- 
nects it with Peoria, making daily trips throughout the season of naviga- 
tion, and the Bureau Valley Railroad connects the place with Chicago, etc. 
The first known resident here was a man named Hart, who built a cabin 
on the present site of the town in 1 830, which was soon after deserted. 
About 1831 another cabin was built, near the site of the old mill, north 
of the ravine, and for some time was occupied l)y a man named Stacy, 
who built a log house in 1832 on the site of Webster. Elias Thompson 



^7 '2 UECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

came next. His house stood on the edge of the ravine, near or on the 
ground afterward occupied by Bower's mill. For a long time it was the 
only hotel, and occasionally served as a church, the proprietor, in addi- 
tion to his other duties, being a local preacher of deserved note. 

Mr. Thompson and his son David opened the first farms in the Town- 
ship, the foi'mer at the head of the ravine, east of where he lived. They 
devoted their time principally to raising vegetables for the "tavern." 

At this time settlers hugged close to the timber, the prairies being con- 
sidered too bleak and exposed for cultivation, and only fit for pasturage. 

Another log caVjin is known to have stood under the river bank as 
early as 1 833, and was occupied by a hunter named Hatfield, who some- 
times served as ferryman. 

There stood a small log building near the corner of School and Front 
streets, and across on the north side of School street, nearly opposite the 
present bridge, stands the first frame building erected in the city. It 
was built by Mr. Hale, and occupied by him in 1835, and is now a part of 
Mrs. St. Clair's residence. 

In 1831 or '32, Erastus Wright and William Porter, of Springfield, 
visited this section, and foreseeing a good prospect for a future town, made 
a claim. They also procured a ferry license from the Commissioners of 
Peoria County, a transcript of which they filed upon the organization of 
Putnam County, in the proper coui't. 

In 1833 Anson L. Deming and Elisha Swan, of Columbia, also made 
claim to the town site, and to strengthen it procured a boat and contracted 
with Major Thompson to run a ferry for them, and Swan made prepara- 
tions to build a store. 

The rival claimants after some wrangle concluded to jointly lay out a 
town and divide the profits on the lots as fast as sold. They sent to 
Springfield for a surveyor named Porter, when the discovery was made 
that being school land it coidd not be sold, so Mr. Swan abandoned his 
plans and returned to Columbia, and Thompson became possessor of the 
ferry property. 

The school officers soon after circulated petitions asking of the Super- 
intendent of Schools permission to sell the Sixteenth Section, setting forth 
there were fifteen voters and fifty white people in the Township. It was 
granted, and B. M. Hayes appointed to survey and lay it out, which was 
done, and the Trustees in their report say : 

" Lots from number thirty to two hundred and ninety-one inclusive, 



THE TOWN OF HENRY LAID OUT AND CHRISTENED. 375 

with streets and alleys within and thereto appertaining, and the public 
grounds on said map designated, we propose as a town by the name of 
Henry, in memory of the late Gen. James D. Henry, deceased, who 
gallantly led the Illinois volunteers to victory over the hostile Sac and 
Fox Indians in the year 1832, and who lately died of disease caused by 
that arduous service." 

To Hooper Warren, an intimate friend of General Henry, is due the 
credit of suggesting the name. 

A public sale of lots was held a week after the survey in Hennepin, by 
Nathaniel Chamberlain, School Commissioner. There was but little com- 
petition by speculators, the lots generally being bought by citizens and 
settlers of Putnam County, at prices equivalent to $1.25 per acre, or one 
dollar per lot. When the real estate mania broke out in 1837 these lots 
were sna])ped uj) by speculators and held at high prices, and the growth 
of the town sadly retarded. 

As before stated, the first farm in Henry Township was made by Elias 
Thompson and his son David in the spring of 1833, that of the former 
now being known as the "Davis place." 

Sampson Rowe and William Lathi'op came in 1834. Elias Thompson 
soon after built the old Henry House, and had a small garden patch 
broken the year previous. He subsequently sold out and went to Cali- 
fornia, where he died. He was a preacher, bee hunter and man of vari- 
ous trades. 

John Hale, a preacher, came to Henry soon after, in about 1835, and 
did some work as a carpenter on Thompson's tavern, besides keeping a 
grocery store, and Mr. Burr or Bradley succeeded him in the latter busi- 
ness in 183G. He afterward went to Kansas and is reported to have 
died there. 

David B. Culver and Orson Culver, sons of Orsenuis Culver, broke 
ground for their places in 1835. The Mallorys came very early, in 1835. 
Loten Frisbee in 1835, and Andrew Styles the same season. Styles 
brought the first threshing machine to the Township. 

In 1836, William Kidney and Simeon Pool arrived. 

George Klein ai-rived in 1837, and Fred W. Bell the same year, as 
also did George Hiller, Fred Reinbeck, J. W. Jones, Dr. Templeton, 
Andrew Styles and Anton Appel. 

Valentine Weis came in 1838, and Augustus C. Asherman the same 
year. Also Anton Sidel, James Dennis and Walter Plato. 



37() llECORDS OF T^HE OLDEN TlMl^. 

In 1839 Fred W. Troenly and Balser Klein. . In that year lands first 
came into market here. 

We cannot give the year in which Major Thompson built the " Henry 
House " and the postoffice was established. It seems to have given the 
iirst impulse to business and enterprise. 

The first prominent merchant was a man named Bradley, who came- 
here under the pseudonym of Joseph Burr. He had failed in business in 
the East and to escape his creditors, changed his name, came to this 
locality with the remnants of his fortune and opened a business in which 
he was very successful. He was strictly honorable, and when sufiicient 
means were accumulated went back to his former home and paid every 
dollar. Returning, he assumed his full name and was known as Joseph 
Burr Bradley. He was the first Postmaster of the place and built the 
first warehouse. 

Another firm was Lloyd Brothers, who came here in 1849 from 
St. Louis, and did a flourishing business; Harless cfe Lancaster, Cheever 
<fe Herndon, Thomas Gallahei', and Ben. Lombard, were well known 
merchants. The last named made extensive improvements and then 
removed to Chicago, where reverses overtook him. He now lives in Gales- 
buro-. In 1837-8 a blacksmith shop was started on the site of Lloyd's 
land oflice. 

In this year a frame building was erected on the site of B. Yeager's 
saloon by Sampson Howe; and the building known as the Paskill House 
was built about 1839. 

In 1837 two accidents occurred — that of Reuben Converse, who was 
drowned from off the ferry, and a Mr. Lyon, who fell from a hotel win- 
dow and was killed. 

Hooper Warren, in an article in the Gazette, ipuhMahed August 12, 
1848, says: " Up to 1844 there were but two or three families permanently 
settled in Henry, but now there are twenty-four. Here are four stores 
at which general assortments of merchandise are kept, one drug and medi- 
cine store, one lumber yard, one shoemaker's shop, four carpenters, two 
blacksmiths, two coopers, one gold and silver smith, and a wagon-maker's 
shop soon to be built. There are four churches for worshipping congre- 
gations, viz : Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist and the Protes- 
tant Methodists building or meeting house. A Catholic Church is to be 
erected, also a Female Seminary, by the Presbyterians, on the prairie, one 
mile north-west of town. 



THE VILLAGE OF IlENRY EARLY IMPROVEMENTS. 377 

The first school house in the place was a log building that stood at the 
head of the ravine east of town. It was built in 1838, but the new 
settlers needing the services of their children, it was turned into a smoke 
house by an enterprising merchant, and when not required for this pur- 
pose was used for religious meetings. 

Dr. Boal, of Lacon, for many years was the only physician for all this 
section. 

When the canal was opened, in 1848, J. C. Rolla, for Wm. H. 
Kellogg, loaded and shipped the first boat load of grain that ever left 
Putnam Counly for Chicago. Mr. Kellogg had a small office, and bought . 
grain at what was known as Hall's Landing, four miles above Heniy, on 
the east side of the river Shortly after, a second shipment was made in 
the same direction, for toe same owner. 

The first canal boat load of wheat ever sent to Chicago from Henry 
was shipped by the same individual, in 1852. 

The first flour mill was built by Ben Bower & Bro., in 1850. The 
only mill for grinding corn on the west side of the river for years was one 
built in 1833 by John Hamlin. 

Henry began to make substantial progress in 1844, and in 1850 had 
401 inhabitants; in 1851, 789; in 1853, 1,009; in 1854, 1,30G, and at the 
last census 2,000. 

The cemetery of Henry, is one of the neatest burial grounds in 
Marshall County. It is laid out with artistic taste and when ornamented 
to the full measure of its original design will be exquisitely beautiful. 
It was platted by the Henry Cemetery Association, under whose super- 
vision the various improvements have been made, is attended with care, 
and is a credit alike to its managers, to the citizens of Henry, and the 
Township. 

Henry was incorporated as a city under the general act, at the session 
of 1854. 

In 1858 Henry and Lacon competed for the location of the Fair 
Grounds of the Oounty Mechanics' Institute, and the former \v^on, having 
raised $3,600, while Lacon fell short $500. 

Opposite the town is a magnificent lock and dam, elected by the State 
as part of a general system for improving the navigation of the river. 

Beside the magnificent lock and dam before alluded to, a costly bridge 
spans the river, with a high embankment reaching to the bluff a mile dis- 
tant. It has been of great value to the city, opening up as it does at all 



378 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN T1j\I£. 

seasons, the fertile country on tlie east, that otherwise might seek other 
markets. 



Churches. 

The first church organized here so far as can now be told was by the 
Rev. Mr. Devore in 1840. * 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

In the spring of 1849 William Wycoff removed to Henry, his wife 
being an active member of the Protestant Dutch Church. In the fall of 
the same year they were followed by Richard Lloyd. Mrs. Lloyd was 
likewise a believer, and through their influence, in the winter of 1850 the 
Rev. E. S. High, under the direction of the Board of Missions, preached 
once in four weeks to such congregations as came to hear, continuing his 
labors for two years. 

In 1855 came Rev. John Mar(piis, and steps were taken which resulted 
in an organization August 17, 1855. The Ruling Elders were Lucas V. 
Hoagland, James Petrie and William P. Williams. The following per- 
sons presented certificates of membership: Mrs. Elizabeth Wycoff, Lucas 
V. Hoagland, Anna M. Hoagland, Amelia Hoagland, Sarah W. Hoag- 
land, Harriet N. Hoagland, Wm. P. Williams, and Petronella his wife, 
Harriet C. Black, Harriet Robertson, Abagail Nock, Elizabeth Marquis, 
Clementina M. Marquis and James Petrie. 

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The First Christian Church and Society, of Henry, were organized the 
9th day of February, 1850, in the Protestant Methodist Church, in Henry, 
by Elder S. L. Pervier, with sixteen members, namely : Thomas Harless, 
Henry B. Burgess, William Bell, Henry Harless, John S. Scott, S. L. 
Pervier, Isaac Rickets, Adna Buckout, Polly Scott, Viletta Bell, Abeliny 
Wiley, Catharine Rickets, Polly Burgess, Clarisa Burgess, Rebecca Harless 
and Philena Pervier. 

Their place of worship was in the Protestant Methodist Church, until 
they built a substantial brick 35 by 50 feet (some twenty-five feet from 
ground to roof), which was dedicated in June, 1851, Elder Josiah Knight, 
of Ohio, preaching the sermon of dedication. Thomas Harless and Rich- 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS OF HENRY. 379 

ard Garretson were the principal contributors to the fund for the erection 
of this building. 

S. L. Pervier was the first i)astor; Thomas Harless, Henry B. Bur- 
gess and S. L. Pervier, the first Trustess ; H. B. Burgess, first Church 
Clerk; Thomas Harless and B. F. Carpentei-, first Deacons; Wm. D. Rob- 
inson, first Collector; Richard Garretson, first Treasurer. 

In 1852 Elder Chester Covell, of New York, was called to take charge 
of the Church, and in 1860 Elder J. C. Goff, of Irvington, K J., was 
chosen, who i-emained some thirteen years as pastor. 

In June of 1852 this modest edifice was the scene of a nine-days dis- 
cussion which attracted wide attention at the time, the subject being The 
Divinity of Christ. The participants were Revs. Luccock, of Canton, and 
Phelps, of Princeton, III, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, affirmative; 
Rev. Oliver Barr, of Aurora, 111., and Revs. H. Summerbell and A. L. 
McKinney, of Ohio, of the Christian Church, negative. A reporter \yas 
employed with a view to the subsequent publication of the proceedings 
and arguments in full, but his notes were never prepared for the press. 

THE NEW JERUSALEM OR SWEDENBORGIANS. 

On the 22d of March, 1857, Rev. J. R. Hibbard, Superintendent of 
the Illinois Assembly of this denomination, at the recpiest of Charles 
Davis, Henry Vogelsang, Joseph Holmes and others met the persons de- 
sirous of organizing a church, and after services did so organize. Their 
"platform" as laid down is in substance: Belief in the Divine word and 
the ten commandments, and doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg. Their 
oflficers were : Charles Davis, Joel Morgan, Josei)h Holmes, Trustees ;, O. 
H. Tyler, Treasurer; and J. W. Taber, Secretary. These oificers were 
elected March 28, 1857, and Rev. Thos. Story was invited to lecture once 
a month. 

In 18()5-6 a church was built capable of seating two hundred persons, 
and dedicated July 80, 18()lj. 

The ministers who have ofticiated here were the Rev. Thos. Storey, of 
Peoria, Rev. A. I. Bartels, and R. B. Edrninster, who ofi^iciated nine years. 
The Rev. O. L. Barler, of Canton, next took charge, coming here once 
each month. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Catholics of Henry had no regular place of worship or established 



380 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEX TIME. 

priest until about 1850. Up to that time priests from abroad came occa- 
sionally to say Mass, visit the sick, bury the dead and perform like offices. 

In 1852 the foundation of a church building was laid, now known as 
the German Catholic Chui'ch, and after a rest of two years a fine brick 
structure arose thereon. It is 35x56 feet and 22 feet to the ceiling. A 
graceful steeple adorns it, and its interior is tastefully ornamented. It 
has a gallery and is well and comfortably seated ; it has a good organ, 
bell and altars. Near by is a still larger building, devoted to the sister's 
school. It was erected not many years ago. 

The different priests who from time to time officiated at Henry for the 
Catholics before and since the church was built, were in the order named : 
Father Montori, 1848; Father Joseph Staley, 1849, who came pretty reg- 
ularly till about 1851, when Father Kramer came. There being no 
bishop at Chicago, when the Catholics of Henry wanted clerical help they 
had to apply to St. Louis. 

Other priests came here occasionally, among them Fathers Lynch and 
Powers, of Lacon. The resident priests were: Father O'Garry, Louis 
Cartaville, Lightner, Koehne, Reck, Schreiber, Albrecht, Von Schwerdler, 
and Schamoni, the present clergyman. 

In 1874 the congregation becoming too large for the building, and 
many of them being Germans, an arrangement was made by which the 
two people separated, the Germans retaining the building and paying 
$4,000. The Irish portion then built St. Mary's Church, a very fine 
structure, and a priest of their own nationality was given them. The 
congregation has since largely increased and the Society is in a flourishing 
condition. 

The priests who have ministered to them are : Fathers Heafy, Mur- 
taugh, Corcoran, and the present Rev. Father Thos. Quigley. 



Educational Institutions. 



TME high school. 



The tine building occupied by the Henry High Sohool owns its exist- 
ence to Rev. Mr. Fowler, of the Protestant Methodist Chui-ch, who 
conceived the plan of founding a flrst-class educational institution under 



HENRY ITS EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. 381 

tbe auspices of that denomination. He traveled and lectured extensively, 
meeting with success. 

It was finished in 1854 at a cost of $28,000, and opened the same 
season under the name of the "North Illinois University." Rev. G. B. 
McElroy was the first principal, with Goff and Fox assistants. 

For a time it was (piite successful, but the hard times of 1857 came 
and its patronage fell off. After several attempts to revive it, the build- 
ing was sold to the city of Henry and devoted to public school purposes. 

ST. maky's school. 

The Catholics of Henry and vicinity have long been noted for their 
religious zeal. About twenty-five years ago, recognizing the importance 
of beginning an early training of their children in the faith, they started 
schools in their behalf, at first supporting small private schools in difiPerent 
localities of tlie town. In 1859 Mr. Oner taught a select Catholic school 
in a private house a few months and was succeeded by Mr. Hertzog, who 
had a respectable and well attended gathering of Catholic pupils in Weis' 
building, a few doors above Warren's grocery store. 

In 1860 a frame building was put up near the German Catholic Church 
and used for school purposes. The attendance was large for some time, 
school was also taught in the church itself at times. The frame building, 
originally built as a stable, was used some time, until the applicants became 
too numerous for its capacity, when the project was started of erecting a 
fine Catholic j^rimary school which should be a credit to the place and ac- 
comodate that portion of the rapidly increasing population holding to this 
faith. 

A large two-story brick structure was built near the Church, dedicated 
to this purpose, and taken in charge by the sisters of the Notre Dame So- 
ciety of Milwaukee, who had conducted the former schools in the old frame 
building. These zealous sisters relinquished the charge to "The Sisters of 
the Precious Blood" in 1871, who now manage the educational interests 
of the Catholics in a highly creditable manner, the school being very pop- 
ular. The building is substantially built and well furnished, costing 
about $5,000. The school is simply an elementary one, where the rudi- 
ments of the English and German languages are taught, the latter to such 
as wish it. It is patronized by about ninety families, mainly the member- 
ship of the German Church, and is under the general superentendence of 



382 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Rev. Father Scliamoni, the resident priest. A neat and comfortable par- 
sonage stands in a large lot neai- the chui-ch and school. 



Benevolent Societies. 



The Masonic organization of Henry is a large and influential society, 
and is in excellent working order. The first stej^s toward a lodge herti 
were taken in 1857. October 25, of that year, a dispensation was obtained 
from the Grand Lodge, and the 119th Society of their Order in the State 
was duly instituted, with the following officei's: Amos Bonney, W. M.; 
W. J. Culton, S. W.; H. H. Graves, J. W. 

The Masters of Henry Lodge since its organization in 1851 emVjrace 
the following: 1851, Amos Bonney; 1852, Daniel McNeal, M. D.; 
1853-4, W. B. Smith; 1855, John J. Higgins; 185H, W. B. Smith ; 1S57, 
J. W. Sinclair; 1858-9, G. Frank Lloyd;"l8()0, G. F. Harpst ; 18(il-2-3, 
W. B. Smith; 1864, Lewis Kaufman; 1865-6-7, G. F. Harpst; 1S6H, S. 
C. Hyndshaw; 1869-70-71-72-73, James G. Hull; 1864, J. K. McCon- 
iiell; 1875, J. D. Culton; 1876-7-8-9, J. C. Wooley. 

Until recently Marshall Lodge, No. 63, L O. O. F., occupied the same 
room, but retired in the fall of 1878, when the Masons re-arranged and 
dressed their hall anew, at an expense of several hundred dollars, and now 
are very elegantly located. The hall is draped in blue, the ceilings, walls, 
curtains, carpet, chairs, etc., being also of that color. The cai'pets were 
made to order, and covered, as are the curtains and walls, with rich and 
tasteful emblems, peculiar to the fraternity. 



Newspapers in Henry. 



The first newspaper in Henry was the Henry Courier, commenced by 
Robert H. Buggies, December 23, 1852. The material he brought up by 
steamboat from Edwardsville, Madison County, in this State. Its size 
was a five column folio. Afterward it was enlarged to an eight column 
paper, and again reduced to a six column. July 1, 1862, the material and 
good will was sold to Jonas D. Woodward, as proprietor, and until June, 
1866, was edited by C. S. <fe J, D. Woodward. 

The Marshall County Democrat was commenced April 11, 1863, by 
Charles B. Fisk; in July or August, 1864, F. M. Mills become purchaser, 



HENRY PUBLICATIONS AND EDITORS. 383 

continuing the paper but a few niontlis. The material of this office was 
purchased by Spencer S. Burdick, in April, 1865, who commenced the 
publication of the Marshall County Telegraph, a seven column- folio. In 
September, same yeai', George Burt, Jr., purchased an interest, the firm 
name being Burdick <fe Burt. 

In June, 186G, a consolidation of the Henry Courier and the Marshall 
County Telegraph was effected and the paper changed to the Marshall 
County Repuhlican, with S. S. Burdick, Geo. Burt, Jr., and J. D. Wood- 
ward as proprietors, under the firm name of Burdick, Burt & Woodward 
(the interest of C. S. Woodward being purchased by the new firm.) 
Three months later the interest of S. S. Burdick was purchased by the 
other partners, Burt & Woodward continuing the HepxJflican until Jan- 
uary, 18G9, when Geo. Burt, Jr., became sole owner, who is still its pub- 
lisher. At one time the paper was run as the Marshall County llepuhli- 
can and Putnam County Fegister. The name was finally changed to 
the Henry BepvUican. It has an engraved head, giving an accurate 
view of the Illinois River, the bridge, and lock and dam at this place. It 
is a six column cpiarto, and furnishes more reading matter than any of its 
county cotemporaries. 

The Repuhlican is equipped with a Campbell cylinder press and other 
material necessary to the outfit of a first class job and newspaper office. 
As a local newspaper it is unsurpassed, and in circulation, business and 
influence it leads most country papers in the State. 

The Henry Bulletin, a small paper, was published here several years. 

The Reformed Missionarij, edited by Rev. C. Coit, was printed at the 
Repuhlican office for some time ; it was afterward moved away, and is now 
defunct. 

The Coming Woman, an eight page paper, was printed at the Repub- 
lican office for a couple of years; editress, Mrs. M. E. De Geer. It was 
afterward moved to Chicago, and is discontinued. 

The Normal Institute, an educational paper, is wov' being printed at 
the Repuhlican office. Prof. J. A. Holmes, editor. It is an eight page 
journal, and devoted to the interests of school teachers. 



Crow Meadow Prairie. 
At the north-west corner of this Township there lies a beautiful 



384 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

and fertile region known as Crow Prairie. Its first settlers were Benaijah 
and Russell Mallory, who made a claim here in 1834 and put up the first 
cabin, and "sold to Col. Snyder in 1835. 

In the latter year Loton Frisbee came, and after a short time opened his 
farm, near the corner of the town at the edge of the timber. At that time 
thei'e was neither fence nor house on the prairie, save Mallory's or Snyders, 
and no frame house in Henry. David and Orsemus Culver had begun 
breaking ground at the lower end of the prairie, and there were caljins at 
Bonham's and Howe's. 

There were no settlers on the west side of this prairie near Frisbee's 
till 1 838, when Jerry Jones came. A man named John Smith made a 
claim in 1835-6 to lands afterward owned by Ward and Wilson, latterly 
by Mr. Emerick. 

Mr. Templeton built a sod house in 1837. Mr. Snyder's was the first 
frame hoiise built on the prairie. The pioneer school house was built of 
logs in 1838, and was known as the "Snyder School House." It was 
replaced by a frame structure in 1848-9. Two of Mr. Lyons' daughters 
were among the earliest teachers in the old building, where Preacher 
Devore and Father Cummings held forth to the Methodists and Elder 
Chenowith to the Baptists. 

The first marriage was that of one of Mr. Snyder to Miss Lyons. 

The first child born on Cro^v Prairie was Hiram, son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Loton Fiisbee, July 25, 1836, and about the same time but shortly after, 
one was l)orn to Mr. Kellogg. 

The prairie was named from the plentif ulness of ci-ows, but why they 
were more numerous here than elsewhere is not kno\vn. 

During the summer and fall of 1838, billions fevers and ague pre- 
vailed to a fearful extent, and the few well persons, especially among 
the pioneer women, found their time and services constantly in demand. 
Mrs. Frisbee and Mrs. Williams were constantly "on the go" on errands 
of mercy to the families of their neighbors, and neighbors in those days 
sometimes lived five to seven miles apart. 

Between Heniy and Webster is an old graveyard, where lies interi'ed 
Mrs. Dennis, Mr. Plato, Mr. Latta, Sallie Snyder and others. 

DORCHESTER. 

This town, whose existence is only remembered by the early settlers, 



DORCHESTER WEBSTER HOOPER WARRETST. 385 

was laid out by Stephen F. Gale, July 26, 1834, ^Ym. H. Adams being 
the surveyor. The land in the vicinity had been purchased by others, 
when one Kichareson, a lawyer of Chicago, and a German named Ginder, 
bargained for the site and laid out the town, expecting to realize from the 
sale of lots sufficient to make all concerned wealthy. No lots were soki 
and the property reverted to its original possessors. 

WEBSTER. 

This was another paper town of great promise and small perfomance. 
A man named Lorenzo Stacy, said to have built the first cabin in Henry, 
is known to have lived here in 1830-31. A man known as Esq. Dennis 
also lived on the ground, and hurried his wife here, whose grave can still 
be seen. About 1836-7 a fractional quarter section was laid off into lots 
by Kobei't Latta, Alvin Dascomb, Walton Plato and Maj. P. McAllister, 
and named Webster in honor of the great expounder. It occupied a beau- 
tiful plateau two miles above Henry, and had a very convenient steam- 
boat landing accessible at all seasons. The projectors of the town were 
energetic business men, and lots sold readily. A saw and grist mill to be 
propelled by steam were contracted for, and machinery brought upon the 
ground, but sickness of the proprietors suspended operations and they 
were never completed. A blacksmith shop was set up, a dozen cabins 
erected and a small store opened by Josiah Hayes, better known from his 
diminutive size and certain characteristics as " Little Hayes." He after- 
ward moved to Olathe, Kansas, and, as Shakspeare says, " achieved great- 
ness," becoming a Colonel in the Union army and Secretary of State. His 
first wife was a Miss Fanning and his second a Miss Nancy Potter, 
a school teacher. The death of Col. Latta gave the place its finishing 
blow. The settlers left and the cabins were removed elsewhere. In 1837 
it was honored with a call from the "god-like Daniel," whose critcism up- 
on it was that it was " a good place for a farm, but had been badly dam- 
aged by di-iving sticks (corner stakes) into it." Some slight depressions 
in the soil are all that remain of this supposed rival of Henry. 



Hooper Warren. 



Among the many distinguished individuals Avho in early times espoused 
the anti-slavery cause, one who deserves especial mention because of his 



386 RECORDS OF THE OLDET^T TIME. 

devotion and zeal was Hooper A¥arren, of Henry. He was a co-worker 
with the leading spirits of the country in behalf of freedom, and by a long 
life of useful, though to himself most unprofitable labor, earned a high 
niche in the temple of fame. 

Mr. Warren was born at Walpole, N. H., in May, 1700, and brought 
up in Woodstock, Vt., where he learned the trade of a prhiter. In 1817, 
when twenty-seven years old, he removed to St. Louis, and in 1819 estab- 
lished himself at Edwardsville, Madison County, 111., where he started 
the Edwai'dsville Spectator^ the third newspaper published in the State. 
It was a fearless abolition oi'gan, assailing the slavery question from that 
standpoint in front and rear, and soon obtained prominence and influence, 
not only in tliis State, but in the entire North. No newspaper in the 
Union was more liberall}^ quoted fi'om, eithei* to criticise and condemn 
or approve and applaud its doctrines. Hitherto the few publications 
which had objected to slavery had been mildly expostulatory with 
their Southern brethren, and touched the vexed subject in a gingerly and 
apologetic manner, while his was boldly aggressive, denouncing not only 
the system itself, but all Avho upheld it. All manner of personal abuse 
and ill-treatment fell to his lot in the hot pro-slavery section around him, 
and even personal violence was not only repeatedly threatened by known 
as well as anonymous persons, Ijut actually committed upon him. At 
length finding himself too far from the capital of the State, the seat of 
news and headquarters of politicians, in 1825 he removed his paper to 
Springfield and called it the Sangamo Sj^ectator. It was the pioneer 
j^aper of that region, and its publication was continued with varying suc- 
cess about three years. 

^ In 1828 he went to the lead mines, then the great center of attraction 
of the country, and established the Galena Advertiser, where he remained 
three ^^ears. 

In 1831 he removed to Hennepin, the county seat of Putnam County, 
and there accepted the })osition of County and Circuit Clerk, declining the 
offer of a similar position at Chicago, as he deemed the prospects of the 
the to^vn at the supposed head of navigation on the Illinois, immeasurably 
superior to those of the dingy mud-hole at the foot of Lake Michigan. 

About the same time the citizens of Springfield, remembering him as 
a fearless and able editor, offered him $750 in cash to return and conduct 
a newspaper, but this offer he also declined. 

In 1835 he changed his location to Chicago, and there founded the 



Incidents and items of interest. 387 

Commercial Advertiser, issuing the first numbers October 11, 18?>G. He 
continued his connection therewith about a year, when he returned to 
Hennepin in the fall of 1838, and in the spring of 1839 removed to Henry, 
where he afterward, till his death, made his home. 

In the fall of 1840, in conjunction with Z. Eastman, at Lowell (Ver- 
milionville), LaSalle County, he stai'ted the (renins of Liberty. This was 
a weekly newspaper devoted exclusively to the anti-slaver}^ cause, and at 
once became its ablest champion. Besides his own keen, logical efforts, it 
contained speeches, sermons and letters from the foremost literaiy men of 
the day on the vital question, and speedily attained an exalted and influ- 
ential position. But with no local advertising, without State, county or 
other official patronage, and with a subscription list necessarily limited hy 
reason of being confined almost exclusively to the few and scattei'ed anti- 
slavery zealots of that day, the paper, despite the strenuous eif orts of its 
publishers and ardent friends and admireis, proved a financial failure in 
Lowell, and at the end of the year Mr. Warren retired from its manage- 
ment, and it was removed to Chicago, where it attained no special promi- 
nence, being mainly remembered as the forenmner of the Chicago* Trihune. 

In 1851 Mr. Warren became editor of the Bureau County Advocate^ 
which position he retained two years and then retired fi'om the journal- 
istic field. He was a good practical printer, familiar with the details of 
the business, and as an editor quick and ready upon all subjects, especially 
such as came within the scope of his political convictions, seldom writing 
out his "copy," but composing his lengthy "leaders" in his stick, at the 
case. He was a firm temj)erance man, his habits as to intoxicants being 
strictly abstemious, Init never a member of any society or organization 
based upon this principle. He died at Mendota, Illinois, at the house of 
his daughter, Mrs. Littlefield, August 24, 18G4, passing painlessly away 
after a long and busy life, at the age of seventy-four years. 



Incidents. 

The great staple of trade in early days was potatoes. Eveiy farmer 
I'aised them, and never were such a])undant crops seen. The many thou- 
sand bushels sent South cannot \w coiiiputed, nor the fortunes made (or 
lost) by the parties engaged. One year so many bushels were thrown 
overboard as to be a positive nuisance to boatmen, and a bar in the river 



388 li:EC01lDS OF THE OLDEl^ TIME. 

against whicb they lodged and grew, achieved the name of " Potato 
Island." 

The river towns along the lower Mississippi were where markets were 
usually found, and it was the custom to build keel boats, and loading 
them with the plentiful esculent, float them down to market. After a 
sale of the vegetables the boat was sold for its value as firewood. 

On one occasion a wagor.-makcr in Henry named Brown traded a 
wagon to Geo. Dent for 2,000 bushels of potatoes in the fall, the latter 
agreeing to plant a cei-tain variety of seed that Brown desired. They 
grew to a fabulous size, and Brown was delighted, until he cut one open 
and found a "goneness" he little anticipated. They were about 'as hol- 
low as a bladder and not much more valuable. They were too big to 
measure and too numerous to count, so he sent word to Dent to count out 
a couple of thousand of the hollow things and keep the rest. 

Charles Nock's farm was on the Island, below the city. Here was a 
large settlement of thrifty Germans. 

Among the earliest settlers was a man named Van Kirk. He wore 
no hat, but tied a handkerchief tied around his bushy and unkempt locks. 
He regarded a beard as an abomination, and regularly plucked his out by 
the roots with pincers. He was unmarried, and lived about as a general 
utility man. When a small lad he had seen the battle of Trenton from a 
distance, and from constantly dwelling on the subject came to believe him- 
self an active participant who ought to have a pension. He was intensely 
patriotic and on each recurring Fourth of July procured a gallon of 
"blackstrap," and retiring to some secluded grove, read the declaration of 
Independence, and made a speech, closing with toasts, which were loyally 
and enthusiastically drank while the jug lasted. When he first came to 
the place he had considerable money, which, having occasion to make a 
journey' he tied into an old handkerchief and chucked into a crack of the 
logs, telling Thompson it was some "old duds" he didn't care to take 
along. The "old duds" were $2,800 in cash. Vankirk lived many 
years and finally died in the poor house. 

George W. Ditman, of Magnolia, was once pursued by a pack of 
black wolves, and "saved his bacon" by hurriedly climbing a tree, where 
he remained through the night, while the j^elling horde kept watch until 
daylight. 



ll^CIiDElSrTS Ai^D ITEMS OF INTEREST. B89 

Mr. Edmund Britt, an old man well known about Henry many years 
ago, was considered "lightning proof." He was once knocked 2)rostrate 
and his clothes and shoes torn off, but suffered no farther damages. On 
another occasion a bolt of lightning knocked him down and scorched his 
hair and whiskers, but he again escaped serious harm ! 

He was once digging a well when the windlass broke and he was 
buried in the sand, but came out " sound as a dollar." Another time 
the well caved in, buiying him several feet deep in sand and clay, and 
everybody expected to see him taken out dead, but he came up "fresh 
and smiling " after several hours' imprisonment. 

In the winter of 1852, a Mr. Snyder had been across the river hunting, 
and while returning broke through the ice at the mouth of Sandy Creek. 
He could touch the bottom with his feet and stood with his arms on the 
ice, yet he could not extricate himself. He hallowed for help and was 
heard by different persons for hours, but each one supposed it was some 
hunter calling a companion and no one went to his relief. The following 
morning he was found standing in tlie position described, dead. He had 
perished from exhaustion and cold. 

During the Indian war excitement "Deacon" John L. Kamsey was 
going toward the ferry at Henry, when he saw a person approaching. 
The Deacon, who was given to joking, threw a red blanket on his 
shoulders and hid in the grass, arising just as the unsuspecting traveler, 
Mr. Frank Thomas, had neared his hiding place. The latter taking him 
for a redskin leveled his musket to fire, and then it was Ramsey's turn to 
get scared, and he threw off his blanket and yelled : "Do n't shoot, for 
God's sake, it's only me!" 

The large wild cat of the timber is naturally a cowardly beast, but the 
following incident shows they are not averse to human flesh when "out of 
meat." Mr. Pools' two boys were once returning from school when they 
encountered a gang of them, whose threatening demonstrations caused the 
boys to take shelter in a tree. The varmints made demonstrations of 
attack, but the appearance of a dog put them to flight. 

A hunter named Wai'd was once followed by a lynx, which he fortun- 
ately shot with the last bullet in liis possession, and Guy Pool killed one 
close to his door, on Clear Creek, 



o90 llECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Wild hogs were numerous and worse dreaded than any wild animal. 
They were fearless of man and beast, and quite frequently horses were 
badly wounded l;)y these brutes. They were more savage when dogs were 
about, and woidd follow a man on horseback a long distance if accompan- 
ied by one to get at the latter. The attacks of wolves upon their 
offspring had rendered them the enemy of dogs, and they seemed to detect 
their presence in the timber at a long distance. 

The cold snap of 1836 was the cause of a remarkable accident. A 
traveler whose name is unknown, riding a horse and followed by a dog, 
was being set across one of the primitive ferries, the Hat being propelled 
by oars. The fast gathering ice swept them down stream where a landing 
could not l)e made, but the men escaped on the ice to the shore. The 
faithful dog remained with the horse and the next day both were found 
dead. 

At the mouth of Clear Creek, on the farm of Guy W. Pool, the body 
of an Indian was found suspended in a tree. Near by were Indian graves. 
In the same locality another Indian, a child, had Vjeen " buried " in a 
peculiar way. The body of a willow tree was split open and the remains 
of the infant being placed between the halves in a hollow dug out. 
Around the whole were boiuid numerous hickory withes. 

Christmas day, 1835, at a shooting match near Henry, a man named 
Little, a stranger, looking for a farm, strolled up to the crowd and was 
accidentally shot through the head by a drunken fellow named McKinney. 
Little had barely arrived when McKinney's gun was discharged, and 
Little dropped dead. 

A man, still occasionally seen on the streets of Henry, wished to marry 
in the olden time, and having no money to pay the minister, bargained to 
pay him in coon skins, his intended promising to see it carried out. 

A well remembered event in early days was the upsetting of a 
coach load of passengers, near Pools, which rolled down a steep precipice, 
going over several times without serious harm to the inmates. 



TOPOGRAPHY AND SETTLEMENT OF HOPEWELL, 



393 



HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 




CHAPTER XXXIX. 



TOPOGRAPHICAL. 



*HIS Township is said to have been named by Liindsford 
Broaddns. It contains nearly thirty-six sections of land, 
much of it broken and mainly valuable as pasturage, though 
some of the best farms and residences in the county ai'e 
within its borders. Sandy Crek washes its northern boun- 
dary and the Illinois River its western, and the territory 
contiguous is broken and often swampy, but the eastern and 
southern portions are fertile and under a high state of im- 
provement. Its products are live stock and grain. Its farms are well 
cared for and their owners generally "well to do." 

The pioneer white settler, George Wagner, arrived in the Township 
in the spring of 1 830, and put up a cabin, the iirst in this locality. He 
sold it to Edward Harris, who lived here many years and died upon the 
farm now owned by Jerry Feazle. 

The next old settlers were James Hall, William McNeill and Newton 
Reeder, who came together in 1831, and made claims, where Hall still 
resides. McNeill, a blacksmith, settled in the timber north-east of Lacon, 
and Reeder upon what is now the Broaddus farm. 

Lot and Joshua Bullman came here the same year and began their 
respective farms, and near them Jacob Smalley stuck his stakes. 

In 1831 Elisha Swan and Hanson L. Deming put up a double log 
house at the foot of the hill, in what is now known as the Broaddus field, 
where they embarked in the mercantile business, keeping such goods as 
the trade of the new country demanded. This was the frontier store of 
Columbia and vicinity. 



394 Uecoeds of the olden Time. 

Robert Antrim and Peter Barnhart came in 1832, and settled, the 
former on his well known place and the latter on what is now the Han- 
cock farm. Lemuel Eiissell made a claim in 1833. Joseph VanBuskirk 
and William Boys came in 1832, and William Hancock in June 1836, 
buying Bai-nhart's claim. 

Jeremiah Evans and his son Silas Evans came in 1834, and settled in 
the edge of the timber, on the south side of Sandy Creek. Jesse Sawyer 
and Caleb Forbes, with their families, came in 1831. 

In 1833 the Freeman's came, likewise William White and John Benson. 

The first marriage in the Township was that of Josiah W. Martin and 
Courtney Forbes, in 1832. 

John Brumsey settled on Sandy in 1833, where his son Nathan still 
resides. 

Antrim was an odd character, and for years partially insane, a disease 
which grew on him until he committed suicide by hanging himself. His 
first wife he married in Ohio, his second was Martha Harris, and the third 
Nancy, a sister of the famous "Si," Bowles. 

The first school was taught by Miss Caroline Smith, in 1834. 

The first camp meeting in Hopewell was held in the timber, between 
William Strawn's and Lacon, in June 1843, when the Beeves gang did 
some stealing. Elder Phillips presided. The attendance was large, con- 
sidering the sparsely settled condition of the country. 

Apple trees for the early orchards of this region were obtained first by 
John Strawn, who went to Princes nursery, in the southern part of the 
State, in 1832. In 1833 Wier, Strawn and others obtained some by going 
to Peoria for them in keel boats. 

Barnhart brought seedling trees from Lawrenceburg, and planted them 
on his claim in 1832, which did well, some of the fruit being of a very fine 
quality. 

There were other pioneers who lived for a while in Hopewell, but did 
not become permanent citizens. Among these were John Shaner, George 
Easter, Robert and William Waughob and Robert Waughob, Jr., who 
came out as early as September, 1829. Some of them located near 
where Mr. Ramp's orchai'd is located, and others made claims at the 
timber near the line, in Richland. 

The first funeral was that of Robert Waughob, who died in Septem- 
ber, 1831. There being no lumber in the settlement a rough coffin was 



HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP EARLY SCHOOLS AND MILLS. 395 

made of wooden slabs or piinclieons, and the deceased placed therein and 
l)iiiied in the Broaddus Cemetery. 

THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE. 

This was located about two miles west of Sawyer's. It was of the 
prevailing style, had one door, and a log cut ont on one side gave ample 
ventilation and a little light. It was built in 1836. A Mr. Lee first 
taught the Hopewellian ideas how to shoot. 

A notable old time school house stood in the ravine south-east of 
Irving Bi-oadus', where most of the present dwellers in the vicinity 
obtained their "larnin'." It was built in 1835 by Lemuel Russell, John 
Wier, James Hall, John Strawn, James Kane, William Hancock, the 
Bullman's, and other patrons of the school. 

Two schools had been previously taught in the township, one in a 
cabin belonging to a man named Waughob and the other in a cabin near 
Lemuel Russell's. The first taught here was by a man named Elmore. 
Beside serving for school purposes it was used for debating clubs, church 
services, public meetings, itinerating shows, etc. The old school house 
served its purpose, and then gave away to something more pretentious and 
its timbers were made into a stable. Forty-four years after its erection a 
meeting of the surviving pupils was held on the spot, and a very interest- 
ing time was had. 

THE FIRST SAW AND GRIST MILLS. 

The first saw mill in the Township was put up by Jesse and Enoch 
Sawyer, in 1835. It stood not far from where the "old Henry road" 
crosses Sandy Creek. The Sawyers run this mill about four years, when 
they sold it to Ebenezer Pomeroy. 

Mr. Caleb Forbes, in 1833, had a horse power saw mill near his farm, 
on the south side of Sandy, in the timber of the bluffs, that did good work 
for several years, 

Nathan Brumsey also had a saw attachment to his grist mill, near the 
present home of Mrs. Broaddus. 

The pioneer miller ^ ;as Zion Shugart, who came to Ox Bow Praiiie 
in 1829 and afterwards Ijcated on Sandy Creek, near the present residence 
of Mrs. Christopher Broaddus. He made his own mill stones, fastened the 
lower one to a stump and with appropriate machinery revolved the upper 



396 liECORDS Of the oLdeis" o^ime* 

one by horse power. It was slow and very hard work to grind or crack 
corn on this mill. It did not reduc3 it to meal, bnt rather left it in small 
fragmentary grains, but still as a labor saving machine it was a decided 
improvement upon the plans heretofore in use. 

In 1831 Mr. Shugart constructed a corn and flour mill to run by 
water. When the conditions were favorable — water plenty, corn dry, 
machinery properly lubricated, and all else in harmony, this mill could 
grind about two bushels of corn into tolerable meal and bran every hour ! 
The bolting apparatus consisted of a hand sieve, shaken by the customer 
whose grist was being ground. 

This mill flourished until spring, when a freshet swept away every- 
thing belonging to it except the naked stones, which were taken away 
and put in a mill at Caleb Thompson's farm, where a good horse mill was 
built in the spring of 1832, and for about two years did about all the 
grinding for the country. 

After this Mr. Shugart commenced a larger mill, but sold it before 
completion to John Brumsey. It had all the usual facilities and did good 
work. Brumsey sold it to a Mr. Trusten, and the latter to James Croft. 
William Fisher & Co. became the next owners and Anally Mr. Broaddus. 
Only a few timbers remain to tell of its existence. 

JESSE SAWYER. 

Among the more noted settlers of Hopewell were Jesse Sawyer and 
Caleb Forbes. They came to this locality in the summer of 1830, on 
horseback, from North Carolina, and concluding to locate returned for 
their families, packed up their effects, and left Albemarle Sound in April, 
the journey occupying five months. 

The family of Mr. Sawyer consisted of himself, wife, and five boys, 
one being a step-son, Mr. Lemuel Russell, then unmarried. Mr. Forbes 
had two sons and two daughters. They crossed a part of Tennessee, 
traveling through Kentucky and Indiana. 

After many trials and hardships the party arrived here September 2, 
1831, having traveled a distance of over eleven hundred miles. A rude 
cabin was put up near a large elm tree, a half mile south-east of the 
present residence of Enoch Sawyer. (Mrs. Jesse Sawyer died in her new 
home several years after, at the good old age of eighty-six years, and Mr. 
Jesse Sawyer, after getting his children here comfortably fixed, went to 



MONEY LOANED ON SHORT ACQUAINTANCE. 397 

California in 1849, and wliile on a journey from San Francisco to Oregon 
became sick and died, and was buried in the sea.) 

Mr. S. exploi'ed mucli of the country for miles along the eastern 
boundaries of the Illinois Iliver, but found no place that suited him better 
than the spot chosen, and which l)ecame his future home. His cabin 
was a log structure', one story high, with a stick and mud chimney, and 
only one room, in which his family and two hired men lived the first 
wintei'. 

During this time Forbes had erected a roomy house of hewed logs, 
and when the Indian war broke out this was turned into a fort for the 
protection of the two families. Doors and windows were heavily 
bari'icaded, port holes were made and the most elaborate means taken 
for offense as well defense, and to this fortress the two families retired at 
night, the "men folks" following their usual avocations during the day. 

AN OLD TIME PREACHER. 

About 1832 or 1833 Mr. Sawyer's father went to Spriilgfield to enter 
land. A man named Howard kept a sort of tavern at Holland's Grove, 
near where Washington now stands, and there Mr. S. put up for the night. 
The landlord was short of beds and he was given a bed-fellow — a Metho- 
dist minister named Mitchell. After retiring these gentlemen struck up 
a conversation, in which Mr. Mitchell disclosed his profession, and, the 
further fact that he was hard up for money. He said if he had $500 he 
could put it to good use and make it pay him well, and that if he knew 
where to get it he would pay fair interest for the same. Mr. Sawyer was 
a man of some means, and had more ready money than he desired to use, 
and though a careful business man he loaned the preacher the required 
sum, taking his note therefor. After parting with his new friend and 
thinking the matter over he concluded he had been too precipitate. It 
was not " business," and the conclusion arrived at was that he had been 
sold. 

He had never seen or heard of Mitchell before, and only knew that his 
name was such from the man's own statement. Mrs. S., good, careful 
woman that she was, did not approve his conduct, and more than once 
expatiated upon the "old man's foolishness" in trusting the unknown 
preacher with so much money. Time rolled on — one, two, three, four 
and five years passed, and no account came from Mitchell. 



308 RECORDS OF THE OLDEX TIME. 

By this time the old lady's fears had become realities, and he gave it up 
as "a bad speculation." One day business took him to Hennepin, and it 
being Sunday, he went to the Methodist Church. Imagine his surprise 
as service was about to begin, when the long lost Mitchell walked into the 
pulpit! The preacher took occasion to give his heai'ers a forcible sermon 
on the subject of temperance, painting in strong colors the fate of the 
drunkard, and condemning in the strongest terms "regular" and "occa- 
sional" drinking, and promising unending j^unishment foi' the bibulous 
man. 

When services were over Mr. Sawyer left the church, unnoticed by the 
preacher, and went home without seeking an interview. He related to 
his family the circumstances, and, of course, all hopes of seeing his $500 
were gone. 

At noon on the following day the preacher rode up to the gate and 
asked for dinner. There was no pretence of a recognition on either side, 
but Sawyer managed to whisper to his wife, "that's our preacher!" The 
good lady surveyed him with much dissatisfaction. 

Mr. S. was in the habit of "taking something" before dinner, and 
moreover, feeling indifferent as to the preacher's sentiments and in defi- 
ance of the temperance lecture of Sunday took down the decanter and 
invited the preacher to imbibe. To the utter bewilderment of the old 
lady and surprise of Mr. S., the pious man poured out a goodly "horn," 
fixed it up with artistic skill and drank it down with evident relish! 
Whatever weak hopes Mr. Sawyer had for his money were now ban- 
ished. Soon after each took another liberal "nip," and when dinner had 
been satisfactorily disposed of, the preacher said: "Mr. Sawyer, I have a 
little business with you." To this Mr. Sawyer replied: "All right, Mr. 
Mitchell ; come this wa}^" 

This was the first time that either had spoken the name of the other! 
They sat down and the preacher drew from his coat pocket a well-filled 
bag and counted out the $500, with interest, to a cent, and handed it over 
with "much obliged." This done, he moiuited his iiorse and disappeared. 

The old lady's opinion as to the character of that preacher underwent 
some modification, but still remained considerably mixed. 

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS. 

The Indians often visited the Sawyer cabin and made^themselves quite 



NEIGHBORLY INDIANS PEDESTRIANISM. 1^99 

at home. These red skinned inhabitants were numerous and had the 
faculty or habit of becoming exceedingly free on short acquaintance. 
They would come to the cabin in cold or wet weather and s(|uat around 
the fire-place, monopolizing every inch of room without leave. They 
would lift the covers off the dinner pots to see what was being cooked, 
and were frequent aj3plicants for food, a favor which was never denied 
when I'easonable. 

On one occasion not long after the cal)in was built a dozen savages 
entered the door unbidden and sat down upon the floor to dry themselves. 
Mi'S. Sawyer was alone, except Enoch, the family being in the woods 
making rails. Mrs. Sawyer was badly frightened, as they were the first 
she had seen, and retreated to an adjoining room for safety. Not a 
word of English could the copper-colored visitors speak, and after sitting 
so long as pleased them they departed, greatly to the relief of the inmates. 
One of th£ Indians arose and drawing his scalping knife motioned to 
Enoch to approach. Mrs. Sawyer, who was intently observing them, felt 
sure their time had come, but the savage by pantomimic signs made it 
known that he only wished to sharpen his knife on Sawyer''s grindstone. 

When Black Hawk proclaimed war and repudiated the treaty made 
by his tribe the Pottawattomies were in a quandary, and did not know 
whether to join the Sacs'* and Fox's or remain neutral. A large number 
of the tribe, through the counsel of Shaubena, did not take up arms, and 
remained true to their pledges, but by far the greater number did. 

In the spring of 1832 a rendezvous of Indians favorable to the war, 
was made at Holland's Grove, and the disaffected marched north, toward 
Dixon. Their trail was visible for years up the east side of the Illinois 
lliver, at various distances from it, but genei'ally on the edge of the 
prairie, to avoid deep ravines and thick forests. They marched j)ast Mr. 
Sawyei''s on theii" ponies, going in single file, each warrior arrayed in war 
paint and looking as solemn as a funeral procession. 

The winter after the war, the boys were sent to the woods to cut tim- 
ber, and while absent from their team, half a dozen Indians came along 
and ate their dinners. The boys were indignant and vowed revenge, so 
taking their axes they followed tlie miscreants until their tracks became 
dangerously fresh and then returned. 

THE ORIGINAL TRA3IP. 

Hopewell furnishes the starting point of the original tramp, or the first 



400 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

great feat of long winded pedestrianisni on record in this country. It was 
in 1833, wlien a Mrs. White and her son, who had come from North Caro- 
lina the previous year, determined to return to their old home. They were 
very poor, with not sufficient means to l)uy food on their way, letting 
alone transportation, and withal she was past the age allotted to man or 
woman, yet such was her love for her old home and so strong hei' desire 
to see it again, that braving all obstacles she started, and actually made 
the long distance on foot. Her simple story made friends every^vhere and 
food and shelter were had for the asking, without money or price. Thus 
they journeyed slowly on and reached their destination after a nearly 
eleven hundred mile tramp. 

GAME. 

The early settlers of Hopewell found an abundance of ^me of all 
kinds in its season, and the river and tributary streams sw^med with 
fish. The ground was covered with the bones of buifalo and elk, and it 
was no unusual sight to see deer in droves of twenty and thirty crossing 
the prairie in single file. Among the feathered tribes, sand-hill cranes 
were the most numerous. They went in large flocks, and seen at a dis- 
tance upon the bare prairie, were easily mistaken for sheep. 

Gray foxes were numerous, and the highly perfumed Mepliitisi Ameri- 
canus, not long after introduced himself pretty numerously. Gray squir- 
rels too, were plenty, but the latter as well as foxes of the same color 
afterward gave place to red foxes and red squirrels, the only kinds now 
found in this section. Wild turkeys were' not abundant until 1 840. 
Bee trees were found everywhere in the timbei', and the people needed no 
syrup for corn cakes. 

Wolves, both the prairie and timber species, black and gray, were nu- 
merous, and the farmers' greatest dread and constant annoyance. On 
more than one occasion has Mr. Sawyer been called upon not only to exer- 
cise his skill as a marksman, but under ciitical circumstances, where a 
sure aim and steady nerve were needed. He was an expei't and enthusiastic 
hunter, and brought with him from his Southern home a pair of superb 
hounds from which sprung a numerous progeny, with whose aid he has 
waged war against these "varmints" for many years. In the winter of 
1833-34 he had occasion to go to mill. His conveyance was a sled upon 
which was a Pennsylvania wagon box, drawn by three yokes of oxen. 



AN INVOLUNTARY DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 401 

The mill was at Seybold's on the Vermillion river, and as Mr. Sawyer was 
returning with his grist through Sandy Creek timber on a bright moon- 
light night, he heard a low growl which he recognized as that of a wolf, 
and perceived a large gray timber wolf not ten feet away. It was crouched 
as if ready to spring, and its eyes glared with a flashing yellow green pe- 
culiar to the feline tribe. Young Sawyer was justifiably alarmed, and 
giving the brute a sharp cut with his long whip jumped into the sled. 
At a wayside cabin he borrowed a gun, and when the animal reappeared 
a lucky shot laid him out. 



Incidents. 

As illustrating the rapid growth of timber in this country it is related 
that north and east of Hancock's house, forty years ago, there was a 
growth of low hazle brush, small oak and other trees. From the door of 
the house during fall and winter could be seen the white spots or tails of 
the deer as they browsed or frolicked through the thickets. On that 
same patch of what was once hazle-brush and saplings, large trees have 
grown, and within the last four or five years from eighteen to twenty 
cords of wood per acre were cut therefrom. 

The old settlers in this like those of other localities had no flour or 
meal save such as they made themselves on a grater, in a stump mortar or 
pestle, with a spring-pole beater, — the pound-cake mill of the olden 
time. When they desired to put on style, they went to mill forty to one 
hundred miles away. Mr. Hancock remembers going to Dayton to mill, 
four miles above Ottawa, on Fox River. 

They hauled their wheat to Chicago, where they found a market at 
fifty-six cents per bushel, and brought back lumber and salt, which they 
sold at good prices, the latter bringing as high as $5.00 per barrel. 

The farmers' wives knew nothing about saleratus or fancy baking pow- 
der. When they wanted fine rising, they made pearl ash by burning 
corn-cobs. 

Wm. Strawn, whose parents were Methodists, and looked upon dan- 
cing with abhorence, took his first lesson in tripping the "light fantastic 
toe " in this way : His mother had been baking bread in an old fashioned 
oven. William, in his bare feet, came near the fire to warm, and un^^^t- 



402 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



tingly stepped upon the large flat stone which, heated to a cherry red, 
forms a covering for the primitive oven. He lifted his foot with an ago- 
nizing yell of mingled siir])rise and pain, but in doing so placed the other 
on the same scorching sui'face. And then ensued a series of gyrations, 
contortions and fantastic steps, accompanied by howls and groans, 
which proved highly amusing to the other children, but which William 
to this day cannot recall without an involuntary shifting of his pedal 
extremeties. 




GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ROBERTS TOWNSHIP. 



403 



ROBERTS TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XL. 




TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

^HIS Township derived its name from the first settler in Mar- 
shall County, Jesse Roberts, who made his claim in a point 
of timber south of Sandy Creek, and for many years lived 
there noted as an eccentric but hospitable and generous man. 
The Township contains thirty-six sections or 23,040 
acres of land. The principal water course traversing its 
territory is Sandy Creek, a large stream coming from Ev- 
ans Township on the east and flowing through Sections 
one, two, three, four, five and six nearly due west to the town of Hope- 
well, and thence to the Illinois River. From the south this stream is fed 
by Shaws', Myers', Graylord's and a number of smaller branches, and from 
the north by Little Sandy and its tributaries. The entire town is well 
watered and abundantly supplied with timber. Between the branches 
named and those referred to there at'e stretches of prairie and openings that 
come down near the verge of the bluffs along the southern line of Sandy 
Creek. To the north and south these prairies widen, and beyond the sev- 
eral points of timber unite in a vast expanse of deep and remarkably rich 
soil, now covered with fine farms. 

The Western Division of the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Rail- 
road runs through this Township from section twenty-flve on the east 
to Section thii-ty oa the west, connecting with the other great lines of 
railroad and affording an outlet for the products of the Township. A 
branch of this road also diverges south from the main branch at Varna, a 
village in this Township. While the soil is very deep and productive, 
the lands in some parts are less rolling than west of the Illinois River. 
When their roads have been improved to the general standard of excel- 
lence prevailing in other townships this will be a model farming region. 



404 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The objection of very level lands does not prevail along the timber, nor 
for two or three miles back therefrom, the surface in this part of the 
Township being a succession of gently rolling or undulating sw^ells. 

Fine lai'ge orchards are a special feature of Roberts. Ai)ple trees of 
enormous growth are found on all of the older farms, and some of the 
orchards are of surprisingly extensive acreage. Many of the farmej's 
along Sandy Creek are superior horticulturalists, especially "read up" in 
tlie culture of the apple, and by careful study and experiment have re- 
duced fruit culture to a science. Profiting l)y experience they cultivate 
choice varieties almost exclusively, and only fail when the season is un- 
favorable. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settlers here were: 1828 — Livingston Roberts ; 1829 — Dr. 
J. Gaylord, Abel Estabrook, Horace Gaylord ; 1880 — Enoch Dent, Geo. 
Morton, G. H. Shaw, Wm. Cowan; 1831 — Samuel Redmond, Eli Red- 
mond; 1832- — David Myers, Chas. S. Edward, David Stateler, Samuel 
Beckwith, Wm. McMillan, Jerry Hardenbower, John Myers; 1833 — 
David Myer's family, Hiram Myers; 1834 — B. Reynolds, Abram De 
Long; 1835; Wm. Swartz, Zeb Swarz; 1837 — Mr. Davidson, Mr. Ellen- 
borg; 1838 — Mr. Usher, James Hoyt; Aaron Gaylord came to Marshall 
County about 1833, and settled in Roberts Township on the Keys farm. 
Mr. Gaylord himself and two daughtei's died in 1834. His wife Maria 
was left with a large family and I'aised them successfully. Among them 
were: Dr. Ed. Gaylord, of Magnolia; Dr. Hiram Gaylord, of Pontiac; 
James S. Gaylord, of Western Kansas; Orange Gaylord, who went to 
Oi-egon many years ago ; Mrs. T. Beckwith, now in the south part of 
Evans Township. 



Varna. 

This well-known village, born of railroad enterprise, was laid out Sep- 
tember 10, 1870, on the south half of the north-east quarter of Section 
28, Town 30, Range 1 west., by George Straut and wife, on the prairie 
along the Western Division of the Chicago, Alton <fe St. Louis Railroad. 
Additions have since been made from time to time until the town, on the 
maps, has assumed creditable proportions. 

The original town is all north of and adjoining the railroad. It stands 



Varna — its BtismEss, schools and churches, 405 

on the level prairie to the east of Shaw's Point, and is the first station 
on the above mentioned road east of the Connty seat. 

The first house in the village was built in 1870, a store, by Mr. John 

B. Brotherhood, who added a dwelling to it the same fall, and soon after 
Bobbitt and others followed his example, until a number of neat dwel- 
lings, stores, warehouses, churches and a good public school building, 
constituted the general make-up of the village. Its leading features are : 
Four churches, — German Lutheran, Swedish Lutheran, German Episco- 
pal and Methodist — two grocery and general stores, two drug dealers, 
one hardware store, two boot and shoe shops and stores, one harness shop, 
two carpenters, two meat markets, a livery stable, four blacksmith shops, 
one lumber yard, two grain merchants and stock buyers, two hotels, two 
wagon shops, two dealers in agricultural implements, a tile manufactory, 
two milliners and a doctor. At the last election the poll books showed 
sixty-eight voters in the village, 

Varna has the cretlit of maintaining an excellent public school. No. 
8, which embraces the village, was organized in 18G9, and Thomas Quain- 
tance was the first teacher for two years. The school building erected in 
the summer of the year named, is a large frame structure, capable of 
accommodating one hundred pupils, and contains all the modern improve- 
ments for the graded system, on which plan the school is conducted. 

THE SWEDISH CHURCH. 

The natives of Sweden living in the vicinity of Varna first began to 
hold public worship about 186G, The only church then in this region of 
their faith was at Caledonia, west of Magnolia. About 1874 they held a 
largely attended and successful revival meeting at Varna, upon the con- 
clusion of which they organized a Society, Rev. Mr. Lindall lending his 
aid to the success of the movement. 

They selected as their first deacons and trustees, Andrew Lindall, O. 
P. Nelson, Charles Esterdahl, John Humstrom, Andrew Angstrom and 

C. A. Peterson. 

The leading members wei-e: C, Esterdahl, O. P. Nelson, Andrew 
Lindall and C. A. Humstrom, who constituted the building committee. 

The church building was erected in 1874. It is a frame structure 25 
x72 feet, 18 foot ceiling, neatly finished, and furnished with an organ, 
conrtortable seats, etc. It cost entire $4,500, and was built by subscrip- 



40 O ItliCORt>S OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tion. The original membership was 125, but it has now nearly doubled, 
and the Society is in a prosperous condition. It conducts an excellent 
Sunday School, which is managed, in turn, by four of the deacons. 

The ministers have been : Rev. Mr. Londerblau, who occasionally vis- 
ited Varna in 1870; Rev. Mr. Mai berg, who came from time to time in 
1874; succeeded by Rev. P. G. Brodine, who, in 18?9, gave way to Rev. 
Gr. O. Gustafson. 

GERMAN M. E. CHURCH. 

This Society, nt Varna, was formed in June, 1872. The trustees were 
Christian Koch, William Koch and Christian Benkendorf. About eleven 
persons organized the church, and built a small place of worship the same 
year, costing $1,800. 

The preacher who was mainly instrumental in the foundation of the 
Society was Rev. Barnard Ruch, and in January, 1880, the pastor was 
Rev. Mr. Danner. 

THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

This Society was organized at Varna in 1871. The first preacher was 
Rev. J. Johannes, to whose personal efforts its success was largely due. 
The trustees of the congregation were: Michael Kemnitz, Reinhardt 
Kitzman and George Sanwald. 

Their meeting house was built in 1873. It is a frame structure, 43xG0 
feet, with a steeple and bell, comfortably seated, and was built by sub- 
scription, costing $2,300. The congregation is small, but earnest in the 
work, and a good Sabbath School is kept in a flourishing condition. 

The first services were by Rev. Mr. Kerch er, and afterward Rev. 
Walter Krebs, who also had the spiritual wants of the Society in charge 
foi' years. The minister in 1879 was Rev. A. Sipple, of La Rose, who 
alternates his work between the church here and at the latter place. 



Lyons. 



Among the numerous towns that sprang up like mushrooms in a single 
night, in this region — on paper — during the speculative fever of 1835 
and '36, the above is an example, and in its rise and fall is presented the 



"rME HISTORY OF A tAPER TOWK 407 

lilstory of tliousaiids equally ambitions and ill fated. Lyons was started 
by an Eastern com])any, its projectors residing in New York. It was laid 
out in 1836, but the plat, which contained one hundred and sixty acres of 
land adjoining the present village of Vai-na on the West and south-west, 
was never recorded. 

The Association entei'ed forty-six sections of land, mainly in 
this part of the state, and assessed twenty-iive dollars per quarter section 
to build an agent's house here and provide for the expenses of surveying 
and selling the lots. This was the first building of any kind on this 
prairie for many miles, and was put up for the company by Henry Long, 
of Lacon. Its materials were hard wood and a frame of hewn logs, after 
the manner af all buildings beyond the limits of the timber in those days. 

A committee of the Company made deeds of such few lots as were 
sold, which were so worded as to contain no streets and alleys, and as 
none of these had been dedicated to the public and no rights accrued by 
prescription or use, legal questions as to the right of buyers to fence them 
up and block up highways were avoided. As no clause was inserted in 
these conveyances compelling the owners to build upon the property thus 
bought — a provision inserted in similar conveyances of lots in some other 
new towns, — no house was ever erected within the limits of Lyons, save 
the dwelling of the agent. 

When the sole resident of this city moved here, and became monarch 
of all he surveyed, his nearest neighbors were the few settlers along the 
line of Sandy Creek and C. S. Edwards and G. H. Shaw at Shaw's Point. 

The land bought by the New Yoi-k company >vas scattered about this 
region within a scope of six or seven miles and Lyons was laid out as the 
central point. The lots brought at the rate of from one to five dollars 
per acre, and were sold between 1847 and 185G, ])y which time the 
original company had parted with its interest in the property. Some of 
the lands sold as low as fifty cents an acre, but this brought no new 
settlers. Some ''commanded," as the advertisements had it, $20 per acre; 
the latter lying near the "city limits." 

The town was surveyed for the Association })y Jordon Sawyer, a 
brother of Enoch Sawyer, of Hopewell. 

JESSE S. ROBERTS. 

The man from whom the Township derives its name and the first set- 



408 EECOtlDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

tier in the County deserves a more extended notice than is given to most 
of the pioneers. This was Jesse S. Roberts, who was born on the Little 
Pedee, South Carolina, May 11, 1876. His father took sides with the 
mother countiy in her efforts to subdue the colonists, and at the close of 
the war was expatriated, taking up his residence at St. Johns, New Bruns- 
wick, where we believe he subsequently died. His family i-emained loyal, 
and were permitted to occupy the valuable i)roperty he held, which, by 
the law of primogeniture then in force, reveited to the oldest son, leaving 
the others, among whom was the subject of this sketch, to care for 
themselves. 

Until eleven years old he lived at home with his mother, going to 
school occasionally and assisting in the labors of the fai'm as he could. At 
that age he was indentured to a saddler and harness make]', serving his 
master the full time of seven years, as was the good old custom. -> As be- 
fore intimated, his father's estate was inherited by an elder brother, and 
the manifest injustice so embittered him that he determined to leave the 
country and seek out a home foi' himself in the new and fertile regions 
beyond the Ohio. "• 

It was six hundred miles to his proposed destination, the road leading 
ovei' mountains, through sprd'sely settled districts, and hostile tribes of 
Indians. Nothing daunted, however, he shouldered his axe, put a spare 
shirt or two in his bundle and set out, walking the entire distance. 

He passed over the now justly celebrated "blue grass region," think- 
ing it too destitute of timber, and proceeding to the vicinity of Smithland, 
Kentucky, selected a location among the heavy timber of the region, 
and putting up a cabin of rough logs open at one end, plied his axe in- 
dustriously for three months, living by himself and doing his own cook- 
ing and washing. 

Leaving his new home at this time he started back to South Cai'oliua 
for a helpmeet, receiving along with her a feather bed and an old frying 
pan. With his wife and dowry mounted on an old mare — his sole worldly 
wealth — and himself trudging by her side, he again made the journey to 
the El Dorado of his hopes. His wife proved a most worthy companion, 
and together they cleared up a large farm, while children were born and 
their fortunes grew apace. 

In course of time he owned slaves — a woman to help his wife and two 
stout fellows to assist him on the farm. He also built a flat boat and 
commenced making voyages to New Orleans, loading his craft with 



REMINISCENCES OF PIONEERS. - 409 

grain, sheep, liogs and poultry, wliicli lie converted into casli and returned 
on foot, carrying about liis person as high as six hundred dollars in silver. 
His road lay through the Indian nation, where he found caljins erected 
for the entertainment of travelei's, who were expected to furnish their own 
provisions. 

On one occasion he took down a likely young negro named Obed and 
bargained him away for six hundred dollars. The chattel was unusually 
sharp, and divining the nature of the transaction, "lit out" before the 
delivery of the property, reaching home two weeks befoie his master. 
There was some difficulty over the sale, but Roberts insisted that he sold 
him on the run, and it was compromised by the seller accepting four 
hundred dollars. Obed continued to light the fires and perform any service 
I'equired luitil he heard his master was coming, when he started for Can- 
ada and was not seen again. 

Slave property was in very good demand. Roberts paid at one time 
for a likely young black, seven hundred dollars in cash and one hundred 
and fifty acres of land. When he left the country he was the owner of a 
motherly old slave named Judy, who had nursed all his children, and as 
she did not wish to leave, he sought out a master satisfactory to her, and 
sold her for three hund.ied dollars cash, a barrel of whisky and a keg of 
powder. It is needless to say the whisky was all imbibed by the crowd' 
which came to bid them adieu. 

Wishing to educate his family beyond the influences of slavery, Mr. 
Roberts in that year sold his farm, came to Illinois and settled in the 
vicinity of Hillsboro, remaining there two years. In the meantime he 
came north, and renting a piece of land above Ottawa, raised a crop of 
corn there in 1828. During that summer Jie came into Putnam County 
and was advised by Mr. Knox to make the claim upon which he lived 
until his death, August 7, 1841, aged sixty-five. 

JAMES HOYT. 

James Hoyt was one of the first settlers of the prairie south of Sandy 
Creek in this Township. He came to the vicinity of Varna in 1838, 
making his home at Green's house, put up as the City Hotel of the 
prospective city of Lyons, and remained in the neighborhood until 1843, 
when he built a frame house about one and a half miles north of Varna, 
on the tract known as the Kestor place, where Dr. Gaylord had formerly 



410 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

lived. The only building in this locality other than those of the farmers 
joining the timber were a log cabin built by David Meyers and one by 
his son John, in ] 843 or '44, one-half mile west of Hoyt's. 

In the fall of 1842 Mr. Hoyt went to Chicago with a load of wheat. 
He made the journey under all sorts of difficulties, but arrived safely, sold 
his grain for fifty cents per bushel, half "store pay," bought a stove, got 
sloughed — not "slewed" — frequently coming home, and lived on raw 
bacon all the way. As he fared sumptuously on chickens fixin's going 
up, he realized the abominable contrast in diet with well defined and deep 
disgust. 

The winter of 1843 was an uncommonly hard one. Snow came early, 
covered the ground to the depth of one and a half feet and remained 
iintil the January following, when there was a ten days' period of thaw, 
followed by a new crop of snow, which did not wholly melt until the 10th 
of April, 1844. 

Mr. Hoyt moved into his new place in the fall of 1843. The first day 
after his arrival there the deep snow fell, and then his troubles began. 
He had little or no fuel, and was four miles from where he could fiet fire- 
wood. He had to go the next morning, Sunday though it was, after 
wood, and kept up these long trips regularly and frequently all that 
winter. 



Next to Jesse Roberts the first permanent settler in Roberts was James 
H. Shaw, who made a claim at the point of timber that has since borne 
his name so early as 1831. It was long a prominent landmark, and the 
proprietor was widely known and respected. He came to Tazewell 
County in 1827, taught school in Magnolia in 1830, and finally settled 
down as a farmer as stated. His nearest neighbors were C. S. Edwards, 
whose fine farm afterward passed into the possession of Reuben Broaddus. 
The two men took opposite sides in politics, and each filled stations of 
public trust and honor. The former has been gathered to his fathers, but 
the latter still remains. During the Black Hawk troubles their families 
sought protection in the Roberts stockade, and remained until danger was 
past. One night an alarm was raised and the men gathering their shoot- 
ing irons rushed to defend their fortress. A valorous Frenchman made 
himself conspicuous by flourishing a big horse pistol and exhorting the 



I^rivaTion and hardships of pioneer life. 411 

crying women and children to "die like men." It was only a scare, how- 
ever, and no barm came of it. 

The route usually traveled from Shaw's Point to Lacon led along the 
timber past the Harris place, until Mr. Edwards "blazed the way" 
through the prairie by the direct route. 

CHICAGO AS A GRAIN MARKET IN 1829. 

The privations and Hardships endured by the early settlers can hardly 
be realized l)y their descendants, surrounded by every comfort and luxury. 
We know men who are in despair if the mail fails to arrive on time, and 
women who will sit down and cry if a visitor comes to diniier and there 
is no butter in the house ; yet these are insignificant ti'ifles compared with 
what our ancestors underwent. Think of living for months oii pounded 
corn mixed with water and baked on a board before the fire; of keeping 
house without tea, coffee, sugar potatoes or fruits; of living in cabins des- 
titute of windows, knowing nothing of the outside world, and seeing 
neither friend nor neighbor for months. Yet these were the experiences 
of the older settlers of our state. 

There were no markets to speak of. Hennepin was a small trailing 
post where furs and peltries could be bartered for merchandise, but the 
future thriving towns of Henry, Lacon and La Salle had, in 1829, not a 
single inhabitant. St. Louis was a place of some importance, but at this 
date few adventurous keels had plowed the waters of the Illinois, Galena, 
in the north-west, was a place of considerable mining intei'est and Chicago 
was looking up as a future lake port of some possible importance, yet at 
this time its wants were so little that an enterprising farmer of this 
County, who sent a load of oats there in 1839, could not find a purchaser, 
and was about despairing of a sale when he heard of an Englishman 
living five miles up the North Branch, whither he went and disposed of 
his load, accepting a greyhound in part payment. 

The settler was Livingstone Roberts, whose outfit was three yoke of 
oxen, a "prairie schooner wagon," blanket, axe, camp kettle and flint and 
steel* for striking fire. The route crossed the Vermillion near the present 
site of the village of Lowell, where he encamped the first night. No 
settlers were passed during the day and he saw no signs of improvement 
until he reached Ottawa, then a thriving town of three cabins, where he 
passed the second night. Fox River was forded a mile above, and that 



412 ilECORDS Ot^ THE OLDEN TIME. 

day he made Holderman's Grove, where he found a single inhabitant in 
the person of a Frenchman named Vermet. The fourth day he camped 
beside a big spring near the present village of Plattvile, and the fifth 
reached the crossing of the Du Page. 

The sixth night he camped at the Summit, the only signs of civiliza- 
tion being two settlers' cabins skirting the timber. The next day he drove 
into Chicago and looked with wonder and awe upon the blue waters of 
Lake Michigan for the first time. Tne future city contained two frame 
dwellings and one store, the latter occupied by James Kinzie, the Indian 
trader. Around the fort was grouped the barracks and a few cabins 
tenanted by French and half breeds. Near the forks of the river a man 
named See kept a house of entertainment, where Roberts put up. 

The thriving cities of Morris and Joliet had not even an existence at 
that time, and very few persons were seen upon the way. Occasionally 
an emigrant's wagon was passed, under whose white canvas a robust 
mother and half a dozen tow headed children were seen, while fastened 
behind was the spinning wheel, a crate of chickens and a couple of chairs. 

Mr. Roberts followed the "teaming business" many years, making 
five or six trips to Chicago, and loading on his return with merchandise, 
salt, lumber, etc. His usual train was three teams made up of horses and 
oxen. In those days coffee cost at Chicago 12 cents per pound by the 
sack; sugar, 6 to 8 cents; and tea 25 cents. Salt cost $1.05 per barrel, 
and sold here for $6.00 to $7.00. 

One fall a boat from St. Louis froze up in the river near Heilry, laden 
with forty hogsheads of sugar, and Mr. Roberts hauled three of them to 
Chicago for seventy cents per 100 pounds. 

Mr. Roberts house was for many years a well known stopping place 
for travelers and a noted landmark. While the stages ran past he kept 
the station, and provided food for passengers. He was a man of un- 
bounded hospitality, and no man was ever turned away hungry for want 
of means of payment. He has raised a large family of sons and daugh- 
ters, who have left the paternal home and raised families of their own, 
yet he is still as young in feeling as when he first swung an axe on the 
praii'ie fifty-two years ago. 

PIONEER FRUIT RAISERS. 

The first citizen who took an active interest in the cultivation of fruit 



FRUIT GROWING OLD FORTS. 413 

trees was David Myers. He brought here a half bushel of seeds in the 
spring of 1835, and planted them on his farm. They grew finely, and five 
years afterward produced a good crop of excellent fruit. He used to go 
south often for seeds, sometimes getting them near St. Louis and other 
southern places. 

His object was to establish a nursery for supplying others, and in the 
warm and fruitful soil a very few years sufficed to do this. Most of the 
old orchards in the County came from trees first raised by him. In those 
days fruit was not subject to the attacks of insects that in late years have 
proved such pests, but apples were free from spots and blemishes, and 
j)erfect m every respect. Those who have seen the nice fruit Kansas pro- 
duc^^s can form an idea of its beauty. Along with settlement and civil- 
ization came mildew, moths, cui'culios, borers and the thousand-and-one 
enemies of apples, pears, etc. 

Mr. Myers' taste and fame as a fruit culturist descended to his sons, 
^vho more than maintain that of their ancestor. 

OLD FORTS. 

When the Indian war begun most of the settlers volunteered, Living- 
stone Roberts and others joining Stewart's Rangers. Their families mean- 
while sought protection in hastily improvised forts or stockades, one of 
Avhich surrounded the cabin of Jesse Roberts and another the Beck- 
with cabin, Avhile a third and better was constructed at David Griffin's. 
They .were made in the usual way — of split logs placed endwise in the 
ground, with port holes, etc., for musketry. It was a time of excitement 
and terror, and though the alarms which occurred told to-day seem 
ludicrous in the extreme they were fearfully real to the actors. 

One incident is related of a not very warlike man who hid his wife 
and children beneath the cabin floor and himself climbed down the well. 
The woman and children were the first to emerge from their concealment, 
when the head of the family too, consented to come forth. 

A German had a sick wife who could not well be moved, and he 
stayed behind to, protect her, but the moonlight transformed every bush 
and tree into an Indian and he rushed to his wife in great fright exclaim- 
ing: "Katrina, we was all scallupped by the Injines of I don't go away 
so quick as never was. I get on my pony und go under the fort. You 



414 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

don't be afraid. Dey not hurt yon." Off he went, and she caught 
another horse and reached the fort before her husband.. 

Another incident occurred elsewhere and is strictly true. An eastern 
settler, who had brought with him a stove, caught the prevailing scare, 
and loading his portable property into a cart started to seek safety. His 
stove could not be carried and fearing to risk it with the deadly redskins 
he tumbled it down a deep well. 

FROZEN TO DEATH. 

In the spring of 1833 the body of an unknown man was found near 
the corner of the Stateler field, by the roadside, where he had evidently 
frozen to death. A passing traveler found the body, a coroner's jury was 
summoned, of which David Stateler and C. S. Edwards were members. 

The investigation proved the corpse to be the remains of a young Eng- 
lishman, who had been teaching school at Partridge Point. A few weeks 
previous he had been to Ottawa, and returning, stopped with Mr. Roberts, 
where he left a satchel with a few things therein, and informed the family 
that he was going to Washington, Tazewell County, to collect his school 
money. Mr. Hawkins had ferried him over Crow Creek on his retiuii 
toward Roberts, about two weeks before the body was found, and he had 
undoubtedly perished from cold. On his person was found a case of 
medicines, indicating that he was a doctor, and in his coat pocket an empty 
bottle that once contained whisky. 

The wolves had eaten his face slightly and otherwise disfigured him. 
Some papers found upon him indicated that he had been an ofiicer in the 
British army, but his name has been forgotten. Letters were v/ritten 
according to such addresses as were discovered with him, but no answer 
was ever received. His body w^as buried as decently as circumstances 
would permit, in the corner of Hoyt's field, near where it was found. 

THEFTS AND ROBBERIES. 

In those days, as at the present time, though not so numerous in pro- 
portion to the population, thefts and robberies occurred. Then the most 
satisfactory mode of punishment of offenders was a resort to the law of 
mutual protection, where the people were judge, jury and executioner, but 
there is no record of infliction of the death penalty upon any white per- 
son, that dernier resort being occasionally presented as an alternative of 



THEFTS AND ROBBERIES WOLVES. 415 

]eaving the settlement, and the convicted party invariably choosing the 
latter horn of his peculir.r dilemma. 

Horses were fre(|uently stolen, but oftener by the cunning red man, 
than by whites. Cattle were occasionally driven away, and depredations 
upon corn-lields sometimes made. 

Mr. John Myers, son of the pioneer of Robert, relates a case 
which occurred in 1837. In the house at the time was a sum of money 
locked up in a chest, the key being hidden in the bed-clothing. A young 
man in their employ feigned sickness and remained about the house until 
he discovei'ed where the money was kept, and the hiding place of the key, 
when he soon succeeded in transferring the treasure from the chest to his 
pockets. A few hours later the chap disappeared, and soon after the 
money was missed. The alarm was quickly given and pursuit made by 
the entire male population of the neighborhood. The fellow had tried to 
catch a horse pasturing near by, and thus add the crime of horse-stealing 
to the theft of the money, but failing, was compelled to foot it, and took 
to the pi"airie, where he was speedily overtaken and captured by Mr. John 
Burns. He had thrown away the money, but threats of lynching soon 
caused him to divulge its whereabouts, and it was all recovered. The thief 
was taken to Lacon for trial, and sent to the penitentiary for three years. 

A DEN OF WOLVES. 

Late one evening, in 1841, Mr. Green and Morgan Barber were in the 
timber at Shaw's Point, when the dogs drove a she wolf to her den. Mr. 
G. made a fire around the entrance and watched all night, determined to 
catch her, Barber returning for help. About daylight four small whelps 
came out and were captured, and later the dam was also caught in a trap, 
her mate the while prowling around but keeping out of shooting distance. 

The whelj^s were taken home by Mr. Green and tamed, together with 
four small ones captured a few days before, and two more which 
he had bought from a neighbor's boy. He had the whole ten alive and 
playing around his house, under which they burrowed, keeping them for 
a couple of months, but they soon became troublesome and made war 
upon the chickens and turkeys. The old she wolf was given to Mr. 
Edwards to be used as a decoy, and was kept chained up near his house. 
She grew quite tame and apparently harmless, but one night, getting 
loose, she attacked and badly mutilated a cow, gorging herself and remain- 
ing near her victim until morning, when both Avere shot. 



416 RECORDS OF. THE OLDEN TIME. 

The old white wolf, her mate, which had successfully evaded pursuit 
and been a teri'or to the neighborhood foi* years, was captured at the big 
wolf hunt near Vai-na the same season, by Livingston Koberts, on which 
occasion Col. John Strawn made a characteristic speech. 

Mr. Green's ten pets having become a nuisance, were beheaded. The 
bounty then receivable for taxes was one dollar for large and fifty cents 
for small wolves. The scalj^s were taken to Lacon and the bounty drawn. 
The officer who took charge of the scalps was careless in his duty, and 
instead of burning them, as required by law. threw them in a vault near 
the Court House, where a man named Quigg extracted these and other 
scalps and received the reward anew. On discovering the fraud a breeze 
was stirred up and some investigation followed, but as no evidence was 
produced of criminality on the part of the official concerned, the matter 
was finally dropped. 

A NIGHT OF TERROR. 

In the summer of 1833, ii Mr. Hale living south of Beckwiths lost a 
child, and sympathizing neighbors came over to sit up with the corpse 
and comfort the bereaved family. The father, too, was lying very low 
and none but women about, when a pack of wolves, made daring by hungei', 
and doubtless scenting the dead child, came to the house and began to 
howl. They got beneath the floor, and scratched at the doors, seemingly 
determined to get inside. 

The women were greatly terrified and threw brands of blazing fire- 
wood to drive them away. Mrs, Beckwith, who narrates this, says it was 
the most dreadful night she ever experienced. 

, Another instance related is of a young mother, who was left alone 
with a sick babe and no one near. The cabin had no windows, and the 
only door was a blanket hung before the opening. During the night her 
babe died, and then began the awfulest uproar outside imaginable. A 
gang of twenty or moi'e wolves appeared and seemed determined to force 
an entrance. 

The mother's fears were for her dead babe, which she wrapped in 
blankets and placed upon a beam over head, and then barricaded the door 
with the table. Throughout that long and dreadful night the poor 
woman stood against the frail protection, through which the infuriated 
brutes outside tried to force an entrance. Morning came at last, and 



SNAKES AGUE — MOSQUITOS. 417 

during the day her husband returned, and friends came to assist in the 
burial. 

SNAKES. 

The wooded ravines and prairies of Roberts specially abounded in 
snakes, and fifty years of unceasing war has not entirely subdued them. 
The common varieties most abounded, but the deadly rattler was often 
found and the settlers were compelled to be constantly on their guard. 

Mr. Joshua Foster relates that in 1834 fifty-three rattle snakes, 
beside a large number of other varieties, were killed on his land. He was 
once removing his pants preparatory to retiring for the night, and thought 
he detected the rattle of one, and the next morning in taking tliem off the 
floor where they had lain, the source of the music was discovered. Mr. 
Foster had been out late searching for his cows the night before, and the 
reptile had probably struck at him and its hooked teeth catching in the 
pantaloons, was thus brought home. 

It is a fact no less notable than true that the bite of a snake has no effect 
on a hog, and that these animals pursue them md search them out with an 
industry (piite remarkable. And the snake, too, which stands its ground 
and seldom retreats from a man, will run at once from a hog. 

A writer says: "The hog, in battling with a snake, strikes its sharp 
hoofs into the struggling folds of the reptile and eats up his erstwhile foe 
with a degree of gastronomic delight known only to the hog." 

Between the snake tribe and the deer there is special animosity. The 
fleet-footed quadruped, one would think, had but a slight means of dis- 
patching its agile enemy, but with its sharp hoofs it stamps them to death 
in a few minutes. 

A SICKLY SEASON. 

The year 1849 will be remembered by old settlers for the great preva- 
lence of bilious diseases. It was known as the "sickly season." It was 
ushered in by a wet, dismal spring, a backward summer and very high 
waters in June, running down in August and leaving ponds of stagnant 
water everywhere to rot and breed pestilence and death. Ague was 
universal, even far out on the prairies among the few settlements that had 
been attempted in the wildernesses of grass and sloughs. Along the 
liver bottoms and borders of streams ague was the universal, continual, 
unrelenting and incurable malady; never yielding to anything but its 



418 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

higher type of bilious or intermittent fever, either of which in those days 
very fre juently ended the patient's career. 

The })eople were poor in every sense of the wore. Ragged, shrunken 
of form, living skeletons, with nothing to eat, nobody to cook it, and no 
appetite to eat if food were cooked. The prevailing malady not only 
afflicted human beings, but even the dogs and cats dragged their hollow 
carcasses into the sunlii^ht and trembled and shook as if stricken with the 
dread contagion. The calves grew too poor to bawl, cattle, neglected, 
roamed off among the timber, and the very chickens seemed to crow with 
a melancholy languor. Of course, these were exaggerated descriptions of 
the general complaint, but several of our old physicians, then young men, 
who went forth to battle that universal malady, still insist that the 
accounts cannot be overdrawn. During the great freshet in the spring, 
one or two steamboats and wrecks of others were seen in the cornfields 
between Ottawa and Hennepin by Dr. Perry, who soon after had occasion 
to note " the tallow faced" people he met. All were sallow, hollow-eyed, 
blue-lipped and ready to shake on the slightest provocation. Children 
died of fever ^d dysentery, and quinine, or "queen ann," as they called 
it, was the staple diet of everyone. A store keeper of a neighboring 
county said that region produced two articles, "queen ann and mos- 
quitos." The mosquitos were pests of the most aggravating character, 
and owing to the extent of their breeding places from the unusual over- 
flow and consecpient stagnant water, their increase favored, too, by a 
fiercely hot sun, the winged messengers of sharp bills swarmed and grew 
to monstrous proportions, and as the modern appliances of wire screens 
and mosquito-bars were then unknown, the miserable victims of the double 
affliction were defenceless indeed. 

But there is no evil without its corresponding good. The great flood 
drove the ducks out iq^on the ponds in the edge of the prairies, where 
they ]"eared lai-ge flocks. They swarmed the country everywhere, and 
became so numerous and so accustomed to the new haunts of stubble field 
and corn that the settlers had no trouble in supplying themselves and 
neighbors with duck meat in abundance. 

FORGOTTEN INCIDENTS. 

Prairie fires were the great bane of the new settlers and usually caused 
immense damage. At one time a "back fire," set out by C. S. Edwards 



INCIDENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 419 

and David Stateler, to pi'otect tlieir own property, swept across Sandy 
doing heavy damage, and the exasperated sufferers procured their indict- 
ment, but it appearing there was no malice in the intent they were 
acquitted. At this term of court Stephen A. Douglas was present, and 
served as public pi'osecutor pi^o tern. 

Though prairies tires were numerous and the damage to property 
great it w^as seldom persons were caught in them, yet James Croft relates 
an incident where an emigrant was surrounded by fire and had to abandon 
his wagon. His horses were rapidly unhitched, and lashing them into a 
gallop he crossed the line of fire without danger, but his wagon and all 
its contents were destroyed. 

Late in the fall of 1835 a destructive fire from the neighborhood of 

Martin's Point, or head of Crow Creek timber, swept over the prairies 

"and did considerable damage to the settlers along Sandy Creek. It 

burned a half mile of fence on Mr. Shaw's farm and also desti'oyed .his 

wheat stakes, as well as W. B. Green's corn ci-op. 

All kinds of game was plentiful in those days. In fact there was no 
great demand for venison until the supply had become nearly exhausted. 
Quails were numerous, and any boy old enough to comprehend the mys- 
teries of a stick trap could catch them near any barn yard. But as in 
those halcyon days butter often sold for four cents per pound and wild 
honey was everywhere plenty and very cheap, it was only in keeping with 
other things that the bird which "on toast" tempts the epicurean to ex- 
travagance in the purchase of a single specimen, should then have sold for 
a trifl^e over a penny when ready for the cook. A good horse which then 
commanded $40 would now sell readily for $150; oats and coin were a 
"bit" a bushel, and hay, $3 per ton. Blue grass had not begun to appear 
in 1843 to 1845, except along the Ottawa and Bloomington road where 
travellers had fed their teams, and now and then a few straggling bunches 
were found around the cabins of the settlers who had brought the seed in 
trappings of their harness or wagons or crevices jf feed boxes and wagon 
beds. 

The old Adam was quite as predominant in those days as in these 
latter times, particularly among school boys, as the following incident 



420 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

shows : A teacher named Williatiisou, who was iexcessively pious, was 
engaged at the Myers school house. He read and expounded the Scrip- 
tures daily and made long prayers — much longer in the estimation of the 
pupils than the circumstances required. Besides it was his custom to re- 
tire early and often to the woods to weep over the sinfulness of mankind 
in private, — or, as was surmised, for more worldly purposes. One 
Christmas day, when he had retired as usual, the boys barred him out. 
Great was his wrath, and his prayers for the time savored strongly of 
profanity, but with a rail he forced an entrance and made demonstrations 
of punishing the offenders, when he was unceremoniously hustled out, nor 
was admission given until full pardon was promised and an agreement 
exacted to forego his longest prayers. 

After Robei'ts the first settler on the prairie was a man named Eli 
Redmond, who opened the farm John Myers now owns and afterward 
sold his claim to John Myers, Sr. His reputation foi' honesty was none of 
the best, and when settlers began to arrive he deemed it best to emigrate 
and removed to Holland's Gi'ove, in Tazewell County. One day he 
was found with a missing horse in his possession and a hasty change 
was desirable, so he removed to Mosquito Grove, and from thence to Mis- 
souri. While living near Roberts' an old lady called Grandmother Red- 
mond died, probably the first death in the County. 

Some of the young men of RoV)erts Point remember the notable chase 
and capture of a deer one winter forty yeai's ago. It was minus one horn 
and they had tired it out, and when Sam. Wright attacked it with a fence 
stake, and the deer made a plunge toward Samuel, who in consternation 
threw down his weapon and ran exclaiming, "Thunder! boys, he's after 
me !" The deer was captured, but the discomfitted blacksmith kept at a 
safer distance while it was being dispatched. 

Various were the methods adopted by the pedagogues of those d.'^ys 
to compel obedience, but the "original Jacobs" in this line was a fellow 
who kept a skeleton in the loft of the room which refractory pupils were 
sent to interview. As a belief in ghosts was universal and few cared to 
see the grisly object, his plan was a success, and he had the best ordered 
school ever taught there. 

At the time of the Indian scare a man named Daniel Sowards lived at 



Incidents and miscellaneous items. 4:^1 

Low Point, whose principal occupation was hunting bees. He kept a 
few cows, and one day was surpiised by a stranger (Jolm Myers) riding 
up to his cabin and asking the way to Roberts. Sowards was churning 
despej'ately, and never stopped a moment Avhile the following colloquy 
occuried : 

Sowards — "My God! man, where yer gwine to V 

Myers — "I'm going north to buy land." 

Sowards — " Good heavens! man, haint yer heerd the Injuns is a killin' 
of the white people up thar, — men, wimmen and children?" 

Myers— "No." 

Sowards ^ — (churning for dear life) — ^" Yes they be, and the white peo- 
ple's all runnin' away; and I'm gwine too, 's soon as this blasted butter 
comes !" 

The most notable public gatherings of the times were camp meetings, 
at wliich the entire population of the County was wont to assemble. At 
one of these gatherings, in 1841, Camp Reeves and others of the gang 
made a midnight raid, carrying off the brethren's garments. 

Among others who suffered was John Shepherd, of Granville, and the 
next morning, like Brian O'Linn of old, he had no pants to put on, and cut a 
ludicrous figure among the brethren clad in a horse blanket. A council 
of war was held, while Shepherd stalked about like an Indian chief, liis 
scanty drapery displaying his long shanks, to the great amusement of the 
crowd and the grief and chagrin of that worthy man. 

Others were even less fortunate, and had to abide in their tents or 
under the friendly cover of the bushes till they could send to their homes 
for other garments. 

In 1841 a school teacher named John Wright, without apparent cause 
committed suicide, and a lad named Ezra Cowan, whose parents lived on 
the Griffin place, shot and killed his sister. A woman living on Sandy 
named Wilson, hanged herself, and afterward her daughter, Mrs. McCarty, 
put an end to her existence in like manner. 

One of the oldest remembered schools in the Township was taught in a 
log house, half a mile north of Sandy, by a Frenchman named Du Fields, 
in 1832. 

The cholera epidemic raged here in 1850, 1852 and 1854, and several 
fatal cases occurred. 



4^2 



RECOtit)S OF THI: OLDteN TIME. 



belle plain township. 



CHAPTER XLI. 




DESCRIPTIOlSr. 

(ELLE PLAINE Township derives its name from Colonel 
Belle, an early settler, who built at the crossing of Crow 
Creek, and for many years kept a noted house of entertain- 
ment. It is six miles square and contains thirty-six Town- 
ships of diversified prairie and timber, watered by Crow 
Creek, Martin's Branch and other smaller streams. 

A fine body of timber Vjorders Crow Creek, and there 
are detached bodies elsewhere, like HoUenback's Grove, 
Bennington's Grove, Four Mile Grove and others. The western division 
of the Chicago &, Alton Railroad passes through its western limits, and its 
principal markets are at La Rose, Rutland and Minonk. Its products are 
mainly agricultural, and its citizens are extensively engaged in raising 
cattle and hogs, which find a market in Chicago. 

Though considerably broken by hills and ravines it is considered one 
of the best Townships in the County, and is populated by an unusually 
intelligent class of people. 

The pioneer settler in this section is James Martin, who visited Hol- 
lenbeck's Grove in 1829 on a prospecting tour, bringing his family the 
succeeding year. He made a claim while here, which was "jumped" 
during his absence, and had to be bought again from the occupant at a 
good round price. This was "squatters' law," from which there was little 
chance of success in an appeal. A man named Hawkins became specially 
notorious as a claim jumper, earning unenviable fame, and remained until 
the exasperated citizens signified that his health would suffer by longer 
tarrying. 

THE OLD SETTLERS. 



The first settlers of the township of Belle Plain, and some of them 



THE PIONEiEtlS OF BELLE PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 42S 

among the first that ventured into the unbroken wilderness of this County, 
located at the grove at the head of Crow Creek, which for years was 
known as Martinis Point. These pioneers came about as follows: Janus 
Martin in August, 1829; Samuel Hawkins, 1830; Thomas Bennington, 
1831; Jerry Black, Pierce Perry, Joseph and Robert Bennington, 1832; 
Daniel Hollenback, 1833; Nathan Patton, 1834; John Willson, 1835; 
Forsythe Hatton and James Clemens, 183(); David Hester and William 
Hendricks, 1838; Levi Wilcox and Wm. Hester. 1844. 

John Skelton made a claim in 1835 and lived upon it several years but 
left for Iowa in 1845. 

Nathan Patton bought part of his claim of Thomas Bennington which 
had been secured of Hawkins, who built one of his peculiar cabins u])on 
it. In 1831 he entered from Government the remainder. 

Forsythe Hatton settled here with six sons, three of whom, William, 
John F. and Andrew, soon made claims, the former on section 30, fol- 
lowed by John F., who located near the town of the family name of Pat- 
tonsburg, on section 36. The latter was an expert hunter, and bears a 
scar on his light arm, the result of an encounter with a wounded buck. 

Daniel Hollenback came in 1833 and settled in the border of the grove 
to which he gave a name, his sons Greorge, Jacob and Daniel, Jr., making 
claims in the vicinity as they became of sufficient age. 

Mark Hatton, a brother of Forsythe Hatton, settled here in 1840. He 
was a soldier of the war of 1812, serving under Gen. Jackson at New 
Orleans. 

Nathan Patton's sons were John, who died in 1875, and James, who 
died when twenty-one years old. His daughters were Mrs. Porch, Mrs. 
William Hester, Mrs. McCann, Mrs. James Shankland, and two unmar- 
2'ied daughters, living in Pattonsburg. 

Perry's farm was partly improved by a man named Bland, who lived 
here in early times, and selling to the former, returned to Kentucky. 

Robert Bird, Sr , made a claim in 1831, which he afterward sold to 
Nathan Patton. 

James Martin first settled on the Hollenack place, but sold his claim to 
James Bird, who subsequently transferred it to Robert Bird, and he to 
Henry Miller. This was previous to 1832. 

In 1836 John Winter, who had lived on Reuben Bell's place, moved 



424 ItECORBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

to tlie western border of the grove and began the improvement of his 
farm, on Section 35. 

THE FIEST SCHOOLS. 

The first school house at the grove or timber at the head of Crow 
Creek was built in the fall of 1836, and school taught that fall and win- 
ter by Geo. Van Biiskirk. Miss Mary Jane Hallam managed the school 
the following summei', and among the early teachei's were John Burns, 
James Clemens, Samuel Ogle and Mr. Wilcox. The school house was 
built of logs, after the manner of all such buildings in early days, and 
stood near the site of the residence of Geo. D. Hodge. Prior to the erec- 
tion of this building school was taught in the neighborhood by a Mr. 
Baxter. 

The first scliool at Cheiry Grove was taught about 1840, when a 
school house was T)uilt. 

LA ROSE. 

The village of La Rose was laid out September 18, 1870, by Moses A. 
Gulick and wife, and has had a slow but substantial growth until the 
present time. It contains a line town hall, built by taxation, several fine 
residences, stores, shops, etc., with elevator, station house, mill, churches 
and postoffice. It is the principal shipping point for the Township, and 
annually sends to market large quantities of grain, stock and produce. 
The country surrounding it has no superior in the County. 

The town was first christened Montrose, then changed to Romance, 
and subsequently to La Rose. 

The village boasts a very beautiful church building, not elaborately 
elegant, but of modest, fresh and inviting appearance, — that of Trinity 
Society. This organization was effected in 1867, with about twenty- 
five members. The church edifice was built in 1872, at a cost of $1,50.0, 
and in the following year a parsonage was purchased for $1,100. 

The first preacher was Rev. Mr. Johannes, who delivered a discourse 
June 14, 1872 in the new church. 

In 1876 the Society built a neat school house. 

PATTONSBURG. 

Pattonsburg is the name of a small hamlet laid out March 13, 1856, 



KELIGIOtTS ORGAN^IZATIONS OF PATTONSBURG. 427 

and named after its proprietor. It contains a good school Louse, post 
office, blacksmith shop, churches, etc. 

Thomas Bennington came to the grove in the fall of 1881, buying his 
claim of Sanuiel Hawkins. He brought his family in the fall of 1832, 
and his widow still lives upon the old homestead. Hawkins was addicted 
to strong drink, and one cold night when half delirious from the effects 
of liquor he wandered from home and was found dead in the snow near 
Washington, 111. 

Settlements were begun in the western part of the Township in 1833, 
when Kobert F. Bell built a cabin on Crow Creek. He had nine children, 
several of whom made claims in the vicinity — one, Greorge F^, still li\dug 
there. Colonel Bell's military title was won in the war of 1812, when 
he served under General Harrison. 

Other settlers in the vicinity were Wm. Mills, who came in 1840; 
John Wilson at Cherry Grove, in 1835; Wm. Hendricks, 1838, on the 
John Brown place, now owned by Wm. James; Samuel Rogers, in 1840; 
Thomas S. Dobson, on the Feazle claim, about the same date; Allen 
Gray and Jessts Perkins, both north of Crow Creek, in 1840 or '41 ; Jacob 
Fetter, on the south side of Crow Creek in 1842; John Brevoort, 1845. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This Society was organized in 1857 by Rev. Mr. Ellis. The leading 
members were Rolan Davidson, Milton Davidson, John P. Davidson and 
their wives, Robert Raines, and later John and Lewis Wineteer, Mrs. 
Mary Perry, John Bell, Mr. Bocock, Thos C. Spencer and Sarah Spencer. 
Elder Wm. Brooks, who took part in the organization also, was the first 
minister who regularly visited the Hock. Among the other ministers 
were Elder E. D. Merritt, Wm. Parker, Mr. Sampson and Elder Sands. 

A good meeting house, large but not ostentatious, was built in 1858, 
about a half mile west of Pattonsburg. 

pAttonsburg m. e. church. 

This Society, the first organization of this denomination at Pattons- 
burg and in Belle Plain, held a (piarterly meeting at the place named, in 
Daniel Hollenback's barn, in July, 1839. S. W. D. Chase, Presiding 
Elder of the Lacon District, attended, and the preachers were Rev. Zadock 
Hall and Rev. R. H. Moffit. 



428 Hecords of the olden timS. 

The organizers and leading members were John Wilson, Martha Hol- 
lenback, Charles Gulick, Dr. Levi Wilcox, Mrs. Nancy Wilcox and John 
Kogers. Services had previously been held at the old school house, and 
in barns as was found convenient, as was the case afterward, until 1859, 
when the first meeting house, a small frame structure, was put up. This 
lasted until the winter of 18G7-8, when it was burned down. It stood 
about one-fourth of a mile north of the village. The new one is in Pat- 
tonsburg, and is a neat frame structure, capable of seating 300 persons, 
has a good organ, comfortable pews and tasty church furniture. 

Among the early ministers who held forth here was one named Wheat, 
succeeded by another named Stubbles, from which peculiar circumstance 
the good people were wont to say: "First came Wheat and then Stub- 
bles." Among other noted preachers of the Grospel who visited this 
Society at different times were Revs. David Blackwell, Daniel Dickinson, 
Mr. Babcock, "Father Gumming," G. M. Irwin and A. G. Price. 

Two miles east of Pattonsburg is a small body of timber known to the 
settlers as Wildcat Grove. It received its name from the number of wild- 
cats captured there one winter by a Mr. Lucas, of the vicinity. 

The first cabin at the Grove is supposed to have been built by James 
Martin, and the first sermon was preached by the Rev, Mr. Palmer, in a 
log cabin at the head of the Grove in 1832. 

The first school house was built in 1836, and stood near the residence 
of Geo. Hodge. 

Jas. Dickey preached here in 1836, at the house of Nathan Patton. 
The Christian Church was organized about 1845. 

BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES. 

The first birth in Belle Plain Township is believed to have been that of 
Nancy Jane Bennington, now Mrs. William M. Hatton. She made her 
first appearance March 22, 1833. Robert Bennington's daughter Eunice, 
died about the same time, and her's is supposed to have been the first 
funeral. 

The first wedding in the vicinity was probably that of Daniel Hester 
and Miss Hallam, when James Martin tied his first oflicial matrimonial 
knot as Justice of the Peace, He says he will never forget the occasion, 
as there were present nearly all of his neighbors large and small, beside 
a number of strangers dressed in " store clothes," and he was so terribly 



ft 



A HORSE IN THE ROLE OF A DETECTIVE. 429 

"flustrated" that he hardly knows what he said or how he got through 
with it. He was at first somewhat encouraged when he observed that the 
bride and groom were both very nervous too, but when he came to hear 
the tremulous tones of his own voice in the awful stillness, he felt weak 
and faint-like and devoutly wished he had never in his life consented to 
be an Esquire, But he adds with commendable pride, "The job was 
sufficiently good, as the marriage proved a happy one and no divorce court 
ever overhauled my work or picked flaws in it." 

THE INDIATSrS. 

Indians occasionally came about the Grove, but their homes were 
nearer the river where fish abounded, and they seldom disturbed the 
settlers. Once three or foui' strapping fellows came to a settler's cabin 
and wanted food and lodging. His meal chest was pretty low, but his 
wife cooked and set before them enough for double the number of white 
men, which they ate, and then, like Oliver Twist, wanted more. In the 
morning they asked for breakfast, but the good wife declared another 
such a raid would produce a famine, and they were refused, whereupon 
they got very angry, but mounted their ponies and rode awaj^ 

During the war Samuel Hawkins and a man named Black were plow- 
ing when the report of a gun set them frantic with fear. Quick as their 
legs could carry them they made for shelter, leaving their teams in the 
field. The man for whom they worked came soon, and though he hallooed 
and yelled and shouted their names, he could not bring them back. They 
plainly heard him but mistook the voice for that of an Indian, and stuck 
close until hunger and mosquitos drove them out. 

A HORSE PLAYS DETECTIVE. 

On the 26th of February, 1847, a man named Thos. Dobson, who 
lived near Hollenback's Grove, came to Lacon one afternoon, and proba- 
bly became somewhat intoxicated. Dobson was noted as a fast driver. 
He had a splendid span of well-matched horses, and made it a point to 
race with or run past every team he encountered upon the road. He 
drove a spring wagon, one of the first used in the section. On the day 
referred to he was returning, and when near Colonel Strawn's residence he 
saw ahead of him Mr. Harrison Hollenback, a I'espectable young farmer, 
his neighbor, and with whom, so far as known, he was on the most 



432 EECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

who took it into his head to run away. He left his family, and nothing 
having been heard of him for several weeks, general anxiety pei'vaded 
the community. Some one coming across the prairie from the south-east 
repoi'ted that he had seen a new-made grave out ten or twelve miles from 
the Grove. On the following Sunday, it being pretty well settled that 
his grave had at last been discovered, a large delegation of voliuiteeis, 
mounted and on foot, scoured the prairie all day, but found no gi-ave, and 
the fate of Wineteer remained as much a mystery as before. In the fol- 
lowing fall, to the joy of his family and the surprise of the public the 
long lost gentleman came walking in as though he had merely Vjeen ont 
for a morning walk. He made no explanation of liis absence, and those 
who knew him best never asked, while those who made so bold as to in- 
terrogate him upon the subject received no satisfactory response. 

In 1850 Mr. Elijah Van Dement's dwelling house caught hie and 
burned down during his absence from home. His own household goods 
and those of two other families stored for safe keejnng were destro^^ed. 
Mr. Robert S. Hester, who live.d a half mile away, ran to the scene, and 
reached there so exhausted that he could do nothing for some time. He 
left saddled and bridled at his door his fleetest horse, but in the excite- 
ment forgot all about his steed, and went on foot. 

Milford Grray, a lad about foui'teen or fifteen years of age, was 
killed by an accident in 1840. He was on a sled going for a load of 
hay. The handle dropped through the I'ack while the sled was moving, 
and the tines being uppermost wei'e plunged into the boy's left side to his 
heart. 

His bi'other once had a naiTow escape fi"om death from the tines 
of a fork. He had been looking at a new pitch-fork, and having stood 
the handle upon the ground with the tines up, was carelessly leaning with 
his whole weight upon it, when the handle slipped and he fell forwaixl, 
one tine of the steel instrument running up through his lower jaw into 
his mouth, and to add to his suffering the prong broke off. It was with 
great difficulty that the piece of steel was extracted. 

In 1863 Young Davis, a brother of Mrs. George Hollenback, having 
been a prisoner at Andersonville, was released and taken to Annapolis, 
Maryland, where he died from the effects of starvation. 



INCIDENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 433 

Game was exceedingly numerous in tlie vicinity, a noted hunter one 
day killing five deer, and another day capturing three wolves. Once he 
had a narrow escape from being killed by a deer. He had run it nearly 
down on horseback and was about to strike it with a club, when the dog 
let go his hold, whereupon the deer sprang toward the hunter, who, in 
trying to escape by stepping backward, tripped and fell, but before the 
deer reached its victim the dog came to the rescue, catching the deer and 
holding him until despatched. 

He saw no bears in the vicinity, and no opossums until several years 
after his arrival here. Rabbits appeared in 1833 or 1834. It is likely 
that up to this time the wolves kept them cleaned out, but as white men 
began to make farms rabbits found hiding places from their destructive 
foe and increased in numbers. 

Coons wers always plenty and fat, and formed a staj)le article of diet 
with the Indians. 

In 1848 a Mr. Van Scoyt undertook to ascertain whether his gun was 
loaded. Not being able to make the examination satisfactorily by looking 
down the muzzle, he blew into it, raising the hammer with his foot, 
which of course slipped off. The gun was discharged, and the ball passed 
through his head, killing him instantly. 

Robert Hester was the first to brave the terrors of a prairie home, and 
in 1848 built a residence a mile east of Pattonsburg, where he lived for 
more than thirty years, when it gave way to the finest house in the 
township. 




434 



BECOKPS OF THE OLPEI^ TIME, 



BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XLII. 




.ORGANIZATION AND TOPOGEAPHY. 



*HIS is one of the youngei" Townships of Marshall County, 
named fi'om a numerous family of early settlers here. It 
was once a portion of Belle Plain, but aftei- the prairies 
east and north-east of Martin's Grove had begiui to fill up, 
it desired independence, and was set apart as a sovei'eign 
Township. Bennington is a full Congressional Township, 
containing thirty-six full sections. The territory is mostly 
prairie, and not very well supplied with streams, though 
beneath the sui'face everywhere there is an abundance of pure water to be 
had by digging from ten to thirty feet. 

The only water courses in the Township are the East and North 
Forks of Crow Ci'eek, the former of which rises on Section 33, runs north 
a couple of miles, then west, then south and west upon Section 3, 
with some smaller streams feeding it. Originally this prairie region was 
covered with chains of ponds or narrow sloughs. These ponds have since 
disappeared and the connections dried up or dwindled into little depres- 
sions, and the extensive use of diain tile of late years will soon transfoi-m 
them into solid, dry ground. The North Fork or Branch of Crow Creek- 
commences in Section 25, and runs north. westerly to Section 7, where it 
enters the adjoining Township. Along this Creek are a few branches, but 
neither the principal stream nor its tributaries are of much importance. 

Bennington Township lies in the south-east corner of Marshall County, 
bordering on Woodford on the south and La Salle on the east. The Illi- 
nois Central Railroad, which passes close to the eastern line, enters it at 
Rutland, passing to the north upon Sections 1, 12 and 13, affording direct 
comnuuiication with Chicago. On the north the Western Division of 
the Chicago <fe Alton Railroad passes at a convenient distance, afford- 



THE VILLAGE OF RUTLAND. 435 

ing them the advantage of competing lines. The Township stands upon 
an extensive coal basis, which future ages may find profitable to tap and 
work. 

RUTLAND. 

A small fraction of the village of Rutland lies within the limits of 
Marshall County. This is comprised in Burns' addition, laid out on parts 
of Sections 12 and 13, Town 29, Kange 1, East, Third principal meridian, 
with a dozen or so of houses upon it. 

The village is "pleasantly located on a somewhat level prairie, but in 
the midst of a highly cultivated and exceedingly productive farming 
region. 

The place was called into existence through the necessity of a station 
for the Illinois Central Railroad, and has achieved a reputation as one of 
the best shipping points along the road. 

On the prairie westward vast quantities of corn, cattle and hogs are 
raised for shipment, and enterprising men at an early day built extensive 
warehouses to accommodate the trade. 

It contains five churches, viz: Christian, or Campbellite, Adventist, 
Methodist, Congregationalist and Catholic. Each of these societies has a 
good, substantial building and a residence for a pastor. Also stores, 
shops, a grist mill, elevator, etc. The population of the place is about 
six hundred. 

Tlie first house in the town was put up by John Wadleigh, Novem- 
ber 1, 1855. He hauled the lumber from Wenona Station. For several 
years there was no house but this, and the railroad "grub" or boarding 
house. 

Some years later a building was put up here for a saloon, and the 
business carried on successfully until the excited people turned out and 
demolished the establishment. Prosecutions followed and several persons 
who were identified as being among the mob were fined. 

As some indication of the business done during the year ending 
December 1, 1879, there were shipped from this point sixty-one car loads 
of cattle and hogs, and 464 car loads of grain! Allowing 400 bushels of 
gi'ain to a car this would make 181,600 bushels — a splendid testimony of 
the richness of the countiy around. 

Until the survey and location of the Illinois Central Railway, Ben- 
nington Township was a terra incognita, considered of little value except 



436 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

for grazing. A few veiitviresome settlers made impi'ovenients, and the 
large returns that rewarded them proved the extraordinary I'ichness of the 
soil, and their experience demonstrated that the prairies for residences were 
actually preferable to the timl)er. Lands were rapidly entered, and in a 
very short time there was not an acre of Government land to be had. 
Here was begun the custom of open fields, the farmers finding it cheaper 
to herd their cattle than fence their farms — a system that still prevails 
to a greater or less extent. The country, originally low and flat, is being 
drained, the first built cabins are being replaced with Vjetter houses, and 
the Township is coming to the front as one of the fines#^n the county. 

ANTIOCU CHURCn. CHURCH OF CHRIST. 

This church was organized June 4, 18(^4. Previous to this date there 
had been a small congregation of disciples of this sect in the north-eastern 
part of the town of Bennington f^r several years. They met occasionally 
for religious woi'ship at the houses of the brethren, but had been unable 
to sustain regular services and had no stated preacher. 

On the day *named a large congregation, including many who held 
membership in the church at Pattonsburg, met at the Palmer school house 
and organized, V)y choosing A. H. Ti-owbridge and John Q. A. Houston 
as Elders; Joel Skelton, Everett Pomeroy and L. A. Watt, Deacons. 
Sixty-six names were eni'olled in the original membership, and 211 mem- 
bers have since been added. 

GEOLOGICAL PUZZLES. 

Mr. Swayze, in digging a well near the northern line of the Township, 
in 1854, on Section 3, at the depth of twenty feet, in a stratum of blue 
clay, came upon a cube of coal of superior quality, the sides of which were 
about fifteen inches square. How it got there is a mystery which we can 
only solve on some far-fetched theory. 

In another well f ui'thei" south, in the same town, a few years ago, at a 
depth of thirty-two feet, imbedded in common clay, were found numerous 
specimens of petrified grass, such as blue- joint and the coarse growth of 
the praii'ie. They were decomposed into fine ashes, growing upright 
through the clay, thus preserving their forms, stalks, leaves and the 
natural position and pei-fect drooping of the blades, as they grew, even 
leaving distict the delicate tracery of the veins in the leaves ! 



WATER COAL A WHIRLWIND. 437 

Some years ago a person was digging a well in the vicinity, and forty 
feet below the surface came upon a rushing stream of water, tending west- 
ward, of sufficient volume to carry away pebbles of considerable size. He 
could not dam the stream and had to dig elsewhere. 

Under the entire country, from the Vermillion to the Mississippi, coal 
exists in one or two, and in some localities three, veins. It was a wise 
provision of nature to thus spread under this treeless soil, a bountiful 
supply of fuel for the coming man. 

A TORNADO. 

Terrific whirlwinds, often exceedingly destructive, swept across these 
prairies in the olden times, and frequently left ruin and desolation in their 
track. 

In the fall of 1846 a cyclone suddenly swept across the country, start- 
ing near Koberts' Point and sweeping a broad straight swath to a point 
near Minonk, where it spent its force and disappeared. Its track ^vas 
from ten to twenty rods in width, the margins clearly marked by fences 
carried away, grass twisted into ropes, and tree tops mown through as if 
by a scythe. It blew wheat shocks to pieces and carried the bundles from 
field to field, rendering identification impossible. 

A settler was breaking prairie a few rods from his dwelling, when 
he saw a funnel-shaped cloud coming from the north-west, and could 
discern objects whirling about in the air. It made a noise like the 
rumbling of a heavy train of cars crossing a long high bridge. Ap- 
prehending danger, he ran to the house to see to the safety of his wife 
and infant child. As he neared his frail domicile he saw her coming out 
with the baby, her long hair literally standing on end, while the house 
was just raising for a flight in the air. It was carried about four feet in 
the direction of the wind and set doM^i on a gopher hill, which sprung the 
floor so that the doors could not be closed, rendering the building 
untenable. His hat, too, went gyrating ofF among the clouds in 
company with an incongi'uous mass of movable rubbish. The family 
were taken to a neighbor's, the men of the neighborhood summoned to a 
"raising bee," and the house was soon "set on its pins." 

A NOTED DEER HUNT. 

The deep snow of 1854 was very destructive to game. Quail and pra- 



438 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

irie chickens were nearly exterminated, and deer perished in large nnm- 
bers. The severity of the storms drove them to the farm-yards for food, 
and they Avere often seen feeding along with the farmers' cattle. They 
congregated in groves, where a certain s}3ace was tramped down, but be- 
yond this it was death to venture, for their sharp hoofs cut through the 
crust, upon which wolves could run with impunity, and with their sharp 
fangs drag them down to death. One day in the latter ]iart of Februaiy 
a drove of nine were descried in the vicinity of the Trowbridge and Skelton 
cabins in Bennington, and all hands were piped for a hunt. A warm day 
followed by a sharp freeze had left a crust upon the surface, through 
which the deer bi'oke at every step, lacerating their limbs, and making 
locomotion tedious and painful. Soon as the deer were seen every- 
body was on the alert, and preparations were quickly made. Footmen 
were armed with guns and horsemen with stout clubs, the legs of the 
horses being bound with sacks as a protection against the cutting crust. 
The deer, when alai'med, separated and started at a gallop, but were run 
down by the horsemen in detail and despatched. The exciting game went 
on for hours, and afforded an immense amount of sport. In the open 
prairie a deer at bay is a dangerous animal, but in the deep snow they 
were at the niei'cy of the hunters, who rode up to their sides and des- 
patched them with clubs. Not a single one of the herd escaped. 

LOSING A MID-WIFE. 

On a certain occasion one of those events was about to occur by 
by which the census is increased, and the prospective father was 
dispatched in great haste to secure the services of Mrs, John iStrawn, 
the good genius of "ladies who love their lords," whose fame as a mid- 
wife extended far and near. 

Her home was several miles across the prairie, with scarcely a i^sident 
on the road, and as carriages were unknown he drove in an ordinary two- 
horse wagon. Mrs. S., by certain means known to the initiated, expected 
the call, and was therefore in a measure prepared, so that a short time 
sufficed to see them returning, she occupying a seat behind him in a com- 
mon kitchen chair. 

Now, to a better understanding of what follows, it needs be said the 
man was slightly deaf, and intent only on the business in hand, urged 
forward his team regardless of his charge. 



LUDICROUS ACCIDENT TO A MID -WIFE, 430 

The I'oacl was rough aiul the case lu-geiit, so the driver plied his whip 
industriously, while the wagon rattled and bumped along until crossing a 
rut the chair in which the "Howdy" sat upset and she landed in the road 
happily without any harm. The driver, thinking mayhap of his suffering 
wife alone in the lonely cabin, was in blissful ignorance of what had oc- 
curred, and drove on, totally unconscious of his loss until his home was 
reached and he alighted. Great was his consternation at sight of the empty 
chair, but divining the cause, he drove hurriedly ])ack and met his charge 
making her way on foot. Owing to his infirmity he had not heard her 
calls, but she had escaped luihurt and was making the best time circum- 
stances admitted, hoping to arrive before her services were required. 

The little juvenile who heedlessly insisted upon his advent into the 
world at this unseemly and inconvenient season is now a useful citizen of 
Kansas, whose name we refrain from mentioning. 




440 KECOl^DS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



EVANS TOWNSHIP. 




CHAPTER XLIIL 

TOPOGEAPHICAL. 

Vans township, named from its first settler, has few 
equals iu beauty, fertility and general adaptedness to the 
husbandman's requirements. It embraces thirty-six sec- 
tions, nearly every acre of which is susceptible of and 
under a high state of cultivation. With the exception of 
the region bordering on Sandy Creek, the settlements are 
comparatively new, yet in substantial improvements, 
costly residences, fine barns, orchards and well kept 
hedges it were hard to find its superior. It is drained by the creek above 
named and its tributaries, and the soil is admirably adapted to raising 
stock or cereals. Along its eastern borders the Illinois Central Railroad 
extends, crossed by the Chicago &, Alton Railroad, giving the settlers two 
outlets to market. 

IHE FIRST SETTLERS. 

The pioneer settlers on upper Sandy appear to have been Thomas 
Brooks, who built a cabin on the eastern end of the timber in 1824; Pat- 
rick Cunnino;ham, who claimed and built a cabin on the Edward Clifford 
place; Benjamin Darnell, whose house stood upon the ground now within 
the enclosure of Cumberland Church Cemetery; James Larkin, living with 
the Darnell family; Joseph Smith, Horace Gaylord, Alva Humphry, Abel 
Estabrook, William Hart, Samuel Hawkins and George B. HoUenback. 

Mr. Darnell's family consisted of himself and wife, and Enoch and 
Benjamin, Jr., his sons, and his daughter Lucy, who sickened and died 
that season, and was the first interment in Cumberland Church Cemetery. 

In the spring of 1830 came Joshua Evans, who made his claim on the 
north side of Sandy Creek, near the aead thereof, and hired Patrick Cun- 
ningham to build him a log cabin thereon for a mare worth one hundred 



Early settlers of evatsts township. 441 

dollars. The old liouse was occn}3ied by Mr. Evans for many years, and 
until recently was a well-known landmark of the Township. 

During the season, also, came James Reynolds, Thomas Dixon, John 
S. Hunt, John Darnell, Lemuel Gaylord, John Griffith, Stewart Ward, 
Kirby and Jeremiah Hartenbower. 

In 1831, Justus Jones, Iia Jones, Barton Jones, Abram Jones, Thomas 
Judd, Mr. Ransberger, Mr. Simpson and Abram Darnell. 

James Reynolds died and was buried in the cemetery, the second inter- 
ment, and his family moved away. 

These constituted the settlers up to the spring of 1832, when the Black 
Hawk came with its terrors and rumors of massacre and murder. One 
dark and rainy night the residents of the locality gathered with their 
wives and children, and met at log house in Roberts Township, on the 
place now owned by Mrs. Hutchinson Croft, and resolved to build a fort 
for mutual protection. The next day each able-bodied man, with guns, 
axes and spades, repaired to the farm of Benjamin Darnell, now owned 
by Robert Mann, nd dug a deep trench, enclosing sufficient space, into 
which were inserted split logs ten feet high, with port-holes where re- 
quired for riflemen. A well was dug in the enclosure, and into this the 
settlers brought their families for mutual protection. They were as follows : 

Benjamin Darnell, Joshua Evans, Thomas Brooks, Patrick Cunning- 
ham, George Basore, Mr. Holderman, from La Salle County, Thomas 
Judd, John Ward, G. B. Hollenback, Thomas Hollenback, Alvah Hum- 
phrey, Jeremiah Hartenboner, Stewart Ward, Abram Darnell, John Dar- 
nell, George Martin, Justus Jones, and the wife of Thomas Dixon, her 
her husband having gone as a teamster with the volunteers. John Dar- 
nell arid Geoi'ge Martin promptly enlisted in Capt. Wm, Hawes' Rangers, 
and afterward John S. Hunt. In a few weeks peace was restored, and 
the settlers gladly returned to their homes. 

In 1833 we find Justus Jones and family on the Edward Clifford 
farm ; Joshua Evans on the homestead where he first began and ever after 
resided; Thos. Judd comfortably started on the place of late years occu- 
pied by Alfred Judd ; Benjamin Darnell "holding the fort" or stockade 
farm; John S. Hunt just across the Putnam County line, then in Evans, 
now the Beckwith land; Geo. Martin where his surviving widow and 
children still live. Martin married Miss Lucy, daughter of Samuel Gay- 
lord, an old settler. Their family were Aaron G. and Sylvia Martin, well 
known residents of Sandy. The widow after the death of her husband 



44^ IllDC61lt)S OF THE OLDEN I'IME. 

maj-ried James Gihson, and lie too died in 1855. Slie is the last surviv- 
ing citizen of Sandy Creek, who arrived after the age of maturity, and 
still remains a dweller there, the others having all moved away or are 
dead. Alvjdi Humphrey was then on the farm now owned by David F. 
Griffin ; Horace Gaylord on the McCall place, and Thomas Dixon on that 
of Mr. Adams. 

SURVEY OF THE LANDS. 

In 1834 the general Government caused the lands of this region to be 
surveyed, but the lines, as ran, did not conform to the boundaries which 
the settlers had staked out around their claims, and much trouble might 
have been anticipated in consequence. To avoid all disputes, a public 
meeting was held August 7, 1837, of which Justus Jones was chairman, 
and Geoi'ge Martin secretary, and a resolution was adopted to the effect 
that each settler should have the lands he had selected, and that upon the 
entry of the same the settlers should deed to one another according to 
their ori^-inal claims. Thomas Judd, Joshua Evans and James Caldwell 
were appointed a committee on the subject, who met August 26, at the 
house of Thomas Judd, where they reported a series of resolutions, declar- 
ing that the original claims should be respected, and this was satisfactorily 
managed after the sales of 1838, so that beyond innumerable conveyances 
to one another so as to conform to the ancient land-marks, no disputes 
arose or difficulties followed. 

This will account for the labyrinth of curious lines, which divide the 
timber lots on Sandy Creek to this day. 

OTHER SETTLERS. 

In 1834 Alvah Humphrey and Benjamin Darnell sold their respective 
claims to David F. Griffin, who had just moved thither from Pennsyl- 
vani. He afterward sold the Darnell land to Joseph D. McCarty, who 
came in the spring of 1835. Mr. Griffin has owned and lived on the 
Humphi'ey place ever since. Benjamin Darnell moved to Kendall County, 
Illinois, where his sons Enoch and Abram also made homes, all others of 
the family being dead. Mr. Humphrey moved to Rock River, Ills. 

June 19, 1834, Congress passed a law, giving the right of pre-emption 
to each actual settler of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and provided 
that he should live on the same until it was brought into market, which 



JPIOITEERS OF EVANS TOWNSHIP: 445 

would give him the right of entry thereof at $1.25 per acre; or, if two 
persons jointly pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land they 
should be entitled to a "float" of eighty acres each. 

In many instances the early settlers had neglected to set out an 
orchard as soon as they might, an orchard being considered almost con- 
clusive evidence of actual settlement. When this was not done fears of 
speculators outbidding the occupant at the land sales^vere felt, but no such 
occurrence is remembered among the settlers on Sandy Creek. 

In August, 1835, the new-comers since the former election, as shown 
by the poll books, were David Burch, Archibald Owens, William Brown, 
George Beatty, James Beatty and William Galloway. Wm. Brown made 
a claim on the David Moore farm, at the head of the creek; George 
Beatty, on the Albert Evans land; Achi})ald Owens commenced on the 
western portion of Albert Judds' farm, and Martin Kennedy on the D. 
Morse ])lace. 

The lands having been surveyed, an almost interminable time seemed 
to elapse before they were brought into market, as the impatient and 
anxious settlers thought. They had made valuable improvements upon 
their claims, and the long continued delay caused them much uneasiness. 
They feared that the speculators were plotting to steal their homes, and 
perhaj)s were responsible for withholding the lands from public sale. 

In the spring of 1838 the Government ordered all the lands east of 
the Third principal meridian and soutli of the north line of the present 
town of Evans, to be offered at public sale to the highest bidder in the 
month of September, of that year, at Danville, Illinois. Then every 
available dollar was brought forth from its hiding place, for the time of 
all others had arrived. 

As it was not possible for all the settlers to attend in person, nor even 
necessary, since a few clear headed persons could better do the work at 
the state capital, yet, to see fair play, and back up their claims by ^vit- 
nesses, a goodly delegation attended, provided with ample provisions and 
suitable outfit for camping out by the way. 

William Brown entered the Daniel Moore place. 
Justus Jones " " Clifford " 

Joshua Evans " " Evans " 

Geo. Beatty " " Albert Evans " 

James Caldwell " " Love " 



446 UlECOEDS OF THE OLlDEK TiME. 

Vincent Bowman entered the Hamilton Griffin place. 

Samuel Cox " " Adams 

John S. Hunt " '' Beckwith " 

Jos. D. McCarty " " Robert Moore " 

Thos. Judd " " Old Judd farm. 

Geo. Martin having died in July, 1838, this farm was entered by his 
widow, for his heirs, he having made his pre-emption claim in his lifetime. 

No difficulty was experienced in securing these lands; no speculator 
interfered and the settlers came home in a most happy frame of mind. 
They had secured homes for their wives and children. They began their 
labors with renewed energy and joyful hearts. Every improvement made 
was their own beyond the peradventure of a doubt. They planted out 
orchards, erected small additions to their cabins, some of their sons and 
daughters intermarrying and setting up for themselves. 

The young people had groAvn quite numerous around the settlement, 
and little social gatherings and visitings to and fro were much in order. 

VALUABLE IMPROVEMENTS. 

The want of a saw-mill had been sorely felt by the early settlers, and 
in 1838 Joshua Evans put one up near the M. E. Church, and John S. 
Hunt built another the same season on the afterward Beckwith farm, both 
being actively employed for years. 

John Evans had set up a turning lathe, a new enterprise here in 1834, 
which proved of great utility, as he made chairs with split bottoms, a few 
of which may yet be found in the neighborhood. He also turned table 
legs and a variety of household articles. 

Benjamin Darnell had a blacksmith shop at the Fort in 1832, which 
for years was the only one near, and of indispensable worth to the farmer. 

The first settlers tried sod fences around their patches or fields. A 
ditch about three feet wide and deep was dug, the dirt piled up as an 
embankment from the inside and the sod carefully laid up at a proper 
angle on the outside. It was expected these embankments would turn 
stock, but nothing delighted the cows better than to "horn" them down. 
To this day traces of these old fences can be found around the neighbor- 
hood. 

LATER SETTLERS THOROUGHBRED CATTLE. 

In 1840 or 41, Thomas Alexander came from Kentucky and bought 



THOKOUGHBRED CATTLE BLOODED HORSES. 447 

the old Darnell or fort farm, from Jos. D. McCarty, also the now David 
Moore place from Wm. Brown, and the following year sent hither his 
sons Hiram and Hugh who took possession, and the next season came 
with his family consisting of himself, wife and son Thomas, Jr. and daugh- 
ters, and William C. Alext'nder, a son-in-law. Mr. Alexander and Mr. 
Clarkson, each brought with them a herd of thorough-bred cattle, as fine 
short-horns as could be fOund in the celebrated blue grass region. This 
stock was a valuable acquisition to the region, and fi-om it has descended 
numerous specimens of superior graded stock. To Mr. Alexander also 
the community is indebted for fine blooded horses. 

Mr. Alexander ti'ansferred to an unmarried daughter and to Mr. 
Clarkson the south end of the foi't fami, and the latter Ijuilt the first 
house on what is now known as the Wilson estate in 1845. This was 
the first house built on the prairie, south of Sandy Creek timber. He was 
the lone pioneer in that direction for years. C. W. Bai'nes had settled 
upon and improved the first farm north of the timber some years previous. 
He afterward moved to Whitefield, where he now resides a prosperous 
and prominent citizen. 

James Miller and D. F. Griflin both, have engaged extensively in rais- 
ing short-horn cattle, Mr. Griifin continuing to this day, and to him there 
is much due for success in introducing and keeping up a breed of pure- 
blooded stock. 

The first school house was built three miles down the creek, on the 
land now owned by Geo. Martin. It was built in the fall of 1831, and 
Ira Jones taught school therein, the winter of 1831-2, four months. 

The first sermon preached in this Township was by William Royal, a 
Methodist minister and missionary, in the spring of 1832, at the cabin of 
Thomas Brooks. This pioneer "Man of God" then lived at "Roberts 
town," in Enoch Dent's house. 

Among the first white children of Sandy Creek settlement, who were 
born here, were Jarvice and Lucy Evans, whose births were in December, 
1834. 

SANDY PRECINCT. 

This was once an important political division of Marshall County. 
In 1833 it belonged to the jurisdiction of La Salle County, and on the 30th 
day of March of tliat year an election was held for justices of the peace 
and Constables. The exact spot whereon this important event trans- 



448 Records of the olden teviE. 

pired is not certain, but the best sources of information point out as the 
probable one a large log near the center of the settlement. 

The poll books, in possession of Thomas Judd, Esq., do not mention 
more than that the voters were : Dudley Humphrey, John S. Hunt, 
John Darnell, Thomas Dixon, Benjamin Darnell, Thomas Judd, Abram 
Darnell, Barton Jones, Justus Jones, George Martin, Josiah W. Martin, 
Joshua Evans, Alvah Humphrey, Horace Gaylord and Lemuel Gaylord. 

Justus Jones and Kichard Hunt were elected Justices of the Peace, 
and Barton Jones and George Martin, Constables. The officers of the 
election were: Alvah Humphrey, Joshua Evans and Horace Gaylord, 
Judges, and Thomas Judd and George Martin, Clerks. 

The Justices are said to have exercised their judicial functions with 
credit, and the Constables were sufficiently alert and active. There was 
but little legislation in those days. The law of kindness and mutual for- 
bearance governed, and few sought to take advantages of a neighbor. 
Business transactions were conducted on the principles of right and per- 
fect justice, and crime was unknown in this orderly community, so the 
officers and minions of the law had nothing to do. When misunder- 
standings arose friendly arbitration was invoked by both sides, and no 
appeal was sought. 

On the 4th day of August, 1834, the electors met at the new log 
school house and voted for State officers. Joseph Duncan had fourteen 
votes for Governor, and William Kinney two; Benjamin Mills, ten for 
Representative in Congress; William Stadden, twelve for Sheriff; William 
Richey and Isaac Dimmick had a majority of all the votes cast for County 
Commissioners of La Salle County. There were in all sixteen votes cast 
at this election, being the same persons with one or two exceptions who 
voted at the first meeting. 

In August, 1835, Thomas Judd and Justus Jones were elected Jus- 
tices, and William Brown and Horace Gaylord, Constables. 

In August, 1836, Stephen A. Douglas and John T. Stewart were can- 
didates for Congress. 

The former, on the Democratic side, received nine votes, and the latter, 
the Whig, ten votes. Up to this date politics had been little discussed 
in public. The settlers had come from the east and south, and each had 
brought with him some party predilictions, but party agitation had caused 
the voters of Sandy to take sides, with the result as indicated. 

William Stadden and William Beddick, prominent citizens of Ottawa, 



POLITICS IN THE OLDEN TIME. 449 

wei-e well known to the voters of this Precinct, and at this election the 
former was elected State Senator and the latter Sheriff. 

At the Presidential election, November 7, 1836, party lines were drawn, 
and eight citizens of Sandy voted the Democratic ticket. The electors 
voted openly for the candidate of his choice. 

In those days j>olitical papers had not begun to circulate and stir up 
that bitterness of feeling so characteristic of their efforts, and while men 
voted on different sides but little was said, and no violent language or 
wo]-k at the polls disturbed the good nature and serenity of the people. 

The only newspapers in the West were at Galena, Springfield, Chicago 
or Vandalia, or at Terre Haute, Indiana, and when one happened to stray 
into the settlement it was a month or two in coming. Election tickets, a 
necessity of the secret ballot, had not been invented. The voter merely 
thrust his head in at the window of the polling place, and announced his 
preference of candidates, the clerks recording his name and tallying the 
vote opposite that of the candidate. 

After a county election it was two or three weeks before the poll 
books were all in and the vote counted, and often a month or more 
would elapse before the result was definitely known throughout the 
county, and it rec^uired as many months to disseminate the result of a 
Presidential contest. 

The general election of 1840 brought out the most of the voters of 
Sandy Precinct, as it did all over the country, and thirty-three votes were 
polled, sixteen Democratic and seventeen Whig, and tLis was the first 
time that Abraham Lincoln's name was conspicuously brought before the 
public. He was on the Whig ticket as one of the Presidential electors. 

One of the voters at that election was Joseph Warner, who was then 
one hundred years old, and another was Lemuel Gaylord, also a very aged 
man, both soldiers of the revolution. 

In April, 1843, the question of being attached to Marshall County 
was submitted to the legal voters of Sandy Precinct. The great distance 
from the County seat, Ottawa, seemed to be the only argument in favor 
of the proposition. But it was sufficient, an<l every vote was cast for the 
change. Bennington did the same. There was not then a single inhab- 
itant in the present towns of Osage or Groveland, in La Salle County. 

The next election, after this region had been attached to Marshall 
Coiuity, in August of that year, was held at the house of Enoch Dent, 



450 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEX Ti:\IE. 

the name, "Sandy Precinct," being still retained, and including then the 
territory of what is now Evans and Koberts Townships. 

Thomas Judd and William B. Grreen were elected Justices of the 
Peace, and W. T. Dimen and Albert Myers Constables. Among the well 
known citizens who voted were John O. Dent, R. E. Dent, Enoch Dent, 
Livingston Roberts, Andrew Burns, Thomas Patterson, Joshua Myers, C. 
S. Edward. Jervis Gaylord, Albert Myei's, David Stateler, David Myers, 
George H. Shaw and James Hoyt — in all forty-eight votes. 

Sandy Precinct remained intact, consisting of the present towns of 
Evans and Roberts, till the adoption of Township organization in April, 
1852. As some evidence of the rapid inci'ease of population of Illinoip, 
it might be mentioned here that in 1836 we had five electoral votes; in 
1844 nine, in 1852 eleven. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN EVANS. 

One of the oldest Methodist Societies in the County is at Cheriy 
Point. Early in the fall of 1831 John Dixon, a local preacher of Dry 
Grove, came to Cherry Point to visit his son. While here he held a t^vo- 
days meeting in the cabin of Thomas Brooks, situated on the east bank of 
the little creek on the west side of the Adams farm. 

A Methodist class was organized, consisting of Thomas Brooks and 
wife, Justus Jones and wife, Abram Jones and wife, Joshua Evans and 
wife, Thomas Dixon and wife, and pi'obably Barton Jones. The Jones' 
had just come into the neighborhood. This was the fi]*st I'eligious society 
organized in the Township, and has continued with various degrees of 
prosperity until the present time. 

In the fall of 1831 Wm. Royal was appointed to the Peoiia mission 
which embraced the territory from Peoria northward without any special 
limitation. The mission actually embraced a part of the Fox River 
country. He arranged for services at Cherry Point, but the Black Ha-wk 
war seriously embarrassed him in his work. His family occupied a cabin 
near where Enoch Dent lived for many years, and considering it imsafe 
here, he removed further south to a place of safety, but I'eturned at the 
close of the war and filled out the year. 

In the fall of 1832, Jesse Hale, an eccentric old bachelor, w^as ap- 
pointed to the Pekin mission. Some of his brethren thought he ought to 
get married, and arranged for him to visit a lady they had selected, and 



Tiir M. j;. CHURCH lisr evans township. 



451 



she willing to make the best impression possible arrayed herself in goodly 
raiment set off with flowers and libboiis in that day quite iin-Methodistic. 
The parties were introduced hj a mutual friend and results waited. The 
preacher viewed carefully the dress of the lady candidate for matrimony 
and then said, "Sister, are you not afraid the devil will get you?" The 
sequel was not a Avedding. 

The following statement of appointments may be valuable for refer- 
ence, as giving the order in which the M. E. Church in this Township has 
ed by Methodist ministers since its organization, in j^^.^!.:— > 
Peoria charge, William Royal. 
Pekin charge, Jesse Hale. 

" Z. Hall, John McHenry. 
" " Joel Arrington, Charles Parker, 

" " Asahel E. Phelps, J. Arrington. 

" A. E. Phelps, John McMurtry. 
Hennepin charge, William Cundiff. 

Z. Hall, R. H. Moffett. 
John Maris. 
" " William Justice. 

Mifflin Harker. 
W. Justice. 
" J. H. Devore, L. A. Chapin (supply). 
S. P. Burr. 
. " " S. Stover. 

C. Babcock, T. F. Royal. 
William C. Cumming. 
W. C. Cumming, A. D. Field. 
" " R. N. Morse, N. Curtiss (supply). 

J. C. Pinckard, J. W. Stogdill. 
" " H. J. Humphrey, G. W. Mowrey (supply). 

Magnolia charge, R. N. Morse, W. H. Harvey. 
A. M. Farley, J. B. Craig. 
" " J. Matthews, J. C. Long. 

A. Keller, B. E. Kaufman. 

A. Keller, C. A. Stine. 

B. P. Wheat, T. F. Smyth. 



been ser\' 
1831, 
183:^ 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 
1837 
1838 
1839 
1840 
1841 
1842 
1843 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 



1854 
1855 
1856 
1857 
1858 



B. 



P. Wheat, E. Summers, 



452 



liECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TI]\IE. 



1859 
18()() 

1861 
1862 
his time 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 



Tonica charge, J. G. Evans, A. E. Day. 
Wenona charge, R. A. Coweii. 

" S. B. Smith. 
Wenona, R. Smithson ; resigned the charge in April, 1863, and 
filled out by A. K. Tullis. 
Wenona, A. Bower. 
Wenona, A. Bower. 

Wenona, W. C. Knapp; Wenona Circuit, G. B. Snedaker. 
Wenona, D. D. H. Young; Wenona Circuit, G. B. Snedaker. 
Wenona, C. C. Knowlton; Wenona Cii'cuit, C. Springer, 
Wenona, Geo. Montgomery; Wenona Circuit, C. Springer. 
Wenona, P. A. Crist; Wenona Cii'cuit, R. A. Cowen. 
Wenona,^Il. G. Pearce; Wenona Circuit, R. N. Morse. 
Wenona, R. G. Pearce; Wenona Circuit, O. Jenne. 
Wenona, M. C. Bowlin; Wenona Circuit, J. P. Mitchell. 
Wenona, M. C. Bowlin; Wenona Circuit, T. Head. 
Wenona, W. A. Spencer; Wenona Circuit, T. Head. 
Wenona, A. Fisher ; Wenona Circuit, E. B. England. 
Wenona, T. R. McNair; Wenona Circuit, E. B. England. 
Wenona, C. H. Brace ; Wenona Circuit, T. M. Durham. 
Wenona, C. H. Brace; Wenona Circuit, T. M. Durham. 
Wenona, J. G. Evans ; Wenona Circuit, H. C. Birch. 



Asahel Elihu Phelps, whose name occurs in the above list, and who 
was subsequently Presiding Elder, was one of the most profound and bril- 
liant men of Western Methodism. He was not only an orator, but a con- 
troversialist of unusual ability, and is remembered all ovei' Central Illinois 
by the early Methodists as the great defender of their faith. 

The little class organized by John Dixon and taken into the Peoria 
Mission by W. Royal was soon depleted by the removal of Thomas 
Brooks, Thomas Dixon and Abram Jones and their wives. 

The oldest class book in existence is dated August 29, 1834. John 
Sinclair was Presiding Elder, Z. Hall, preacher in charge, and John 
McHenry assistant preacher. Justus Jones was class leader, and the ad- 
ditional members were Sally Jones, Joshua Evans, Elizabeth Evans and 
Barton Jones. Justus Jones remained leader of the class until his death 
in October, 1849, when he was succeeded by his son Daniel W. Jones, 
who retained that position until his death, in 1853. 



THE M. E. CHURCH OF EVANS TOWNSHIP. 453 

In the early part of 1835 the name of Barton Jones disap})ears, leav- 
ing only four members, namely: Justus Jones and wife, and Joshua Evans 
and wife. In the latter part of that year the names of Vincent Bow-man 
and Martin Kennedy appear on the class book. In 1^30 Hannah Rad- 
cliff joined the Society, and in 1837 the class was strengthened by the 
addition of Wm. Evans, Sarah Evans, Daniel W. Jones, Joseph Long, 
Eliza Long and Robert Brown. In 1838 Mary A. Brown, Almira Evans 
and Truman B. Hall were added to the class. In 1839 first appear upon 
the records the names of George Beatty, Effie Bowman, Louisa Jones, 
Parmelia Bowman, William Bowman, John C. Bowman and Joseph 
Warner. The additions in 1840 were Rachel Caldwell, Chauncy W. 
Barnes, Sarah Barnes and Wm. Swarts. 

In 1841 the Society was strengthened by the Alexander family, who 
moved into the neighborhood fi'om Kentucky. The first death in the 
Society was that of Joseph Warnei-, who died September 5, 1842, at the 
advanced age of 104 years. In (3ctober of the same year Racliel Cald- 
well was buried. July 12, 1843, Elizabeth Evans died with the small- 
pox and Jane, wife of Wm. Evans, on the 2()th of the same month, and 
with the same disease. Between 1845 and 1850 the Society was very 
much reduced, and even threatened with extinction. The Methodist 
Protestant Church had oi'ganized a Society, and for a while seemed to 
have a prospect of taking the conmiunity. But in the early part of De- 
cember, 1849, R. N. Morse held a series of meetings in the Evans School 
House, which resulted favorably for the M. E. Church. He was assisted 

part of the time by Rev. Johnson of the M. P. Church, but the 

meeting was in charge R. N. Morse, and the M. E. Church was most 
largely benefitted. Thirteen joined the church (also a few from the M. P. 
Chuich), at the close of the meeting, and out of the thirteen, five became 
ministers, viz : C. Spi'inger, L. Springer, M. C. Splinter, J. Gr. Evans and 
Z. R. Jones. A new impetus was given to the Society, and in 1852, 
under the administration of H. J. Humphi-ey, the erection of a church 
edifice was projected. It was completed in the spring of 1854, and dedi- 
cated in April 24, by Silas Bowles, of Chicago, Revs. A. M. Early and J. 
B. Craig being pastors at that time. 

The Sandy M. E. Church cost $1,200, Daniel W. Jones, Joshua Evans 
and William Evans being the largest contributors. Since the erection of 



454 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the Chiircli building the Society has been upon a permanent basis, and is 
now one of the strongest and most flourishing churches in the country. 

THE FIRST SCHOOLS. 

In the winter of lHo2 a man named Anson Bryant was engaged to 
teach school, and a part of the "fort" was put in order fur that purpose. 
The names upon his rolls were : John O. Dent, Minerva Dent, R. E. 
Dent, Enoch Darnell, Larkins Darnell, Benjamin Darnell, Jj*., Alfred 
Judd and William Evans. Five of the pupils of that pioneer school were 
living in 1870, and some of them have become distinguished citizens of 
this and other counties. 

Ill the fall of 1833 the necessity of a more ample and convenient school 
room was agitated, and the citizens decided to build a school house. The 
site chosen was near the present residence of Mrs. Lucy Gibson. The 
size was agreed upon, and each of the heads of families was- asked to 
furnish his proportion of logs for the building and deliver them upon 
the ground, which was promptly done, and a raising l)ee followed. The 
house had^ a puncheon floor, stick chimney and slab seats and desks. 
Fuel was contributed by each patron in proportion to the number of 
children sent. The teacher boarded around with them, and was paid by 
siiVjscription. 

In the winter of 1840 Francis S. Damon, a young man from Amherst, 
N. H., taught school there and gave general satisfaction. Mr. Damon 
taught two winters, and in the spring of 1841, just after the close of his 
school, he became ill and died, and was buried in Cumberland Church 
Cemetery, regretted sincerely alike by patrons and pupils. No slab marks 
his i-esting ])Lice. His brothel', William Damon, came here the following 
season to settle up his affairs, and he too sickened and died, and the 
brothers sleep side by side. 

In the winter of 1842-3 Thomas Gallaher taught this school, with 
about the same attendance as that of the previous winter. The season 
was noted for very deep snow, and was also memorable as the time when 
the great comet appeared which caused much excitement among the 
Millerites. 

Of Anson Bryant the following incident is related: It was cus- 
tomary in those days for the teacher to "board round" and make his 
own fires. In a field contiguous to the school house an old ram was 



WENONA AND ITS INSTITUTIONS. 455 

pastured who from long possession was inclined to resent the ap- 
proach of visitors as an intrusion. One day Bryant went into the field 
to gather fuel, and was bending over in the act of picking it up, when the 
ram, who had warily ^vatched his entrance with ill-concealed displeasure, 
advanced for battle. The teacher was unconscious of any hostile inten- 
tions, and, as stated, was stooping to the ground, which the ram inter- 
preted as a wager of battle, and gave him a "boost" in the rear Avith the 
force of a thunderbolt, thiowing him, as the phrase goes, "heels over 
head." The poor man gathered himself up and felt greatly like resenting 
the ill-concealed merriment of his pupils, but finally joined in the laugh 
himself, the ram meanwhile marching off with the lofty air of a con- 
queror. The pedagogue ever after avoided that locality when gathering 
fuel. 



Wenona. 

The town of Wenona was laid out May 15, 1855, on Section 24, Town 
30, north of Range 1, west of the third principal meridian, by the Illinois 
Central Railroad. It stands in the center of a wide expanse of prairie, 
underlaid with rich deposits of coal not yet developed. 

The land upon which the town was built was entered by John 
O. Dent, in 1849. In 1853 the railroad company erected a small station, 
and likewise a dwelling for the agent; and in the succeeding year William 
Brown purchased the corner lot opposite the freight depot and erected a 
building, which he occupied as a store and boarding house. He came 
from the head of Sandy. 

Another merchant was#a Mr. Gilbert, who opened a store in the 
station house. He subsequently erected a store and dwelling near 
Fowlers' corner, but was not successful and soon left. 

Charles Brown built the first hotel — the Wenona House — which 
burned down in the big fire. The house built by Gilbert was sold to 
Silas Gray, who converted it into a saloon and boarding house. John L. 
VanAllen succeeded Mr. Goodall as station agent. 

About 1855 John B. Newburn opened a store. Other prominent citi- 
zens and business men were W. and J. Todd, ^vho came from the Vermil- 
lion. James Barton had charge of theii business the first year. About 
this time Hon. N. Moore came to the place and entered into a partnership 
with J. B. Newburn. The next year Mr. Moore sold his interest to S. J. 



456 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Taylor, going to Lis farm, two miles west of town. The firm of Newburn 
<fe Taj'lor did a lai'ge l)iisiness for some time, but was finally dissolved, 
both members retiring from the business. 

In 1855 the village grew rapidly, and in 1857 organized a municipal 
government, with F. H. Bond, Solomon Wise, George Brockway, John B. 
Newburn and Emanuel Welty as Trustees, and John Brown as Police 
Magistrate. 

Mr. Bryant taught the first public school in Wenona. 

Bev. J. R. Dunn was the first minister to locate in the new town. 
Under his supervision the Presbyterian Church' was l)egun in the fall of 
1855. Mr. Dunn was the pastor for many years, the church under his 
care was pros2:)erous, and from a few^ members increased to a large congre- 
gation in a few years. 

The town is regularly laid out, its principal street being built up with 
substantial, well filled stores, occupied by energetic business men doing a 
very extensive trade with the country surrounding. It has numerous 
elegant private dwellings surrounded with trees that tame the fierce heats 
of summer and add greatly to the beauty of the place. 

In 1872 the population was 1,185, which has since largely inci'eased. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. 

The ]mV)lic school building of this village is a fine frame structure, 
?>4x8() feet, two stories high, and with an addition of nearly equal size 
affords ample room from its numerous attendants. The main portion was 
commenced in 1808 and the wing in 186(1 The entire cost was about 
$9,000. 

Evans Township is divided into nine public school districts, with a 
respectaVjle school house in each. 

MASONS. 

Wenona Lodge No. 844, of A. F. cfe A.M., was organized August 22, 
1860, Wilson Ong W. M.; S. A. Gray, S. W. ; O. S. Davidson, J. W. 

The charter members were W. Ong, S. A. Giay, J. N. Taylor, W. R,. 
Phillips, L. Luddington, C. C. Badmore and O. S. Davidson. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

The I. O. O. F. of Wenona Lodge No. 283, was established October 



WENONA AND ITS INSTITUTIONS. 457 

11, 18G0, the chai-ter membei's being Geo. F. Bninick, Arthur Orr, John 
B. Newburn, O. L. Davidson and Chester H. Helm. Their first elected 
officei's were : Arthur Orr, N. G. ; O. L. Davidson, V. G. ; Chester Helme, 
Secretary, and J. B. Newburn, Treasurer. The charter bears date March 
5, 18G(), and the Society is in a very flourishing condition. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Catholic people of this vicinity had no regular services at Wenona 
until about 1865, when steps wei-e taken to build a church. The people 
of this faith in the town and country around were few and their means 
limited, but a little personal effort convinced the leaders in the enter- 
prise that the people wanted a church, and were willing, even at great 
personal sacrifice, to furnish the necessary means. 

Sufficient funds were raised or guaranteed to warrant building, and 
the church was soon completed, being dedicated to public worship by 
Father Murphy within the same year. It is 40x50 feet, with fourteen-foot 
ceiling, has convenient seating capacity, and with altars, ornaments and 
decorations of all sorts, cost about $5,000. The present membership is 
about three hundred. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On the 2(]th of June, 1852, the Presbyterians of Wenona met to or- 
ganize a church of that denomination. Those present were Newton Erwin 
and wife, Ira F. Lowrey, Henry W. Lowi-ey, C. B. Rushmore and wife, 
Samuel Horner and wife and Wm. H. Lowrey. The Confession of Faith 
of the Peoria Synod, was read jmd taken as the basis of the organization. 
The name selected was: ''The Hebron Presbyterian Church of Marshall 
County." 

July 10, 1852, they met again, when Rev. Joseph Fowler, of Lacon, 
preached. Newton S. Erwin and Samuel Horner were elected Elders, 
and Evans Township school house was chosen as the place of worship. 

The building of a house of worship, coming up at the next meeting, 
C. B. Rushmore, Newton S. Erwin, and Henry and William Lowery were 
chosen a committee to raise money for that purpose. 

May 7, 1853, a Sunday School was organized, and C. B. Rushmore 
was appointed Superintendent, and Mrs. Lindley, assistant, the place of 
meeting being the station house of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. 



458 RECORDS OF Tltl: OLDEN TIME. 

This Company afterward donated to the Society a lot on which they built 
a house of worship, finishing it in 1856. 

M. E. CHURCH IN WENONA. 

In 1856 Ahab Keller visited Wenona and made arrangements for 
regulai' preaching in the village. He organized a class of six, of which 
Solomon Wise was appointed leader. For about two years the Metho- 
dists, by the courtesy of the Piesbyterian brethren, were permitted to 
liold their services in the Presbyterian Church. 

In the s})ring of 1859, under the administration of B. P. Wheat, the 
erection of a church was planned. The enterprise was difRcult, as the 
Society was small and weak financially. During the summer the building 
was enclosed. In the fall the Society was connected with Tonica. J. G. 
Evans \vas in charge of the work. The building was plastered in the fall, 
used in an unfinished state during the winter, completed in the spring and 
dedicated in April by O. S. Munsell, D. D., President of the Illinois 
Wesleyan University. 

In 1865 Wenona was made a station, and the Sandy M. E. Church 
became the center of a new charge, under the name of Wenona circuit. 
Since then the two charges have been maintained separately, each support- 
ing its own pastor. There is an aggregate membership connected with 
the two churches of about two hundred, being perhaps more than double 
the membership of any other denomination represented in the Township. 
The congregations at both churches are large, the Sunday Schools good, 
and the societies prospering under the administration of the present 
pastors. 

THE WENONA UNION FAIR. 

* This enterprise, of which its citizens are so justly pi'oud, owes its ex- 
istence to a few public spirited farmers, who used to meet at the Evans 
Central School House and discuss matters pertaining to their interests. 
The Club had been merely a local affair, attracting to it only such farm- 
ers as lived in the vicinity, but it being desired to extend its operations 
and add to its influence, a special meeting was called for the purpose 
April 8, 1871. 

The idea was favorably received, and the interest spreading it was 



WEiSrONA UNION ¥AlU AND OROUNDS. 459 

deemed best to mnke it a District organization, including the Townsliips 
of Evans, Roberts, Groveland and Hopewell. A committee was appointed 
to see what could be done, and another meeting called foi' the 2 2d of 
April, at which report was made that J. A. McCall <fe Co. would donate the 
free use of their hall, the Wenona Stock Yards suitable grounds for cattle, 
and George Monser his machine sheds and ground for the prospective 
fair. The meeting unanimously adopted the following: 

Besolved, That the Evans Farmers' Club will heartily co-operate with the peoi)le of 
Weuona and surrounding Townships, to aid in getting up a Union Township Fair, to be held 
in Wenona the fall of 1871. 

The plan upon which the organization was effected being found 
defective, several clear-headed pi'actical men, of whom the Hon. John O. 
Dent was one, outlined a plan which has carried the Society to a magnifi- 
cent success and placed it upon its present substantial basis, thus: To 
make the shares $25 each, which every subscriber must be legally bound 
to pay in amounts as needed, and no person to own more than a single 
share; the Society to purchase fifty acres of land in the suburbs of 
Wenona, erect suitable buildings thereon, fence the grounds and make 
other needed impi'ovements. 

A new constitution embodying these features was adopted and the 
name changed, and from this date the association started on the remarka- 
l)le career of pi'osperity it has attained. Its first officers were: President, 
Marshall McCall ; Vice President, James Freeman ; Recording Secretary, 
Thomas Judd; Corresponding Secretary, Cadet Taylor; Treasurer, John 
A. McCall. 

The committee appointed to solicit subscriptions reported 220 mem- 
bers and $5,500 subscribed, sufficient to purc^jase the required real estate 
and have a handsome surplus over. The Society at once began prepara- 
tions for their fii-st exhibition by offering $20,000 in premiums, and the 
Fair held October 8 to (> (inclusive), 1871, was a surprising success. 

The fifty-five acres of land were purchased in the south-western limits 
of the town, and convenient buildings — large and permanent, were 
erected, also a fine track made, with other desired conveniences. The 
cost of grounds and improvements up to 1880 amounts to $20,000. 

Since then, annual Fairs have been held, each one seemingly an im- 
provement on its predecessors. In premiums, number of exhibitors and 



460 RECOUBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

attendance it fairly rivals the State Fair, and its success promises to })e as 
lasting as it is satisfactory. 



Evans Station. 



Between Varna and Wenona, on the Chicago, Alton tfe St. Louis 
Railroad, is located Evans Station. The oldest settler in the Township, 
dating from his occupancy, is Dr. Cornelius Perry, who came in 1853. 

The next to settle in the vicinity were Joseph Frazer, one-half mile 
south, and David Baker the same distance north of the Station, in the 
same year. L. A. Watt came in 1855, making his home one and a fourth 
mile from Evans. John Algoe came in 1856. 

The first school house was in District No. 8, built in 1859. Their 
nearest church was at Sandy, five and three-quarters miles distant, or, 
later, at Wenona, a trifle furthei' away. 

Ill this vicinity, it is said, is the greatest elevation between the Illinois 
and Wabash Rivers, though the statement needs verification. Standing 
here on a clear day a good pair of eyes can see the towns of Wenona, 
Lostant, Minonk, Rutland, Pattonsburg, Varna and the spires of the 
churches at Mt. Palatine. 

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH IN EVANS. 

In 1844 or 1845 Rev. Mr. Woolston, a minister of the M. P. Church 
visited the head of Sandy and established a regular appointment. He was 
succeeded by J. P. Strong, who organized a class, which was quite pros- 
perous for a few years. George Beatty, James Caldwell, Vincent Bow- 
man, William Swarts, and Talbert were among the leading members. 

The ministers who traveled the circuit to which the appointment at 
Cherry Point belonged, were Woolston, Strong, Fowler, Roy, Johnson 
and Young. 

The Society has long since entirely disappeared. 



Incidents and Items. 



In Cherry Point Cemetery, on the farm of Albert Evans, in an unmarked 
grave, lies the honored remains of Joseph Warner, a soldier of the war 



THE GRAVES WHERE OTTR HEROES ARE BURIED. 461 

of tlie Revolution, and In Cumberland cemetery repose those of Lemuel 
Gaylord, whose brief history as repeated by himself has been told else- 
where. Mr. Wai-ner was born on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, of Irish 
parentage, in 1738. He was left an orphan and underwent many hard- 
ships, until he attained his majority. When the Colonies revolted he 
became a soldier and fought at the battle of Germantown, the particulars 
of which he was fond of relating, it being his greatest pleasure in later 
years to gather the children about him — 

•' Tell o'er his deeds and tales of valor done, 
Shoulder his crutch and show how fields were won." 

After the war he settled near Mount Vernon, Va., where his old com- 
mander resided, and lived there until his removal to Madison County, 
Ohio. He cleared a farm here, and lived until 1838. He was now one 
hundred years old, and many of his immediate relatives had paid the debt 
of nature. His property had been given to his children except " Lib- 
bie," a faithfid old horse twenty-seven years old, his companion for 
many years. A grandson, — Justus Jones, had settled in Illinois, and 
with the perverse restlessness of old age he determined to search out and 
visit him. His family strongly opposed this, but one day when they were 
absent he mounted his nag and stole away unobserved, turning westward. 
He had no money, but his simple story made friends everywhere, and the 
kindliest care was his until he reached Chicago. He knew nothing con- 
cerning his friends whereabouts, but struck south-westwardly, and fortu- 
nately rode right into the neighborhood while prosecuting his inquiries. 
He found here kind friends, and remained with them until his death, Sep- 
tember 5, 1842, aged 104 years. 

Among the exciting and ever popular amusements of the long ago, 
were the corn-shucking bees of young and old, at each others houses. 

• The corn, plucked off and hauled h(ime, was thrown upon the 
ground, or on the barn floor when large enough, in long piles or 
ricks. The men and boys of the neighborhood were bidden to the "bee," 
sides were chosen, the corn divided and "then came the tug of war," the 
contest sometimes lasting two or three hours. At its conclusion the vic- 
torious side bore their captain on the shoulders of three or four stalwarts 
in triumph to the house to receive the plaudits and congratulations of the 
ladies, the vanquished following in their wake in mournful procession. 
Then all partake of a bountiful supper prepared by the ladies, who 



462 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

invited to contribute their part to the festivities of the occasion, would 
come in their prettiest outfits, and after the tables were cleared an old- 
fashioned party would follow, lasting usually till the "we sma' hours" of 
morning. 

Alarms were frequent during the Indian troubles, and one of them 
was rather serious. Mr. Evans was a man of considerable nerve, and 
while others were forted up he remained on his farm. One day while at 
•work with his son William and a Mr. Basore, guns were heard and a 
couple of men were seen running over the hill, as if pursued. William 
was quickly mounted and directed to ride swiftly to the house and cany 
the family to the fort, while Evans senior and Basore remained to retard 
pursuit, and if need be, sell their lives dearly. The alarm was a false one, 
however, as no Indians were seen. 

One night as Benjamin Darnell was standing guard, he saw something 
in the moonlight, which he took to be an Indian. His ti.dng alarmed the 
inmates, when it was discovered to be the family cow. 



Newspapers. 



The village of Wenona has supported a newspaper since February 23, 
1865, at which time Grable & Crosby, two young printers, established the 
News Index. Mr. Grable had experience in newspaper management for a 
time during the war, at Hennepin, while Mr. Crosby was in the service, 
coming here upon the close of the war. The News Index was a seven 
column folio, creditable alike to its publishers and the village, and was 
well patronized by the community. 

August 17, 1865, Mr. Crosby sold out to his partner, but the next 
week bought out Grable and became sole publisher and proprietor, con- 
tinuing control until February 15, 1867, when he sold to William Parker. 
He had long been a sufferer fi'om consumption, and died in the June fol- 
lowing at Clinton, Iowa. He was a noble young man and a spicy writer. 

Mr. Parker continued alone in the management until June 26, 1868, 
when Cadet Taylor bought a half interest, the partnership lasting until 
June 2, 1870, when Mr. Taylor bought the whole establishment. 

Mr. Parker was a genial gentleman, with whom it was a pleasure to 
have dealings, and during the continuance of this partnership both the 
Index and its proprietors prospered. 



WENONA NEWSPAPERS. 



468 



After the accession of Mr, Taylor to tlie sole management he invested 
the proceeds of his business from time to time in new material and dropped 
the word ''iVe^rs" from the name of his paper. In politics the Index is 
independent within Republican limits. From the time it was established 
it has deserved and received a very liberal support. 

During the last year of the war Mr. L. B. Barnes, a telegi-aph opera- 
tor, printed a small sheet, entitled the Sentinel^ which was well received 
as an amateur publication. 

In 1875 a Mr. Burroughs started the Wenona Tn'hune, l)ut suspended 
after a three month's struggle. 




464 RtDCORbS OF THE OLDEI^^ TIME, 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 




CHAPTER XLIV. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTIOISr. 

*HIS Township was named by John Strawn from the place 
from whence he came in Ohio. It is six miles square, made 
up of prairie and timber and is unusually fertile and pro- 
ductive. Crow Creek passes through its southern border 
with intersecting streams that cut the surface into rug- 
ged bluffs and deep ravines, with well cultivated fields 
in the valleys. Other minor streams are Pidgeon Creek 
and Strawn's Run. Although possessing much broken land, 

its numerous advantages, fine soil and timber, made it the choice of the 

early settlers in all this region. 

ROUND PRAIRIE. 

The fertile prairie east of Lacon, in the Townships of Hopewell and 
Richland, now covered with highly cultivated faims and princely resi- 
dences, was named by the early settlers "Round Prairie," indicative of its 
general appearance. It is semi-circular in form, about six miles long by 
four wide, surrounded by thrifty groves and ranges of timber, skirting 
which the first settlers made their claims. It was first visited, so far as 
we have any record, by John Strawn, who came here on a prospecting 
tour in 1828. 

While to John Strawn belongs the credit of being the earliest perma- 
nent settler, the patriarch of Round Prairie was Robert Barnes, who, 
along with his family and a brother-in-law named James Dever, settled 
here in November, 1829. They first visited Hennepin, and after a short 
stop moved into a vacant cabin near Jesse Roberts', when leaving their 
families, they started upon a prospecting tour to Colonel Strawn's, from 
whom they bought a claim near the Babb place, to which they brought 



ROUND PRAIRIE FIRST SETTLERS. 465 

their families ; but the sight of tlie large swamp in front discouraged the 
female portion, and deterred them from remaining. 

A few days weiv spent in searching a new locality, when they selected 
a claim on Section fifteen, to which they drove their wagons and began to 
get out logs for a cabin, which was raised November 18, 1830. Theii' 
cabin was raised and roofed the same day and they slept in it that night. 
Next day they put up a stick and mud chimney, and as soon after as pos- 
sible a puncheon floor. The chimney had only been finished up to the 
rafters when a storm come on and prevented its completion. 

The winter was a hard one, deep snow covering the ground, and to 
advl to their labors the cattle had to be subsisted on the tender tops of 
trees CLit dawn for the purpose. In the little cabin food, such as it was, 
was pentiful, but it consisted mainly of corn. A kind neighbor, who 
came in that fall, had a supply of pork, which, was kindly proffered and 
accepted with thanks. Deer abounded in the woods, but they were poor 
and their flesli of little value. 

In this condition the two families passed the winter known as that 
of the great snow. They were shut in from the outer world, but ])eace 
and contentment reigned, and they looked forward with confidence 
and hope that never faltered to the coming of spring, which would 
clothe the now bleak prairies with "living green." Although their 
low cabin seemed cut off from the world, they were not wholly 
Separated fi-om friends and neighbors. On the southern edge of 
the prairie Kobert Bird had built a cabin, and a Mr. Burt and Mr. 
Phillips wei-e in the vicinity, also a family named Waughob lived on the 
"Tommy Jones " farm, and Daniel Bland had built a cabin on what after- 
ward became the Thompson place. He came from Indiana and designed 
moving h^i'e in the spring, but sickness came, long delaying the execution 
of his plans. Before fully recovered, he loaded his goods and started on 
their long overland journey, arriving late in the fall. A cabin was put 
up, l)ut the labor was too great, and his overtaxed system gave way. For 
a long time he hovered betw een life and death, and then his weary spirit 
took its flight. 

H. B. Barnes came in the fall of 1834 with his mother and little 
daughter, he then being a widower. Th< y found a home with his sister, 
Mrs, Nancy Dever, until June, 183G, when he began to improve his pres- 
ent homestead, and built a log house, which in the spring of 1839 took 
fire, and was burned to the ground with all his household effects. The 



4G() EECOKDS OF TJIE OLUEX TlStr.. 

family had left it in the morning and gone away with everything safe 
from fire as was supposed, but on returning at nine P. M. found it all 
ablaze. The fire was attributed to accident. He at once rebuilt, and his 
new residence was probably the first frame house in the settlement. 
Another early settler was Col. Samuel M. Kilgore, who removed here 
in 1834. 

John Dever came in the fall of 1833, and located near the farm of 
James Dever, who died on Christmas day, 1834, and John died a week 
later in January, 1835. Both were buried at the corner of Section 15, 
but have been taken up and interred in the Barnes cemetery. The widow 
of John Dever still lives with her son in Lacon. 

Robert Iliff located near the Barnes place at an early da)', and Jose])h 
Burt made a claim near what was afterward the farm of Harvey Scott, 
about 1831. 

John, William and Allen Gray made claims where the present Drake 
farm is, about 1834. 

Archibald Johnson made a claim near Owen's place during the fall of 
the same yeai'. 

Benjamin Fort and family came to Richland in the spring of 1834, 
and opened a farm near the homes of John and James Dever, bi'others of 
Mrs. Fort. Mr. Fort's family consisted of himself and wife and daugh- 
ters; Sarah, afterward Mrs. Chas. Gapen; Mary Ann, who became Mrs. 
Joseph Titus ; Washington W. and Greenbury L. Fort, Member of Congress. 

The old homestead of the Fort family, after tlie death of Benjamin, 
became the property of Greenbuiy L. Fort, and by him ^vas conveyed 
to William Spangler. 

H. B. Barnes was married in 1839 to Jane M. Kilgore. They have 
had six children born to them, and still live on the old homestead. Their 
children were, Isabella K., living at home ; Louisa (Mrs. Willliam Kil- 
gore, of Livingston County); Br. Samuel M. M. and Dr. H. E. W., both 
atFairbury; Alvira S., at home, and Erastus T., dead. 

Abraham Keedy came in 1834, settling on what has since been known 
as the Joseph Sharp place. He had six children, and three were born after 
his arrival. He lived in a rail pen for sevei-al weeks until he could con- 
struct a suitable cabin. 

Another settler was Hoel Doddy, who improved the Hoover place. 

Virgil Lancaster in 1835 owned a claim which he sold to Wm. Mur- 
phy. Murphy Game in 1836. John Foster arrived here the latter year, 



EARLY SETTLERS OF RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 467 

and John C. Foster in the spring of 1840, the latter the father of Mrs. 
Allen J. Keedy. Mrs. Keedy has a bureau and chair brought by Mr. 
Fostei' to this country. Mrs. H. B. Barnes has also an interest- 
ing heirloom, bein^ a knife box made in 1814, by Thomas Barnes, the 
father of the Barnes family, who moved thither from Scioto, Ohio. 

J. Allen Keedy came here with his father, Abram Keedy, and in a 
few years settled on his present place. 

The Remley's — father and son, came about the same time. They 
were caVjinet makers, and worked occasionally at their trade. 

Woodford Fisher "took up" the Pichereau place in 1835. 

Wm. Spangler came here in 1835, James Work also. 

John Gray, in 1836, bought the Robert Barnes homestead, lived there 
two years and sold to John Ramsay. 

John Ramsay settled on the Barnes farm in 1838. Joseph Titus came 
in the fall of 1839. His brother Jesse Titus followed, and, having died, 
his widow married John Titus. 

Joseph Brown located on the prairie, near J. A. Keedy's, in 1842. 
Wm. B. Thomas, near Strawn's about the same time. 

Andrew Jackson arrived here in 1835, and settled on the Hoover 
place, which he bought from Colonel Latta, of Weljster. 

Another settler on the prairie was James Thompson, who married a 
daughter of John Strawn, and raised a numerous family of enterprising 
business men. Densil Holland came, too, many years ago, as did Jesse 
Bane. The former died about 186(), and his son still lives upon the 
family homestead. 

Another early settler was Robert Bird. He came to Walnut Grove, 
Tazewell County, in the fall of 1827, and lived there until 1830, when he 
bought a claim of one of the Waughobs, where he lived until 1849, when 
he emigrated to Oregon and subsequently died. His family consisted of 
Robert Bird, Jr., now a citizen of Rutland; John, William and Elijah, 
who accompanied their father to Oregon, and two daughters. Elijah was 
killed in a fight with the Indians. 

AVhen the Bird family came to Round Prairie, in 1830, the only white 
people Robert Bird, Jr., then seventeen years old, remembers were those of 
Col. John Strawn, James Dever, Robert Barnes, Daniel Bland, Joseph M. 
Burt, Colonel Bell, on Crow Creek, a family of Waughobs, Allen, John 
and William Gray, Capt. Abram Keedy, the Perkins family, living on 
Crow Creek, and James Kain. 



4G8 RECORDS OF THE OLDEX TIME. 

Until McNeill started a blacksmith shop in the bottoms, near 
Columbia, or Lacon, the farmers generally had to go to Walnut Grove, in 
Woodford County, for whatever work in this line they required. Later, 
Captain Keedy opened a shop on Rjund Prairie, in 1832 or '33. 

The nearest saw mill for several years was on Sand}^ Creek, and a corn 
cracker mill was located on Big Spring Branch, near Peoria, where the 
farmers got their milling done, until Owens started a bettt r mill at the 
mouth of Crow Creek. 



COL. JOHN STRAWN. 

The first permanent settler in this part of Marshall County was John 
Strawn, who in company with a man named Ilavei', visited this County 
in 1828, and removed here with his family in the fall of 1829. 

He was a noted lover of fine horses, taking great pride in the outfit of 
his teams, which along the route ci-eated a decided sensation, his wagon 
being twenty-nine feet six inches long, of the "regulation'' i)rairie 
schooner pattern, resembling a Japanese war junk, and drawn by six 
horses, the heaviest he could find. Along with this were additional teams, 
horses, cattle and cows, the proprietor riding at the head like some ancient 
patriarch leading his family into the wilderness. They consisted of his 
wife, two sons, William and Enoch; Rachel, afterward married to Jesse 
Bane ; Mary Ann, to James Thompson ; Caroline, to William B. Thomas ; 
Emily, to Densil Holland; Salome, to William Orr; Susan, to Enoch 
Owen, and Levicy to A. Pichereau. 

Arrived here, a temporary shelter, closed at the sides and rear and 
open in front, was made, in which they lived until a substantial double 
cabin was put up in time fo]- the winter. He lived here many years, 
bringing up his large family and bestowing on each a comfortable farm, 
and finally dying July 4, 1872, aged eighty-one. 

Mrs. Strawn, consort of the above, was in many respects a remarkable 
woman. In those days there were no physicians, and of necessity she 
became a mid-wife, going long distances on her errands of mercy and never 
refusing to turn out at the most inclement seasons. 

One bitter cold night in the severe winter of 1830-31 tiiere came a call 
from the family of Daniel Bland, a new comer, living some three miles 
across the prairie, whose wife desired her immediate attendance. Mi's. S. 
could well have refused to go. She had a young babe whom she could 



EARLY SETTLERS OF RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 469 

not leave, and it was risking its life as well as her own to venture across 
the prairie. 

There were no roads, and besides the imminent danger of freezing, 
there was positive risk of becoming engulfed beneath the treacherous 
snow. Over all the prairie it lay two and three feet deep, and the hol- 
lows had drifted full until it was one continuous level. A thaw which 
softened the surface had been followed by the present heavy freeze, and 
horses and cattle walked easily upon the surface ; but beneath the crust 
in the concealed hollows many streams had washed and melted the snow, 
leaving places treacherously thin, into which the unsuspecting traveler 
was liable to be precipitated, and horse and rider go down together. This 
Mrs. Strawn well knew, but all her womanly sympathies were aroused, 
and she told the guide — young Bird, she would accompany him. Brief 
time was allowed for preparation, and binding her limbs in blankets she 
mounted her horse — riding astride for safety and departed. The weather 
was below zero and the wind blowed fiercely, but the moon shone bright, 
and Strawn, who realized the full peril of the journey, climbed to the 
top of his cabin to watch the travelers and go to their succor if need 
be. Slowly they proceeded, selecting theii- route with care, while the 
watcher maintained his post until assured of their safety. But what a 
scene greeted their arrival. In the little cabin with its single room lay 
the sick wife soon to be a mother, and on a rude pallet cold in the em- 
brace of death her husband. There was no woman's ministering hand to 
soothe the last moments of the departed, or tenderly wait on the sick wo- 
man in her supreme agony. The cold was too bitter, the biting prairie 
winds too fierce to oppose except in a case of the direst necessity, but 
Robert Barnes with a heart full of sympathy, was there, and jointly the 
duties of caring for the living and the dead were performed by those two. 
The mother afterward became the wife of John Bird, and her son — born 
on that fatal night — accompanitd her, and the only father he ever knew, 
to Oregon, where if living he still resides. 

Another time — to be exact, on the night of July 15, 1834, Mr. James 
Dever was sent to call Mrs. Strawn to his cabin in hot haste. He 
mounted his horse and started, promishig to return with her in an hour 
or two. The distance was about three miles, and he rode across the prai- 
ries by the directest course as he supposed, but after traveling several 
miles in that direction, concluded he had missed the way and changed his 
bearings. He passed several cabins which he thought strange, and ob- 



470 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

served the houses were much alike, but his business was urgent and with- 
out inquiry he I'ode on till daylight, and found that he was half a mile 
from home, and had been wandering about Round Prairie all night, during 
which he must have gone past his own door a half dozen times. In the 
meantime little Mary Dever had opened her eyes in this world and proved 
to be a pretty and healthy addition to his family, with no thanks to his 
tedious and faultless meanderings or the absence of Mrs. Strawn. But 
his ill-directed journey had cost the excellent midwife $2.00, her fee for 
professional sei vices, and saved him that amount, which of itself in those 
times was a goodly sum of money. 

During the first ten years of her i-esidence here there were few births 
on Round Pi-airie or about Crow Creek at which she did not officiate, and 
her practice was always attended with success. 

While to John Strawn rightly belongs the honor of being the first per- 
manent settler, he was preceded by a family named Waughob, who, upon 
his arrival had the foundation of a cabin laid on the place where Samuel 
Ramp lives. Stra^vn left his family in the vicinity of Bloomington foi' a 
couple of weeks, w^hile he made a trip of exploiation and staked out his 
claim. In the meantime a cousin named David Letz, knowing his plans, 
"jumped his claim," in Western parlance, and began a cabin not far from 
AVilllam Strawn's place. John Strawn on his I'eturn bought out both 
of these parties paying Letz $50.00, and Waughob $20.00, the latter 
going some two miles below and building a cabin on the Jones farm. 

The family of Waughobs consisted of William Waughob and wife, 
and his son Robert and ^vife, William, Jr., and some daughters, together 
with his son-in-la^v, George Eastei', and John Shayner and wife. They 
subsequently sold their cabin on the Jones farm to Robert Bird, and made 
various claims elsewhere, one of which was on the Bland farm, and some 
otheis. They put up the merest semblance of a house, watching their 
opportunity to sell to the first unsophisticated new comer at a good round 
price. 

A family that settled on Cl•o^v Ci'eek in early times was that of Wm. 
McCune, who died three days after his arrival here, leaving numerous 
descendants. One of the daughtei's mai-i-ied Harvey Scott, another Wil- 
liam Spangler, and a third, Jacocb Hollenback. His son Samuel is a well 
known minister, located at Canton, in this State. 

Mr. McCune and wife sleep in the cemetery at Lacon. 



EARLY SCHOOLS OF RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 471 

The farm owned by Harvey Scott, was improved by Josej)li Burt. 
Mrs. B. died here in 1832. after which he sold out and went to Pattons- 
burg, Avhere he became insane. There were no asylums at that early day 
in the state, and people had to take care of him as best they could. A 
small log house was built on Crow Creek, wherein he was confined and 
kept by Joseph Martin until he died. 

John, William and Allen Gray were among the early settlers near 
Scott's. 

James Work lived on the Creek, at what is still known as Work's 
ford. He had two sons, who became active workers in the anti-slaveiy 
cause and "conductors" upon the undei'ground railroad. A Av^ell known 
citizen of those days, speaking of them many years afterward said above 
all others they could be depended on to assist fugitives. Others were 
true, provided the "conditions " were right, but these men could ahvays be 
depended on. 

Colonel Bell kept a " tavern " for many years, where travelers wei'e 
entertained, and it was also the stopphig place for the stages. 

Joseph Martin settled on Crow Creek, six or seven miles south of 
Lacon, in the spring of 1832. His children were Isaac, who died in 1849; 
Harriet, James B., Joseph, Mary Ann, Robert, John D., Susan, Rhoda 
and Sarah. 

THE ExiRLY SCHOOLS. 

The first school house in the town of Richland was a cabin, put up by 
Mr. James Dever, in 1833, for a tenant, but subsequently transformed 
into a school house, the tenant's wife, Mrs. Gallahei", teaching during the 
summer and winter of 1833. Some of the children came a distance of 
three miles to this primitive temple of learning. 

The facilities for obtaining an education in this locality at that time 
were exceedingly meagre. Miss Jane M. Kilgore, now Mrs. H. B. Barnes, 
desirous of becoming a teacher, was sent to«»Peoria to school, returning 
in 1836 with such knowledge and honors as the school there could 
give her. She taught at Lacon in 1837, and subsequently in her own 
neighborhood, at what was known as the old Bh'd School House. 

In the winter of 1835 Archie Johnson taught school in the cabin on 
Nancy Dever's farm. 



472 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The old church near Martin Hoover's j'esidence was used for school 
purposes for many years, and is yet so employed. 

The first district school in this part of the Township was in a building 
which stood where D. Rediker lives, burned down in. 1841. 

This school house was built in the fall of 1837, a Mr. Bailey com- 
mencing a term of scliool in September of that year, Ijut was taken sick 
and Irwin Cummings finished the term, also teaching the next summer 
and winter. Two or three years after the destruction of this building by 
fire a frame school house was erected on its site, in which Simon P. Ogle 
and others taught. 

A school house was erected near Mr. Samuel Owen's place, in the 
south-east corner of Section 16, at an early day, of the prevailing material 
and style of architecture. The old log school house, one-half mile south- 
west of the present scliool house site, was built in 1837, and John Brown 
was the first teachei'. 

Jesse Bane taught a school in Lancaster's house in the winter of 1S36, 
his pupils being J. A. Keedy, Emery Foster, Benjamin Foster, Eliza 
Foster, Elijah Bird,_,Sarah*Dever, James Dever, Mary Keedy and Louisa 
Keedy. 

Mr. J. A. Keedy, who, like his father, has been intimately associated 
with the educational interests of the Township since its organization, has 
in his possession the first school records, from which it appears that "the 
Tiaistees of Schools of Town 21), North Range 2, Avest of Third Principal 
Meiidian, in Putnam County, met according to appointment, at the house 
of Nancy Dever, on the 27t]i of J»dy, 1837. Pi'esent: B. Barnes, William 
Dodds, T. Owen, David Mitchell and James B. Work. Abram Keedy 's 
name was j)resented as Treasurer and accepted. 

" It ^vas ordered l)y the Trustees that the Sixteenth Section, the Town- 
ship's school land, he tlivided into four equal parts by two lines crossing 
the center at right angles, and numbered as follows: The north-east part. 
No. 1; north-west. No. 2; south-west. No. 3; south-east. No. 4." 

January 8, 1838, the Trustees found the Township school funds "safe 
and con-ect." 

The candidates for school certificates were examined Vjy the Township 
Trustees. At this meeting John Brown, Rachel Strawn and Granville 
Hedrick presented themselves, were put through a course of questioning, 
and obtained the necessary documents authorizing them to teach, 

March 12, 1838, the Board oi'dered that sixty-six days should consti- 



teARLY SCHOOLS OF RICIILAKD TOWiSTSIIIP. 47^^ 

tute a term, or quarter, for schools, and John Brown was allowed $45.35 
for teaching a term of three months, commencing December G, 1887; 
Granville Hedricks $29.81 for three months, and Eachel Strawn $27.74 
for the winter of 1837-8. Mary Work taught a term of three months, 
commencing June 9, 1838. 

March 29, 1829, Allen Wilcox and Irwin Ciimmings were examined 
and passed as teachers. 

Teachers were paid in proportion to the number of pupils. At first 
the rate was $2.00 for each attendant. April 5, 1839, the rate was 
increased to $2.50. Under this arrangement Wilcox received $83.40 and, 
Cummins $26,924 for their respective terms that season. 

A. N. Page and Amos Cutler received teachers' certificates June 28, 
1839. 

In October, 1839, Elizabeth T. Page, for teaching the school in the 
south-eastern district, was allowed $15.3H. 

In January, 1840, an enumeration of the children over four and under 
twenty-one was taken; total in the Township, 135. 

In January, 1843, the school population had increased to 227. 

By 184G the school funds of the Town had increased to about $1,000, 
which, under the law, the Trustees were required to loan to responsible 
parties. To establish a rate of interest acceptable to the people and as a 
guide for the board, a public meeting was had, which was held the 
first Saturday in January, and voted to fix the rate of interest on school 
funds at eight per cent, per annum. 

In October, 1851 the school children of the several districts numbered 
342. 

Abram Keedy was Treasurer and Clerk from 1837 to July 24, 1858, 
over twenty-one years. 

PHELPS CHAPEL. 

The first Methodist preaching was l)y Rev. William Royal, at the 
cabin of Mrs. Bland, in 1831. 

In 1832 Rev. Jesse Hale was pastor of Pekin Circuit. He preached 
at the cabin of Mr. James Dever, and also at that of Mr. Timothy Owens, 
on Crow Creek, near the mill built by himself and his brother Roderic. 

Rev. Zadoc Hall followed in 1833, on the same charge. He organized 
the first society, consisting of Mrs. Mary Dever, Mrs. Nancy Bird {for- 



474 iltCOW)S Oli^ TltE OLDEN TIME. 

mei'ly Blaiul), Mrs. Nancy Dever, John Dever, Kohert Barnes, Julia 
Baines, William Gallaber and Emily Gallaher. The first three were re- 
ceivevi by lettt.r ; the others on probation. Kobert Barnes was appointed 
class leader, whic^. position he filled many years. 

lu 1832 01' '33 Mr. James Dever organized the first Sabbatli school 
within tne limits of Marshall County. It was a union school, supplied 
with union books. Uncle Rol)ert Bird, a member of the Cumberland 
Pi-esbyterian Church, the only ])inying man at the time, was acting Super- 
intendant. 

Under Rev. Hall's administration Mr. Timothy Owen and wife were 
converted, and with Roderic Owen and wife, who were members before, 
united with the class on Round Prairie. 

When Mr. John Dever's double cabin was built, the services were gen- 
erally held in it, until the erection of a school house on the farm of Tim- 
othy Owen, in 1844. Here preaching was held for several years, until 
the erection of Phelps Chapel, in 1852-3. The subscription paper for 
the church is dated March, 1851. 

The following were the Trustees: Timothy Owen, John A. Keedy, 
James Thompson, Martin Hoover, Abram Keedy, John Wilson and Rob- 
ert Barnes. Of these Tiniotliy Owen, J. A. Keedy and Martin Hoover 
still survive. 

Samuel Henthorn, Arcene Pichereau and H. B. Barnes were consti- 
tuted the building committee. The land — two acres, was donated by 
Mr. James Thompson. Mr. Samuel Wilson, of Lacon, built the the 
church. 

The house was used before fully completed. It was finally finished 
and dedicated September 6, 1853. Rev. J. W. Flowers preached the dedi- 
catory sermon. At the suggestion of Rev. Zadoc Hall, the pastor, it was 
called Phelp's Chapel,' aftei' the distinguished Asahel E. Phelps. 

In the fall of 1856, under the pastorate of Rev. John Grundy, a par- 
sonage was commenced on the same lot as the church. It was completed 
and fully paid for under the administration of Rev. A. C. Price. 

The following Methodist ministers have preached in the Township: 
Wm. Royal in 1831 ; Jesse Hale in 1832; Zadoc Hall and John McHenry 
in 1833; Joel Arrington and Charles Parker in 1834; Asahel E. Phelps 
and Joel Arrington in 1835 ; Asahel E. Phelps and John McMurtry m 
183G; William Cundeff in 1837; Z.Hall in 1838; Daniel Blackwell in 
1839; David Dickenson in 1840 ; C. Atkinson and J. B. Houts in 1841 ; 



A I-OUT FOR LEFT-HAKDED MEN. 475 

J. C. Pinckard in 1842; John Grady in 1848; J. F. Devore in 1844- 
Francis Smith in 1845; C. Babcock and T. F. Royal in 1840; W. C. Cura- 
ming in 1847-8, assisted by A. D. Field in 1848; B. C. Swartz in 1849; 
L. E. Ellis in 1850-51; Zadoc Hall in 1852-53; W. C. Cummingin 1854; 
John Grundy in 1855-6 ; A. C. Price in 1857-8; W. A. Bresson and H. M.' 
Cornell in 1859; B. P. Wheat in 18G0; W. J. Stubbles in 1861; G. m' 
Irwin in 1862, and six months of 1863; J. W. Haney balance of 1863 and 
1864; F. B. Burgess in 1865-6; A. K. Tullis in 1867-8-9; G. B. Sne>la- 
kerin 1870-1-2; S. P. Alford in 1873-4; W. P. Graves in 1875; J. W. 
Denning in 1876-7; A. J. Jones in 1878; and G. W. Burns in 1879 — 
the present pastor of Phelp's Chapel. 

THE BARNES AND DEVER FORT. 

In May, 1832, rumors came of dreadful massacres by the savages, 
supplemented by the startling report that they were marching upon the 
defenseless residents here. Colonel Strawn, by virtue of his commission 
called all able-bodied men to arms, and in obedience to the summons they 
promptly shouldered their muskets and started for the seat of war, leaving 
the women and children without protectors. Mrs. Dever, her sister-in-law 
Mrs. Coutlett, a hired boy and two families of little children constituted 
the population, and they were wholly defenceless, no defence having 
been prepared. 

The evening after the departure of the men the women held a council 
of war to devise measures for self-protection. After much deliberation 
they decided upon a stratagem to mislead the Indians, should they come, 
by the idea that the people had fled. Enough of the bedding and cooking 
utensils for immediate use were hoisted up stairs by means of a ladder 
and placed upon the floor ; some provisions were also taken up, and the 
trembling ladies then scattered the remaining furniture in wild confusion 
over the floor below, and the door-yard, to give the scene the appearance 
of a hasty flight. The children were hustled above, the ladder pulled 
up, and then they huddled down in fear and trembling to await results. 

Not far off lived the families of Mr. Phillips and Mi-. Burt. They had 
heard of the reported Indian raids in the morning, and concluded it would 
be safer to go to Mr. Devers', where they would have the consolation of 
each other's company, and collectively make a better fight than singly. 
They met at the gate of the Dever cabin, where the confusion and appar- 



470 ' l^ECORDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

eiit massacre of the entire family caused the women to scream in terror, 
while those in the loft, believing the racket to be caused by Indians, gave 
vent to their fears in loud and agonizing shrieks. 

For a short time such echoes wei-e awakened as that region had never 
heard before, but the women within looking out through a crack and 
perceiving no Indians, discovering instead their neighbors, at once divined 
the true state of affairs and hastened to admit them. 

Soon after they had another scare. This time it came from the direc- 
tion from Avhence they expected the savages. The dogs at first barked 
loudly and then ceased, and all was still. From this it was evident to 
the excited garrison that their faithful canine sentinels had met the Indi- 
ans and been tomahawked or shot with arrows. The inmates of the loft 
now gave u[) in despair, fully believing their time had come. The savages 
would in a moment appear, force their way up the ladder (which they had 
forgotten to remove after the previous alarm), and then the horrors would 
begin. But happily the approaching party were the husbands of the 
afhriglited ladies, who, on reaching the house and discovering the evidences 
of savage visitation, were greatly alarmed themselves. They had learned 
that most of the rumored murders of settlers by Indians were false, espec- 
ially as to localities near by, but might not some of the accursed red 
miscreants have slyly crept in among their defenceless wives and little 
ones in their absence? Rushing into the house the ladder was discovered, 
and the closed hole above explained the mystery, and with a jolly good 
shout and a general laugh, the prisoners surrendered and promptly and 
gladly descended and got supper, which was heartily enjoyed by all. 

The next day all hands fell to work, and in a brief time a log stockade 
was built around Mr. Dever's cabin, which enabled the families in a 
measure to bid defiance to the enemy. 

The Dever fort was designed by Robert Bird, Sr., the only man of the 
settlement who had ever seen a block house or stockade. Being left- 
handed he constructed the bastions for a left-handed man, but there being 
no Benjaminites in the garrison, this was a serious fault. As the enemy 
never came, however, the error caused no inconvenience. The stockade 
enclosed about an acre of ground. 

The people at night — men, women and children — all occupied the 
cabin within the slab and picket enclosure, but each family had some little 
shed outside where separate cooking and eating conveniences were pro- 
vided. Some of the men were absent during the day at work, while the 



THE RECOED OF A WELL -SPENT LIFE, 479 

greater number were with the Rangers engaged in active duty. The fam- 
ilies who forted were those of Thomas H. Phillips, T, J, Burt, Robert Bird, 
Nathan Owen, Howell Doddy, William Davis, Mr, Boyleston, and Mrs. 
Bland, 

Colonel Strawn was asked to join those in the fort, but mth charac- 
teristic independence, refused, ridiculing the idea and declaring that if the 
Indians should come he and his wife and children would be safe enough 
in a hog pen. 

The old fort was afterward moved out upon the farm of Mr, Spangler 
and occupied as a residence for many years, and still remains standing. 

In 1831 Robert Barnes, as stated, sold his interest in the Dever 
cabin and took up a claim on what is now the William Ramsay place. 
He was elected Justice of the Peace, and when the .war broke out was 
chosen Captain of a company of Rangers, organized among the settlers for 
frontier service. 

In 1835 Mr. Barnes sold his homestead to John Gray for $900, and 
purchased of a Mr. Lewis the place south of Crow Creek on which he ever 
after lived, for $600. Mr. Lewis removed to the vicinity of Magnolia, 
where there was already established a large Society of Friends, of which 
he became an influential member, noted for his anti-slavery opinions. 

The heavy grove of timber now seen west of the house, was then a 
smooth prairie with a few hazel brush in scattered bunches. His nearest 
neighbor was Henry D. Palmer, a noted Campbellite preacher, while in 
the vicinity of Washburn dwelt a man named Philli}3S. He tilled many 
offices of trust and profit acceptably, saw his children grow up to man- 
hood and most of them settle about him, and was finally gathered to his 
fathers, dying of cancer in the face in 1879. 

JOHN WIER. 

Among those identified with the early history and development of 
Marshall County there is none more prominent, none more deserving of 
special mention than John Wier. Born in the State of Maine May 18, 
1797, of Scotch -Yankee ancestry, the first twenty years of his life (with 
the exception of one year's service during the war of 1812), were spent in 
the vicinity of his birth, his life similar in all respects to that of all boys 
in a new country. 

In 1817, enthused by the glowing accounts of the marvelous beauty 



480 HECOElDS Ot^ TilE OLDEJST TIME. 

and fertility of the great West, he cast his fortune with two others, and 
embarking together with a rickety one-horse wagon, they started for the 
land of promise. Upon reaching Washington County, Pennsylvania, young 
Wier accepted employment in a stone quarry, remaining there about 
eighteen months, and then went to Western Virginia, locating near Wheel- 
ing, where he remained fourteen years. In 1825 he married Catherine 
Byrne, who proved herself a worthy helpmate and counselor throughout 
all the long years of their wedded life. Three children were born to them 
while here, — Henry, Benjamin (died when nine years old), and an infant 
that lived but a few days. 

An incident which occurred during Mr. Wier's residence here may 
in some degree account for his hatred of slavery and his hearty support of 
the Republican party in its struggle with that "sum of all villanies." A 
neighbor owned a likely slave with whom Wier often labored in the 
fields and who one night walked off with the north star for his guide, for- 
getting to return. His owner attributed his escapade to the teachings of 
Mr. Wier, and commenced suit for recovery of the negroe's value, and 
although Wier persistently declared his entire innocence of complicity or 
knowledge of the slave's intentions the jury decided against him, and he 
surrendered every dollar he possessed — the hard-earned accumulations of 
years, in payment. 

After fourteen years residence in this locality, with two thousand dol- 
lars as the result of his accumulations, he embarked on a steamer with his 
family and household goods, journeyed down the Ohio River to Cairo, 
and thence up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Pekin, where he 
landed in 1832. Remaining there one day, he started out on an exploring 
tour, going as far north as the Vermillion, and returning, passed the night 
with Colonel Strawn, who had settled here two years before. Hearing of 
a claim in the vicinity for sale, he next morning went to the place, after- 
ward occupied by him until his death, and in a few moments became the 
purchaser of 240 acres, on which was a cabin but no other improvements, 
for $500. He returned to Pekin, proceeded at once to Springfield, and 
entered an additional claim of 240 acres, and soon after a keel boat 
landed himself, his family and effects at Columbia, now Lacon, and he 
was shortly established in his new home, with the families of Colonel 
Strawn, Hall, Babb, Harris, Cassell, Forbes and Barnes as neighbors. 

The Black Hawk war was raging at this time, and within ten days 
after his arrival he was enrolled in the militia and chosen Captain, but 



JOHN wiER — "the poor man's friend." 481 

modestly waived that honor and accepted a Lieutenancy. But with little 
faith in the flying rumors of Indian outrages, and his mind occupied with 
projects for the improvement of his farm, Mr. Wier made little mark as a 
soldier. It is related of him that he stood guard with unloaded gun, and 
on the march gave more care to his horse than to his arms. 

The families of most of the settlers were "forted up" during the 
absence of the men folks in the army, but those of Strawn, Wier, Babb 
and Cassell remained outside the stockade, the latter two leaving their 
cabins and taking up their residence with Mrs. Wier until the supposed 
danger was over. 

After the annihilation of Black Hawk's band and the disbandment of 
the volunteers Mr. Wier set vigorously to work upon the improvement 
of his farm. Arriving here on the 10th of May, by the 10th of August 
following he had eighty acres fenced and forty acres broken, his only help 
being one man and a team, and a portion of his time being spent in the 
volunteer service, as stated. Early dawn found him at work, and dewy 
eve fell upon his stalwart form engaged with undiminished zeal in the 
labors of the field. 

The third fall after his arrival Jie cultivated eighty acres of wheat 
alone. In his subseipient extensive farming operations Mr. Wier made 
no specialty, but raised all kinds of grain, hogs, cattle, horses and mules. 
Game was abundant, but to him time was too valuable to be spent in 
hunting, and he was singularly ignoi'ant of the use of fire-arms foi' those 
times. 

In 1844 his second and best loved child, Benjamin, was accidentally 
killed by being caught in a threshing machine while playing in the barn. 
It was a severe blow, as the boy had given promise of unusual ability, and 
inherited many of his father's traits. 

In 183(j Mr. Wier made his second purchase of land, a tract on the 
Sandy, and from this time until his death, made frequent and extensive 
purchases, one of the last being the "Lacon Farm" of 210 acres, from 
Jabez Fisher, for $10,000. 

Mr. Wier was a giant in stature, six feet two inches high, compactly 
built, with sinews strengthened by toil and a frame unimpaired by disease. 
In character he was honest, upright, hospitable and charitable to a fault. 
In those early times when every house was a place of entertainment few 
nights passed without the presence of strangers beneath his roof, yet none 
were turned away, and no pay would be received. He was temperate in 



482 HECOtlDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

all things, never indulged in liquor or tobacco, and avoided the luxuries 
of high living. Without education or aid other than industry, frugality 
and temperance, he rose from poverty to the possession of a fortune esti- 
mated at not less than $50,000, and upon his death was sincerely 
mourned by all. His tombstone bears the inscription, "The j)oor man^s 
friend." 

THE MUKDER OF mVeIL. 

William McNeil was an old man whose years had almost reached the 
limit assigned by the law-giver of Israel. He emigrated from Ohio in 
1829 or 1830, journeying with a Mr. Johnson, who settled at Washington. 
Mr. Johnson was a 1)lacksmith, and the father-in-law of James Hall, the 
latter j)urchasing a set of tools and forge from him and set up a shop near 
his I'esidence, where McNeil worked for several years. 

During the Black Plawk troubles he was elected lieutenant of the 
company of Rangers raised for the protection of the infant settlement, 
and possessed all the qualities constituting a good soldier. Some time 
after he married a daughter of Edward Harris, and became possessor of 
eighty acres of land five miles north-east of Lacon, where he built a cabin 
and reared a numerous family. 

He was industrious and active, a kind neighbor with but a single fault, 
a love for spirituous liquors, indulged in at long intervals. In the course 
of time his wife died, and after a season of widowhood he led to the 
altar a Mrs. Sarah Myers, a woman who had been twice wedded before. 
She was a person of strong will and sharp temper, and had several children 
by a former husband, and the bringing of the two families together 
led to dissensions and bitter quarrels. Two children were born to them, 
one of which died when quite young; the other, at the time of McNeil's 
death, was twelve years old. An Irish lad of similar age was an inmate 
of the family, and usually slept with McNeil below, while his son occu- 
pied a bed in the attic. 

Mrs. McNeil had a daughter named Melissa, a rather comely girl who 
had learned the millinery and dress-making business, and desired her 
mother to join her in setting up a shop in Lacon. The old lady proposed 
to divide the property, take her share and follow her daughter, and leave 
her husband on the farm to shift for himself. This was strenuously 
opposed and led to long and bitter disputes. 



THE FIRST INTERMENT IN THE COUNTY. 483 

The old niiui seemed mucli cast down and dispirited, and frequently 
shed tears when conversing -\vith friends. While affairs were in this con- 
dition he was foully murdered, — shot in his sleep, two Vmlls entering his 
face, making a ghastly wound and causing instant death. The Ijed 
wlieron he lay occupied one corner of the poorly furnished room, and 
through a window three feet distant the murderer fired the fatal shot. 
It WHS not evident at the time, but afterward shown that the weapon 
used ^vas an old musket McNeil carried when a soldier, and being desti- 
tute of a lock was touched off with a coal of fire. Death must have came 
instantaneously. The countenance wore the peaceful expression of pain- 
less dissolution, the gray locks were matted with blood, and the crimsou 
current had ran through the bedding to the floor and gathered itself into 
a pool. 

Suspicion finally settled upon Mrs. McNeil and she was placed under 
arrest. The Irish boy who lived with the family and usually shared the 
old man's bed, was ordered that night by Mrs. McNeil to sleep in the 
chamber above. During the night he heard a loud noise, and covering 
his head did not waken again until morning, when he was called by the 
old lady and told what had transpired. The weapon with which the 
crime was committed could not be found, but a singular dream of John 
Jason, a near neighbor, pointed to its concealment and it was found hidden 
between the outer wall of the 1)uilding and the plastering. 

Mrs. McNeil was placed on trial and ably defended by Burns, Bangs 
and Winslow, the jury bringing in a verdict of " not guilty." 

THE FIRST FUNERAL IN MARSHALL COUNTY. 

It was the winter of the great snow. Hill and valley wei'e covered 
with the winding sheet of nature's decay. The world was in a shroud of 
immaculate purity. Hushed was the song of birds, the hum of bees, the 
low of cattle. Underneath the mantle of white, the germs of flowers, the 
tiny ministers of God, Avere frozen past the resui'recting powers of sunny 
skies and balmy atmospheres. 

The settlers sat within their cabins, and listened to the whistling, the 
sobbing and the moaning or the wind through the "puncheon " doors, and 
waited drearily for the cessation of the storm, the opening of the Heavens 
and the return of warmer days and blither hours. 

Over the little settlement the Death Angel had been hovering for 



484 KECORDS OF THE OLDEIST TIM3?, 

some time, and as the storm grew more fierce and the winds howled more 
dismally, the settlers often thought of him who was lying in the gi*asp of the 
King of Terrors. They knew that ere the skies should smile again they 
would miss from among their band a familiar face, the face of one who 
with them, had journeyed from afar into the new country. 

. In the solitude of that trackless region bathed in the Alpine cover- 
ing of the winter's snow, Daniel Bland was passing into the life beyond. 
Attended by the loving wife who had braved the dangers of the long 
pilgrimage to the new country, surrounded by the sobbing children so 
soon to be bereft of a father's care and counsel, the strong heart of the 
brave pioneer ceased to beat — Daniel Bland had found tlie great snow a 
winding sheet for himself as well as for his mother earth. He had 
finished the life struggle, and ere the weeping loved ones beside his couch 
could realize the fact, his soul was standing before the Great Judge, to 
be dealt with as the mercy of the Father should direct. 

It is a solemn thing in a crowded city to see a fellow being carried to 
his last home; it was indescribaljly so to the little community shut out 
from all the world by deep snows and pathless wastes. 

When the news of his death spread abroad, the settlers wended their 
way to the house of death to perform the last sad rites; and now a diffi- 
culty arose. There was not sufficient lumber in the settlement with which 
to construct a coffin. The nearest saw mill was forty miles distant, and 
it was death to make the journey. Even the doors of houses and the 
window frames were made of '"puncheons," or planks riven from the 
black walnut, ash or bass-wood trees. In this predicament a tree wslb cut 
down in the forest, split into slabs, and a rough box fastened with wooden 
pins was made to answer the part of a coffin, which, when completed, 
was hauled by "old George," Colonel Strawn's well known horse, through 
the snow to where the dead man lay, near what is now Phelps' Chapel. 

"Few and short were the prayers that were said," 

and no sermon was preached beside that lonely grave, but the body was 
laid silently away under the snow to await the angel's summons on the 
Resurrection morn. Through sickness and sufferings and hardships 
Daniel Bland had gone to his Kedeemer's rest. The forests which had 
echoed the sturdy ring of his axe should hear the sound no more; the 
paths he once had trod would still be walked upon by others, but by him, 
nevermore ! 



AN OLD-TIxME BURIAL GROUND. 485 

No memorial stone mnrks this the first grave in Marshall County, and 
all traces of the little mound have long since been obliterated by the 
onward march of improvement, but yet, on that last day, when the sea 
and the earth shall give up their dead, the soul of the pioneer, Daniel 
Bland, will lead into the world beyond the regiment of Marshall County's 
dead. 

RAPID GROWTH OF TIMBER. 

Those unac(|uainted with the growth of timber might doubt that any 
perceptible growth would be made in so short a time as that embraced 
within the memory of the old settlers; yet they all bear testimony to re- 
marknl)le changes in the timber within a comparatively brief period. The 
fii'st settlers ai'ound the timbered sections of Richland Township could see 
ovei- the tops of the undergrowth around the borders of the woods, then 
contined to the brows of the hills and i-avines. ThoU, deer and cattle 
could ])e seen bi-owsing in the thickets where are now trees fi'om thirty to 
seventy-five feet in height. Scrubby oak openings have given way to 
}>odies of tall timber, hazle brush thickets to groves of thrifty young wal- 
nut and hickory trees, and the boundaries of tindjer in places have ex- 
tended far into what were then marshy praii'ies, covered with weeds, grass 
and clumps of willows. The improvement of the prairies put a stop to 
the yearly destruction of the woods by fire, young trees began to grow, 
and rapidly spread and matured into fine new forests; and now the gen- 
eral outlines of the timbered localities bear no resemblance to those of 
forty or even twentj^-five years ago. 

Within the memory of Mr. Barnes, and probably many othei* of the 
pioneer settlers, the splendid oaks and otuer trees which constitute the 
grove south of Lacon were small bushes, many of them, in fact, just peep- 
ine: throuo-h the surface. 

What are now large shade trees of walnut and cottonwood were set 
out by Mr. and Mrs. Barnes in 1840. From one of these, in 18(U twelve 
joists, 2x6 inches, were split. Some of these trees are now two feet in 
diameter, and many apple trees set out even later are from three to three 
and a half feet in circumference. 

NATHAN OWEN's GRAVE YARD. 

On a slight elevation in the valley west of Mr. Hoover's dwelling is 
"Nathan Owen's Grave Yard." It lies on the west line of Richland 



486 KECOKDS OF THE OLDEX TIME. 

Township. In the fall of 1834, Miss Mary Conley, aged eighteen years, 
a daughter of Preston Conley, was interred here, and two children of Mr. 
Owen, who donated the ground to the public for burial purposes, are also 
buried here. It has since become the general repository of the dead for 
the neighborhood. 



Incidents. 

John Strawn was very practical in his business relations and assumed 
no risks. It is told of him that a merchant of Lacon once came out to 
obtain his signature to a note, and he hit upon a novel plan to avoid it. 
falling down in a lit and simulating insanity. As soon as the non-plussed 
merchant had got out of sight Strawn 's reason returned, and he laughed 
immoderately at the satisfactory results, to himself, of his strategem. 
When asked by one of his family what ailed him, lie exploded with mirth 
as he replied : " I did n't claw the aii* and howl and beller for nothing; 
I was working to save five hundred dollars! " 

The Colonel was sharp at a bai'gain, and not a few anecdotes are told 
of his success in this particular. Once he hired William Orr to chop 
down trees at ten cents each, Strawn to select the trees to be felled. The 
shrewd old felloAv went through the woods and marked the bigii;est he 
could find. Orr had his eye longingly on one of Strawn's daughters, 
therefoi'e to have backed out of the job was not to be thought of; it was 
"no chop, no girl," and he manfully chopped away. 

In 1831 John Strawn and three others went hunting hogs across Crow 
Creek, and while absent the waters rose rapidly, making it impossible to 
cross. Strawn swam his horse over, but the men were obliged to remain 
all night without fire or provisions. The next morning the citizens came 
and threw some provisions over, but they were forced to remain several 
days before rescued. 

The Strawn's were "all business," and drove sharp trades with whom- 
ever they dealt. John had an elder brother named Jacob, living about 
Jacksonville, who was wealthy, and when lands came into market here 
John took several fine horses along on his way to Springfield, assured he 
could find a customer for them in the person of his brother. In the course 
of the evening's conversation the latter, found out al>out how much John 



HOW COL. STRAWN GOT EVEN WITH HIS BROTHER. 487 

was " short," and made that the value of the horses, nor would he give 
any more. It vexed John not a little, for they were really fine horses 
and worth more money, but as he wanted to secure some land and must 
have the additional funds to do so, he accepted the amount with the best 
grace he could and departed. 

It happened the season was cold and backward, and very little good 
corn was raised, though John had forty acres in good condition and a hun- 
dred or more that was not. Jacob was a large stock dealer, and was get- 
ting up a herd specially for the Galena market, and as crops in his vicinity 
were poor he wrote to his brother asking how the yield was with him. 
John replied, saying he had a hundred and fifty acres of the best possible 
quality, and wanted him to come and inspect it in person, so Jacob sad- 
dled his horse and made his appearance. The corn stood in a body, and 
John, while pretending to show him the entire field adroitly managed to 
bring him back to the same place at each turn they made, so that he sup- 
posed that it was of one uniform good quality. A purchase was 
made at a high figure, and Jacob sent up his herd in charge of a trusty 
assistant. It did not take long to go through the forty acres of good corn 
and then they began to fall off and grow poor. The attendant wrote his 
employer the cattle were doing poorly, who came up and at once saw he 
had been taken in, but when he upbraided John on the subject, the latter 
admitted it and added, "It's all right, brother; it's all right. We're even 
now, and after this we'll trade fair." 

Strawn never believed in banks nor patronized them, and this known 
trait in his character exposed him to many risks -from desperate men, who 
believed he kept large sums of money on the premises. One dark and 
stormy night a few years previous to his death, he was awakened by calls 
outside, and going to the window, a re(piest was made to let some travel- 
ers come in for shelter. He directed them to an outhouse, but while 
parleying the door of his sleeping apartment opened and in stalked a 
stranger, pistol in hand, followed by another. Strawn was greatly fright- 
ened, and made no attempt at resistance while the robbers tied his hands 
behind his back. They would have served Mrs. S. in the same way, 
but she promised to lie still. They next conducted Strawn down stairs, 
relieved him of about $300, and helped themselves freely to eatables. 
Previous to leaving they charged him to never to divulge their visit under 
penalty of being murdered and having his property burned down. Stra^\-n 



488 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

promised to obey and did so, and tlie occurrence did not leak out until 
many months afterward. It has since transpired who the robbers were, 
but two of them had left the country and the evidence was too insufficient 
to convict the third. 

The abundance of game here in early times is well attested. AVilliam 
Strawn re})orts killing four deer in one day, and he killed thirty-six "j^rai- 
rie chickens at thirty-four consecutive shots, killing four chickens at two 
shots. 

Enoch Strawn when a lad was hunting with his father, when the lat- 
ter shot a deer, the bullet grazing his back and only stunning him, but 
which nevertheless dropped as though dead. Enoch was on horseback 
and quickly rode to its side, when seeing the animal was about to rise, 
pluckily sprung upon its back, and clasping his arms round its neck hung 
on for dear life. The animal rose to its feet, and then began a contest for 
mastery not often seen. The boy was in real peril, for the deer's sharp 
hoofs would cut like knives, and the thrust of its antlers is seldom cured. 
The struggles were such that Strawn could not shoot without endanger- 
ing his son, nor could the boy loosen his grasp to get a knife, but after a 
few desperate bounds the dogs pullea it down, and a shot at short range 
finished it. In the winter of 18o0-31 he caught twenty-six wolves in 
traps. 

Lynxes and wildcats were numerous and very destructive 1o barn- 
yard fowls, pigs and lambs. Once a lynx w^as treed in the timber near 
the present Sti'awn g]-aveyard. Eight bullets were fired into the tough 
animal before it fell, and then, in its dying struggles the ferocious and 
powerful feline fearfully clawed several of the dogs. 

A gray wolf captured by them measured seven feet from the nose to 
the end of the tail. A lynx once killed a half-grown hog in the daytime 
within a few rods of the house, and was driven off by the inmates, but 
the lialf dozen dogs set in pursuit could not be induced to follow it. 

Camp-meetings were pleasurable incidents in the often monotonous 
lives of the settlers, and were attended by young and old, grave and gay. 
Some came for spiritual enlightenment, some for amusement, some out of 
mere curiosity, and others for sinister purposes, they being sometimes 
frequented by roughs and even robbers, as in the well remembered instance 
of robbery by the Reeves gang. Members who were able brought their 



A STYLISH WEDDING HORSE-RACING. 489 

tents, and aside from their own families were expected to accommodate 
their friends. Robert Bird tells how he attended a meeting in Strawn's 
woods and was invited by a friend to share with his childi-en a conch of 
straw in one corner. He retired early, going off into a sound sleep, and 
was surprised in the morning to find half a dozen buxom young ladies in 
undress uniform calmly snoring by his side. They had been taken in 
during the night and shown to their resting place by the "woman of the 
house," utterly forgetful of the already occupant of the "bunk." Great 
was their consternation and greater his fright, but the hostess exjilained 
all and the matter ended with a jolly laugh all round, 

A stylish wedding took place in Richland Township in the winter of 
1833-4, at the house of Mr. Burt, in Round Prairie, it being that of Mr. 
Robert Bird to Miss Sarah A. Burt; Esquire Barnes tied the nuptial 
knot. The young men who attended doffed their buckskin breeches in 
honor of the occasion, and arrayed themselves in store clothes (chiefly blue 
jeans,) and tow shirts, while the girls threw off home-spun for "kalliker," 
and everything was exceedingly lovely. After the ceremony the guests, 
about twenty couples, partook of a mammoth pot-pie, from the discussion 
of which they were aroused by the squeak of the violin, a prelude to the 
merry dance which followed. 

An old settler speaking of the cool season that followed the great snow 
says there were no house flies, nor none of the plagues which torment 
cattle and horses. No cellai'S were needed to preserve milk and butter. 
There were neither fleas nor bed bugs, and not a musquito put in its ex- 
asperating song to disturb the pioneer in his sleep, though the cabin was 
in the edge of the woods, among tall grass and rank weeds. Neither ague 
nor fevers appeared during that season, nor malarial diseases. But little 
corn or wheat was raised, but the crop of grass was enormous. 

One of the exciting sports of the day was horse-racing, and a race was 
once arranged between Eli Sti-awn and a young man named Wright, from 
Shaw's Point. It was towards spring, and while the track was hard 
packed in the road, thei-e was a treacherous unknown depth of snow in the 
ravines it were best to avoid. This Strawn well knew, but Wright did not. 
They started together and ran neck and neck until, reaching a ravine, 
Strawn's horse crowded the other off the track, and over they went out of 



490 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



sight ill the depths below, 
race was won by Strawn. 



Both were extricated without harm, and the 



The Waughobs were a lazy, improvident set, who spent their time 
hunting bees. Once a swarm was found near Strawn's house, and wish- 
ing to get it without alarming the latter they proceeded to cut it down 
silently with augers. Manfully they worked through a long autumn day 
and had nearly succeeded when they were discovered. Strawn used to 
say it was the sweetest honey he ever ate and the cheapest. 

September 12, 1836, William Maxwell concluded that as prospective 
cities were springing up around him in every direction, it would be well 
for Richland to have one, and accordingly laid out and platted "Auburn," 
on Section 25, Town 29, Range 2 west. Gretting tired of waiting for his 
city to grow he plowed up its numerous streets and alleys and turned it 
to account as a corn and potato field. 

While Colonel Bell kept the station house at the ford he frequently 
had considerable money on hand, and kept his "bank" in his clock. One 
day after the stage had departed he found his hoard was missing. Mount- 
ing his horse, he rode swiftly until the vehicle was overtaken, and found 
his money safe in the bottom, where the thief had placed it. 




General bESCRiPTioisr of la prairie township. 



491 



LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XLV. 




DESCRIPTION. 

*HIS Township, lying in the south-west corner of Marshall 
Coiintj^, is six miles square, and contains very little waste 
land in its ]:)orders. The soil is a I'ich dark loam, and in 
fertility and productiveness has no superior in the State. 
While it has no large streams, it has an abundance of 
"spring branches," as they are termed, and no Township 
in the County is better waterea or better adapted to agri- 
cultural uses than is this. It lies within the limits of the 
" Military bounty tract," a portion of territory set apart by the Gov- 
ernment for bounties to soldiers of the war of 1812, and specially 
selected for its many advantages. It was surveyed in 1815-10, and 
patents allotted, but the holders transferred them in many cases to othei'S, 
and out of it grew conflicts of ownership and litigation extending down to 
the present time. This retarded settlements until about 1850-55, since 
when the country has rapidly developed. 

La Prairie is by many considered the bannej' township of the County. 
As compared with others its farms are smaller, and in a majority of cases 
owned by the occupants upon them, and as a natural sequence they are 
under a more intelligent cultivation, their buildings better, the hedges in 
finer condition, and there is a general air of thriftiness. The inhabitants 
are mainly to the "manor born," though there is a large colony of Scotch 
within its borders — good citizens and thrifty farmers, who have stamped 
the impress of their industry and individualit}^ upon the Township. 

To Chas. Stone it is said belongs the honor of giving the very pretty 
and suggestively appropriate name it bears, which came about in this 
wise. The name of Fairfield was the first choice of the majority, and La 
Prairie their second. This report was made to Silas Ramsey, County 
Judge,, who, finding there were already several places bearing the first 



492 RECOl^DS OF TltE OLBEN^ TIME. 

name, and none the second, arbitrarily but very properly substituted that 
name on the I'ecords, 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the neighborhood of Root's farm was by Miss 
Lucia Root, in a hewn log house near Simon Reed's place, in Hallock, 
during a part of 1831. 

In 1837 or '38 Robert Will built a school house in this locality, which 
building has since been known by his name. 

About 1855 a school house was built near E. P. Roots. It is a frame 
the lower story built for schools, and a large public hall above. 

The tii'st school house in the southeast corner of the Township was a 
log building erected in 1843, and school kept there during the winter of 
1843-44, by John Lindsay. 

The first school house in the vicinity of Lawn Ridge was put up on 
Stone's land. 

Prior to this time school had been taught in Mr. Kurd's house by Mrs. 
Joseph Atwood, in about 1847. 

The first school was taught in Hurd's dwelling, near Mr. Chas. Stone's 
house. The people living about that neighborhood in 1852, undertook 
to build a school house at the expense of the entire Township, but the 
citizens generally objected and quite a feeling was aroused in the com- 
munity. A compromise was finally made, and the house built, the first 
in this part of the Township. It was eighty rods from Stone's residence, 
near the "corners." 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

Beginning at the south-eastern corner of La Prairie we find that the 
first settler in the locality was William Coulson, who came here from 
Peoria in September, 1832, and established himself in a double log cabin 
on Section twenty- three, where for several years he kept a house of enter- 
tainment. It stood about half a mile south of the Archibald Riddle farm, 
on the Galena road. 

In 1838 he built a new house, about half a mile away from the first, 
and lived there several years, keeping a hotel as before. He died in 
about 1843, and his place was bought by Archibald Riddle and brother, 
where the former now resides. Mrs. Coulson moved to Peoria and 



Early settlers of la prairie township. 49:^> 

married a Mr. King, and tlie daughter also took a mate and moved to 
Iowa. ^ 

The second settler in the town was Solomon Brewer, who settled on 
Section twenty-five, one mile south of Coulson, in 1834. Brewer was a 
Carolinian and his wife was born in Virginia. They continued to reside 
here until 1844, when they moved to Peoria County and thence to Iowa. 

The third to make a home in this Township was James Kenyon, who 
settled on the northeast (quarter of Section twenty-six in August, 183(j. 
He was a native of Lancastershire, England. When he came to this 
country he located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and labored as a 
weaver until he had earned enough money to send back for his family, 
who joined him in due time. On his arrival in this Township the first 
night he encamped under a tree, and leaving his family hastened to Quincy 
and entered the land, and lived on it, a prosperous farmer, until 1847, 
when he moved to Peoria County, and there died, as did his wife and 
daughter and only son, James. 

In about 1832 Mr. Elisha Stowell and wife, formerly Miss Ellen Will, 
settled on Section Thirty-three, on the land now occupied in part by 
Lucas P. Root, two miles east of Lawn Ridge. Mr. Stowell continued to 
reside thereon until 1842, when he moved to Stark County, where he 
died. 

James Caldwell came in 1838 from Erie, Pa., with his wife, whose 
maiden name was Sallie Hay, and settled on Section Twenty-five, on land 
Mdiich he had entered in 1836. He built a cabin and went to work with 
a will, and soon opened a fine farm, where his family grew to three sons 
and eight daughters. Here he lived until 1878, when he sold to Alexan- 
der Russell, and moved to Chillicothe. 

Ln 1838 Richard Scholes bought and settled on the south-west quarter 
of Section 3, about two miles west of Drake's Grove, and built a substan- 
tial log cabin, where he lived a couple of years, when he sold to Nathaniel 
Weed. It is now the property of the McCoy heirs. Scholes moved to 
North Hampton, where his wife died, and thence to Chillicothe, where he 
too paid the debt of Nature. 

The next prominent settlers of this locality wei-e Archibald and 
Robert Riddle, two Scotchmen who bought the Coulson farm in 1843-4 
and for several years kept "bach." there. In 1851 or 1852 Robert sold 
his interest to "Archie" and went to California, where he was unfortun- 



494 HECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

ate and returned broken down in healtli, but recovered, and in a few 
years after bought a place al^Weed's corner, when he opened a fine 
farm and grew wealthy. 

Another leading citizen of the Township in the same vicinity, is Mr. 
Edwin S. Jones, long known to the old settlers as Fsquire Jones. He 
was an early settler of Peoria County, and bought the Solomon Brewer 
farm in ehe summer of 1844, and has ever since resided there. 

Among the early settlers in the southern part of the Township is 
Erastus C. Root, who came to the County in October, 1830. Although 
his farm is mostly in Marshall County his dwelling lies across the line, so 
that he is in reality a citizen of Peoria County. His father, Jehiel Root, 
and family, accompanied by Samuel Reed and others, making ten wagons 
in all, came here from Ohio and settled in Hallock Townshijj. Mr. Root 
lived for soni' time in Chillicothe, and began improvements on his present 
farm in 183(J. His cabin was an exceedingly airy and open one. 
There was no floor, nor door, nor chinks between the logs, and Mrs. Root 
was in mortal terror lest the Indians might crawl in through these roomy 
crevices and steal her children, and finally getting indignant at the delay 
of fixing the cabin, told her husband the holes in the wall must be stopped 
or they would lose some of their children. 

The stage road then ran through North Hampton, from Peoria to 
Galena. It came down from Boyd's Grrove, east of the timber, and 
changed horses at Esq. Jones' place. 

Roswell Nurs, another neighbor, came in 1837, and Jacob Booth one 
year later, and settled near what was known as the "Buffalo wallow," 
from a springy place, wherein large numbers of buffalo bones have been 
found. 

Robert "Will, Sr., came in 1837 and settled near Root's claim, 

Lyman Robinson arrived here in 1843, and opened a farm. 

SETTLERS AT LAWN RIDGE. 

Charles Stone came on to the prairie in 1845. His house was for 
many years the only place of public entertainment in the Township. 

The next settlers in this locality were Joshua Powell and " Deacon " 
Smith, the former on the south-east quarter of Section 32. 

The first blacksmithing in this locality was done by Mr. Smith, in a 
part of Charles Stone's house 



EARLY SETTLERS OF LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 497 

R,ev. Mr. Orclway came about 1846, and tlie Hurds came a little later. 

Other settlers were William Stevenson, Mr. Stowell, Sr., tlie Vin- 
cents, Joseph Calder, Ransom Caldwell and Jacob Booth. The latter 
lived some years in the tinibei' south before taking up his last homestead. 

Henry Scott settled on Section 16, and Mi*. Davidson and Wilder 
Scott settled upon the School Section. Stephen Wilmot came in an 
earlier day. 

. Mr. Stone brought here 1,000 head of sheep, but the wolves were so 
numerous and destructive that he abandoned this enterprise in 1 850. 

In 1848 Elisha N. Leigh and Amos F. Leigh improved portions of 
Section 15 and 16, and moved their families a year later. 

North of Chas. Stone's, Joel Atwood settled a year or two later. 

Francis Grady was the pioneer of Camp Grove, coming about 1842. 

William Smith and his sons Andrew and William and James, who 
settled on Section 16, came soon after. 

Mr. Scott, with his sons Henry and William, came about 1851. They 
first settled in the timber, and afterward moved on to Section 16. Henry 
died in the fall of 1876, and William was drowned at Lacon in 1869. 

Stephen Wilmot settled on Section 3, and moved to Section 16 two 
years after, about 1847. His sons B. C. and X. C. are now both resi- 
dents of Section 16. 

Levi Holmes located on Section 2, James Doran on Section 12. 

Father Kellogg came in 1850, starting his farm in the western part of 
Section 7. 

Charlotte Reynolds came here about 1855, and improved the south- 
west quarter of Section 8. 

Wm. Ricker improved the quarter section in 1854 or '55, which is now 
owned by David Shearer. 

Wm. Cornell, now living near Loda, 111., settled north of Malachi 
Grove's farm about 1854 or '55. He was a broom-maker and sold his 
goods all over the country. 

Adam Crawford settled upon his present place in 1854. 

Alden Hull came here about 1845. He started in life as a shoemaker, 
was a Justice of the Peace many years, a meml)er of the State Legisla- 
ture, and was Treasurer of the School Fund for his District. Decem- 
ber 12, 1879, he celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday. 

James Davidson opened his fai-m in 1855, and Robert Pringle about 
that date. James Leigh im])roved ncai- them on Section 24 ; about 1852, 



498 iiJ:coRr)S oV' tite olDeist ttMf'. 

buying from Geo. ScholeR, who had fenced the land but not broken It. 
James Leigh and his wife died of typhoid fever 1859. 

Thomas Keller settled west of Archie Riddles, in the edge of the tim- 
ber in 1850. He was a Methodist exhortei', and becoming insane, was 
sent to Jacksonville, where he died. 

George Hasty imj^roved near Caldwell's place, on the north, about 

1850. 

Richard Frary opened his farm in 1850, and Paul Frary near him 
about the same season, both on Sections nineteen and twenty. 

James Bates settled north of them in 1850 and afterward sold to Wm. 
McCoy. 

Arthur Kicker improved a farm, now occupied by Mr. Lucas Root's 
sons, in 1850. Mrs. R. was a poetess and Universalist, and celebrated 
her religious views and her loyalty by composing patriotic odes. 

Thomas Wood opened his claim on Section 18 about 1852. He met 
with a sad bereavement in the loss of a little son, who, while attempting 
to drink from an open well, fell in and was drowned. 

Nathan Manock made a farm north of Hasty's on Section 21. 

Nathaniel Green made his farm on Section 24, about 1855. 

Ann C. Calder, whose husband, James Calder, died soon after she 
came here, opened a large farm and proved herself to be an excellent 
farmei' and business woman. 

John Martin came here in 1853, buying part of his place from John 
Halstead. 

Barte Halstead opened his farm south of Martin's about 1860. 

Jacob Booth came here in 1850, improved his farm on Section 24, and 
subsequently died there. 

Elijah Stowell settled north of the above in about 1850. 

Solomon Stowell began on his place in Section 27 in about 1852, and 
afterward moved to near Chillcothe. 

Calvin Stowell's farm was improved by El)enezer Stowell, his father, 
in 18()5. 

Ransom Caldwell came to this locality, settling first in the timber, in 
1855, and afterward moved out upon his present farm, in Section 23. 

Byron Hill started a place east of him in 1859, and sold to Mr. 
Coonly, who injured himself while playing ball and died in 1860. 

Byi'on Hill also improved the north-east quarter of Section 29 in 1854. 

John Currie made a farm north-east of the Town Hall, on Section 15, 



CHURCHES OF LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 499 

in 1854, lived hei-e for many years and then removed with his family to 
Ford County. 

Milton Webber came in 1854, and made improvements east of the 
Smith fann. 

Dr. Levi Vincent came to his place in 1855. 

Lyman Bates came to the Township in 1835, and worked for Hichard 
Scholes on his farm. He broke the first prairie in the Township and 
planted tlie first osage orange hedge west of the river- They came from 
J. B. Tni'ner, of Jacksonville. 

Joel D. Forbnsh settled near the north-east corner of La Prairie in 
,1851. He had })een a resident of Lacon, coming to that place in 1846. 

EDWIN S. .TONES. 

None of the early settlers of Marshall County are better known than 
"Squire Jones," a title he is justly entitled to, having been Justice of the 
Peace for about forty years. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
1805, but was brought up in Ohio. He came to Chillicothe November 9 
1831. 

He recollects the winter of 1831 as being very cold and long. It began 
in November, about the 17th, and remained intensely cold, with but a 
slight "let up" in January, until the latter part of March or first week 
in April. 

Another ancient settler is Lucas Root, who came from New York in 
1830, and was one of the first settlers on La Salle Prairie. He has seen 
greater changes in his lifetime than is often given to man to witness, and 
bears the burden of his years well. He came to La Prairie in 1841 
and performed his full share in developing the country and making the 
wilderness to blossom as a rose. We are indebted to him for many of 
the incidents here related. 

THE U. p. CHITRCH. 

The United Presbyterian Church of this Township was organized in 
about 1845, but for the first thirteen years of its existence the records it 
seems are lost, the oldest sessional records known being dated April 1, 
1840. Up to this year there were no church organizations of any kind in 
La Prairie, nor nearer to the south than Peoria. The Scotch Presbyter- 
ians, among whom were the Scotts, Smiths and Davidsons, soon began to 



500 RECORDS O-p THE OLDEN tlMl^. 

come ill, but they were without pastors aud their flocks were tended by 
wandering shepherds. Among those were Father Weed, John Wallace, 
J. C. Porter and John McMasters, D. D. 

In March, 1844, Rev. John L. Freetly was appointed by the Presby- 
tery to preach here, and on the first Sabbath of June, 1844, the Society 
was duly constituted. He was accompanied by Thomas Smith, from 
Peoria. The services were held in a barn belonging to Samuel McCoy, 
one-half mile west of Samuel McLaughlin's. James Ross and George 
Davidson were the first Ruling elders. These, together with George 
Scott and wife, John Davidson and wife, Mrs. George Davidson and Mrs. 
Wilhelmina Smith, eight in all, constituted the organization. 

The second communion was had at the barn of George Scott, where 
services were conducted by Rev. John Pinkerton. 

They had no house of worship in those days, meeting at the houses of 
the brothers, and their spiritual wants attended to by different ministers. 
A prominent place of meeting was at Archie Riddle's barn. On one occa- 
sion the people had gathered there, when- a snow storm prevented the 
expected arrival of a minister, and Mr. William Bryden read a discourse 
from a volume of sermons. 

About the 1st of April, 1849, Rev. N. C. Weed moved into the 
bounds of the congregation from Indiana County, Pa. 

The Society was first designated as the Chillicothe congregation, then 
as the Senachwine Congregation, and lastly it assumed the name it now 
bears, the "Fairfield Congregation of the United Presbyterian Church." 
This was adopted in the expectancy that Fairfield would become the name 
of the town. 

Father Weed was the first stated or located minister, continuing his 
ministrations twelve years. 

The I'oll of his congregation in 1849, was as follows: Thomas Scott, 
Jenet Scott, Henry Scott, Wilhelmina Smith, William Smith, John 
Wylie, Jennie Wylie, John Davidson, Jennie Davidson, George Hastings, 
Helen Hastings and Jenet Riddle. 

The Ruling Elders were: James Ross and George Davidson. 

Father Weed was the regular supply here until the spring of 1850, 
when he divided his time between his flock here and a church on Spoon 
River until August 8, 1853. 

Previous to the date when Father Weed became the pastor, the con- 
gregation had worshiped in an old school house near the north-eastern limits 



V 



THE UJSriTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 501 

of tlie town, and sometimes at Northampton or at Yankee Street school 
house, but their most usual place of meeting Avas at the school house first 
named. Here they suffered from cold in winter, the wind howling 
through the crevices of the house, and in sunyiier wicked boys would dis- 
turb the people within by pitching quoits, throwing stones down the wide 
mouthed chimney <fec. ^ 

Oace after Mr. Smith's family had taken their places in the wagon to 
go home, the keen. eyes of "Grandmother" Smith detected something 
wrong. It was discovered that one of the linch pins had been removed. 
The good old pastor was sometimes moved to lemonstrate with the scamps, 
and once when interrupted by a ball of mud thrown through an open 
window at his venerable head, thi-eatened the penalties of the law upon the 
offenders. 

The place of worship followed the progress of the settlers out upon 
the praries and for a time they met at the Hull school house. 

Father Weed after twelve years labor surrendered his charge of Fair- 
field Church, April 4, 18G4, and on that day preached his farewell sermon 
from Cor. xiii, 2, "Finally brethren farewell. Be perfect, be of good 
comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace 
shall he with you." 

During his ministry here eighty-eight persons were received into the 
followship of the church — thirty-three on profession of faith and fifty-five 
on certificates. 

During the closing year of his pastorate, arrangements had been made 
to build a house of worship, and a sight selected and accepted, for which 
the Society was placed under obligations to Mr. John Currie who donated 
the ground. Two acres were devoted to the purposes of the church, and 
the contract of ])utting up the building awarded to Robert Turnbull. 

During the next two years and two months the Society had no stated 
minister, Rev. D. C. Cochran once in that pei'iod visiting the congregation 
and administei'ing the I'ights of communion, at which time five persons 
wei"e added to the chui'ch on certificates. 

Rev. John F. Graham l)tcame thesecond pastor. The church build- 
ing Avas completed in September, and cost $1,600. The first services were 
held within its walls on the first Sabbath of October, 18Go, when it was 
delivered to the Society free from debt. 

Brother Graham labored two years adding twenty-four to their num- 
bers. His health having failed he was compelled to resign. 



502 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

For the next six months the Society had no minister. In January, 
1866, Rev. Martin Morrison was called as their regular pastor and had 
charge of the church five years during w^hich time forty-three people were 
added to the rolls of membe]'ship. Seventeen children were also baptised 
and thirteen marriages were consumated. 

During the succeeding four years the Society had no stated minister, 
though many preachers came at irregular times and conducted services. 

The Board of Home Mission appointed Rev. H. H. Houston as pastor 
who began his services in this congregation in January, and was oi-dained 
and installed March 2, 1875, and has been in charge of the church since 
that date. 

A good Sabbath School has been conducted in connection with the 
church ever since the Society was able to muster a sufficient attendance of 
pupils, and is now in a flourishing condition. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This Society wbs organized at Blue Ridge January 16, 1846, by the 
Rev. L. N. Parker, of Galesburg, through the joint exertions of Nathaniel 
Smith, Ebenezer Stowell and Dr. Wilmot. The first sermon was preached 
by Rev. R. C. Bristol. The preamble to the articles of faith adopted re- 
cited as follows: 

" Whereas, Amid the light now shining, the manufacture, use and sale of intoxicating 
liquors, as well as the holding of slaves or apologizing for slavery by enacting pro-slavery 
laws, are sins against God and these covenant vows, etc." 

As this was a time when slavery had not been largely agitated, and 
the majority of men preferring peace and quietness to turmoil were averse 
to raising questions involving peril, and an abolitionist was lojked upon as 
little better than a horse thief, it will be seen it required no small degi'ee 
of courage to thus put one's self upon the record, yet the brave little 
band were prepared to assume the responsibility of their actions, and this 
advance ground has been maintained by the congregation to this day. 
No member was admitted without assenting to this article, and no one re- 
fused to join on its account, but a good old Elder from abroad, publicly 
reading the articles of faith once on a time, came to this clause — hemmed 
hawed, and jumped it. But, as was quietly remarked, his race has long 
since passed away. 

The Society grew and flourished, and in 1856 constructed a very neat 



TRAVELING AND MAIL FACILITIES. 503 

church for the times, which two years later was demolished in a wind 
storm and soon after re-constructed. The present fine edifice — one of 
the best in the county — was built in 187G. 

THE M. E. CHURCH AT LA PRAIRIE. 

A Methodist Society was organized in 1850 by Rev. Samuel Smith. 
Thomas Huff was the first class leader. He suffered from consumption, 
and aftei- a time was succeeded by Amos F. Leigh. About eight or nine 
persons constituted the class. They M^ere: Amos F. Leigh, Thomas Huff 
and wife, Mi-s. Hay, Mrs. William Hai-t, William Hancock and wife, and 
Nancy Hull. The result of this Society was the building of La Prairie 
Center Church in 1859, costing $1,825 when complete, of which amount 
the Leigh family contributed the sum of $900. 

In 18 HO a famous revival took place in the church. Rev. Samuel 
Smith ofiiciating, and one hundred converts were added to the member- 
ship. The church was dedicated in the spring of 1861, by Elder Ritchie. 
Rev. George L-win was the last minister in charge. 

THE TOWN HALL. 

In the. center of the Township stands a large public hall built by tax- 
ation, for public purposes, at a cost of $1,800. Here the elections are 
held, public meetings lectures, etc., and all business of a public nature 
transacted. 

THE STAGES. 

The first stage line through La Prairie Township, and the western por- 
tion of Marshall County, was established in about 1830. John P. Win- 
ters had the mail contract over the route from Peoria to Gralena up to 1831 
or latei', and ran his stages from Northampton through the south-eastern 
corner of the Township, thence to Boyd's Grove. A man named Crane 
drove stage for the contractor, going clear through to Galena, in the sum- 
mer in a light two horse wagon and in winter in a sled. 

The mail ran from Peoria to Meredith's cabin, a distance of twenty 
miles, where the horses were changed, and thence to Boyd's Grove, twenty 
miles further. Afterward, in 1832, the stages stopped at Coulson's, near 
Jones' farm. 

Later the conveyances increased to a four-horse turn out, and the 
coaches aspired to considerable style, and as a consequence more in keep- 



504 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

ing with the growing aristocracy of the travelers. They were hauled off 
ill about 1840 or 1841. 



Lawn Ridge. 



This pretty little village is located in the extreme south-west corner 
of the Township, as well as of Marshall County, on the dividing ridge 
between Spoon River on the west and the Illinois on the east, the water 
Howing in opposite directions from this elevation. Its streets aixj straight, 
laid out at right angles, and land being plenty and cheap, the lots are 
roomy. As this was a broad prairie, and shade a necessity, tlie people 
at an early day turned their attention to shrul)bery, *and now shade trees 
everywhere line the walks and tall hedges bolder the fields. The town 
was laid out by Mr. Gilman, but never platted, the lots having been sold 
by metes and bounds. 

Mr. Ordway, the first postmaster, named the post office, and the name 
was adopted for that of the village. The first mails were carried by a 
small boy on a pony, to and from Northampton. 

In 1880 its business consisted of a post ofiice, two drug stores, one 
grocery store, one general store, a harness shop, three blacksmith shops, 
two restaurants, two shoe shops, two wagon shops, a cabinet ware store, 
a barber, two hotels, etc., etc. 

The place has a public hall, which, though small will accommodate all 
demands upon it for some time. The i)ublic school building is 35 by 70 feet, 
and has room for many pupils more than its present attendance, which is 
125. It is conducted on the graded plan, and a creditable institution. 
The building cost $5,000. The village also has two churches, the Metho- 
dist and Union Presbyterian, both creditable frame structures of neat ap- 
pearance and ample capacity. 

The Masons of the vicinity obtained their charter, October 5, 18(i4, 
and were installed at once as Lawn Ridge Lodge No. 415. The charter 
members were H. A. Barry, Amos F. Leigh, John B. Phillips, Stephen 
Trial, Robert Will, Wm. E. Smith, Richard Davidson, Loring C. Rogers, 
Isaac F. Bailey, W. H. Wilmot. Their first officers were H. A. Barry, 
M. ; Amos F. Leigh, S. W., and J. B. Phillips, J. W. They have a neat 
Lodge room in the upper portion of Powell's building, and a good mem- 
bership of active, infiuential men. 

The village not being located upon or very near any stream, is sup- 



PAPKIi CITIHS LOST IN TIIK S.\()>V. DOS 

plit'd with wnti )■ foi- all jmipn-' s, 1>a- a\^ I's, i\'\- ■ i- <>• •' ■ tv 

feet })rl()w the surfarc, wliUT an a/wiiw4a.-C- is .it.ii..vi, 

tlIAMB:.i;SliUK(i. 

The long lost town of Cliambe]-sl)urg, in La Prairie Townsliij), cover- 
ing a half section of land, being the sonth-west and north-west quarter of 
Section 12, Town 8 east of the 4th pi'ineipal meridian, was laid ont by 
John T. Shepherd and Jesse J. Cox, August i:^, IH'Sd. For several years 
it occupied a conspicuous place on the records, and made much work for 
the assessor and collector. The owners finding its prospects as a city to 
be of an entirely unpromising character, plowed the city under in disgust, 
and put it to raising corn. It was situated on the farms of R. Scoon and 
James Doran. 

TROY CITY. 

Another extensive paper town was laid out by Sanford Klock, Sep- 
tember 30, 1836, on Section 22, and called Troy City. Years ago it was 
transformed into a couple of good farms, and dropped out of municipal 
existence. 



MEN LOST AND FROZEN IN THE SNOW. 

During the winter of 1830-1 two men, a Mr. McMillan and a Mr. 
Franklin came to Simon Reed's, on La Salle Prairie, with two sled loads 
of goods, chiefly "Mackinaw blankets," en route to Prairie Du Chien, Wis- 
consin. To each of these sleds were attached three yoke of oxen. They 
had encountered the deep snow of that remarkable season at North Hamp- 
ton, and were obliged to wait a few days for it to pack. While 
waiting they concluded to expedite their journey by making anotlier sled 
and dividing the two loads into three, putting two yoke of oxen to each 
conveyance and hiring Mr. Cooper, a resident of the locality, to drive one 
of the teams. This ari-angement perfected they renewed their journey, 
aiming to cross the prairie and reach Boyd's Grove, twenty miles distant, 
the first day. Hour after hour they plodded their weary way across the 
trackless snow-covered plain, and at about three o'clock in the afternoon 
the jaded cattle were unable longer to face the inclemency of the storm, 
and the men, benumbed with cold, finding their lives in danger, thought 
it better to unhitch the oxen and leave them to combat the elements 



506 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

nnti'aiiieleJ by yoke or chain, while they themselves walked on as best 
they could. 

Franklin appears to have left befoi-e the loads were abandoned and 
gone in advance. His companions saw him struggling onward, but before 
they came up he had fallen in the snow never to rise again. 

After a half mile or so Cooper gave out, Vjeing unable to proceed 
further, and McMillan made a hole in the snow, covered him up with 
blankets- and started alone. Looking back he saw Cooper coming forward, 
rising and falling in the snow, making a last struggle foi' his life. Not 
daring to risk his little I'emaining strength by going back, he pushed on, 
and after an hour's travel, during which he remembers little, he staggered 
against a cabin door at the long looked for Grove, and fell down com- 
pletely exhausted. 

The house was full of weather bound travelei's, who rubbed him with 
snow, administered stimulants and finally succeeded in restoring him. 

A relief party ^vas organized, who for hours scoured the trackless 
expanse of snow. At length Cooper's body was found. He had fallen 
on his hands and knees, his face buried in a drift, and completely ex- 
hausted and unable longer to battle wdth the blinding snow and sleet, 
had succumbed to the fury of the merciless storm. 

It was afterward learned that Cooper's father perished in a similar 
manner, in 1821, among the mountains of an Eastern State. 

Mj-. Franklin's body was not found until the following spring, the 
melting of the snow leaving it exposed to view, perfect in every feature, 
his winding sheet of snow protecting his remains from the ravages of the 
wolves, the dreaded scavengers of the plain. 

THE MYSTERY OF MIKE WYLEY. 

In the summer of 18G1 an Ii'ishman named Mike Wyley, residing on 
the Weaklam place, disappeared under circustances strongly indicative of 
foul play. He was an industrious, hard working farmer, who had 
ac<j[uired a comfortable property and was generally respected by all who 
knew him. 

In early life he had been a laborer on the canals of Pennsylvania and 
in a fight was nearly killed, his jaw being broken and his face crushed in. 
An ordinary man would never have survived, but an iron constitution 
brought him through with a partial loss of his teeth and his lower jaw 



THE MYSTERY OF MIKE WYLEY. 507 

slightly misplaced, there having been some defect in uniting the parts, 
which was concealed by the heavy beard he aftei'ward wore. He was a 
man of convivial disposition and disposed when among friends to drink to 
excess, which single bad habit had been the occasion of frequent and bitter 
quarrels with his wife. He was wedded to a vindictive, passionate 
woman, capable of bitter revenges if provoked, who had been known to 
threaten him if his drunken sprees were not discontinued. 

Not long before his disappearance he came to Amasa Garratt and ob- 
tained a load of oats, promising to pay for them when he hauled off his 
corn, saying he required a sum of money in a few days, which he 
should then like to bori'ow. Mr. Garratt knowing the man promptly said 
he could have it. The next day he visited Sparland, where falling in 
with some convivial companions he drank to exceess, and left for home in 
the evening considerably intoxicated. That was the last seen of Mike 
Wiley. It was several days before his absence was noted, for from the 
unsociable character of the woman few visited the locality, and when 
inquiries were made she turned them aside like one who did not care, and 
made different and conflicting explanations of the matter. 

About two weeks afterward Mi-. Griffin, living near Wyley's farm, 
received what purported to be a letter from him, dated Peoria, instructing 
him to see Mrs. W. and assist her in selling the corn on hand, and with 
the proceeds Ijuild her a new house. He ( Wyle)) was not going to return 
immediately, as he had business in Omaha that would require his absence 
till fall. When this was shown Mrs. W. she manifested no surprise and 
subsequent events proved it was written in La Prairie, carried to Peoria 
and there mailed. 

Early in the morning succeeding the disappearance of Mr. W., Mrs. 
W. with the team and a hired man were seen coming from the direction of 
the river, and the wagon was tracked to a place near the bank where it 
had turned round, but though close search was made no traces of the 
expected body was found, and replying to inquiries on the suljject she 
answered that they had been to the bluffs to gather sassafras. We do not 
know that the mattei' was even legally investigated, but she Avas strongly 
suspected of being guilty of the murder. So soon as may be she settled 
up the business and administered upon the property, and then left, with 
public sentiment very nuich against her. Not long after the house was 
mysteriously burned down. 

These events occuried in 1865, and for thirteen years the question of 



508 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Wyley's disappearance was not solved. In the S})ring of 1878 a person 
saw at the toj) of the bluff, where an old road running past Wyley's 
cabin descended to the I'iver, some bones protruding from the side 
of a rut worn down by travel and washed out by rains, and hivesti- 
gating the matter, found an entire skeleton that seemingly had been 
douljled up and hastily buried. At first they wei-e believed to be the 
jnissing remains of Washington Orr, but ^vhen viewed by Mike Wyley's 
friends were unmistakably identified as his. The fracture in the jaw, 
and its permanent displacement were plainly visible. The mystery was 
at last cleared up, but the circumstances of his death it is probable never 
will be. It is supposed that on his return a high quarrel ensued, and in a 
drunken sleep he was murdered by the woman, who, with the aid of con- 
federates removed the body and buried it where found. The spot was 
right beside a public road, and apparently the last place to be chosen, but 
really the very best for concealment, for the alluvial soil being washed 
away, any new distuibance of the earth did not change the general ap- 
pearance of the ground. 

Mrs. Wylie did not long remain about the neighborhood, and was last 
heard from in the vicinity of Bradford. 

SAD DEATH OF WIDOW EVANS. 

Sipiire Jones i-elates the sad death of a lady, who with her family was 
moving to Wisconsin, in the fall of 184(). She came from St. Clair 
County, Illinois. She had a covered wagon, in which was her family — 
herself and six children, the eldest a boy about sixteen years old. 

She arrived at Mr. Jones' house on a Thursday, (juite sick. Mr. and 
Mrs. J(Hies did all in their power for her relief, and on the following 
Sunday morning she appeared to be better, and despite the remonstrances 
of her new friends insisted upon continuing her journey. 

The country north was then one wide expanse of prairie, with only 
two 01' three houses in twenty-five miles. Midway across she was taken 
worse, and after a few hours' suffering, in that solitary wilderness alone 
save the presence of her sorrowing little ones, she died. The poor child- 
ren, overwhelmed with grief, did nothing for a while but cry over their 
sad l)ereavement, but finally the l)oy not knowing what else to do drove 
on with his dead mother and gi'ief stricken brothers and sisters, in 
hopes of finding assistance. At last, after a weary drive, a house was 



AKOTITER MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAlRANCli:. 500 

reached, but alas! the people had gone to church. He went on again to 
miles to find another house, and that, too, was without an occupant! 

In his sad distress he thought of their kind friends Mr. and Mrs. 
Jones, and turning his course drove back that long and weary way, ar- 
riving at Mr. J's. about two o'clock in the morning. Knocking at the 
door, between grief and utter prostration he broke into heart-rending 
sobs, exclaiming, "Oh! Mr. Jones, you have been so very kind to us, and 
we know you will not i*efuse us help now. Poor mother is dead ! " 

The good people arose, and admitted the sorrowing and exhausted 
family of little ones, and learning that all that day they had not taken a 
mouthful of food, a good supper was soon provided for the orphaned 
wanderei's. 

Mr. Jones notilied the neighbors and the dead mother was decently 
buried. After a Aveek's stay, provided with a little money and plenty of 
food, the l:)rave boy took his little family under his care and resumed his 
journey. 

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF WILLIS. 

In 1840, a man supposed to be named Willis came along and stopped 
at Brewer's cabin, on the place where Esq. Jones now lives. Jones, then 
a Justice of the Peace of Peoria County, had been to Coleson's on horse- 
back and returning, was hailed by Brewer, in front of the latter's house 
and called in. He was taken up stairs by B., who seemed to be strangely 
excited, and without much preliminary explanation, the Justice was shown 
some things which Brewer said a traveler who came there the night pre- 
vious had left and had gone off mystei'iously. These things consisted of 
a man's pocket book, beautifidly inlaid and fastened with a silver clasp, 
which on being opened disclosed bills, notes and accounts of various 
kinds, worth $2,500 or more. Some of the papers seemed to be claims 
against the city of New York. Willis, for that appeared to be the name 
of the person who left these valuables, had come on foot. Brewer said, 
and he never was heard of afterwards, nor did any one come to claim the 
valuables, and B. kept them. Some time afterward Brewer and his 
boys were hunting in the neighborhood, and he sent to Jones for water, 
the latter then living in the same house. Jones thought it strange that 
any one should prefer sleeping out in a cold night, when his hospitable 
doors were ever open, and freely offered Brewer's boys the best they had 
if they chose to accept it. In declining, one of the boys remarked, with 



510 RECORDS OF THE OLBEN TIME. 

a sLrug, "You couldn't get dad to sleep in this house," pointing to the 
room which the missing man had occupied, "for $1,000." 

WOLF IIUNTITSTG. 

On Christmas day, 1830, Mi'. Lucas P. Root and twelve or fifteen 
neighbors, among whom he remembers the Clevelands, Silliman, Keddick, 
Cooper, Holmes, Miner and Reed, well known early settlers of that re- 
gion, organized a wolf hunt on horseback. The party were well mounted 
upon their swiftest young horses, but having no dogs, the wolves were to 
be run down, and then despatched with clubs. They started at an early 
hour, "to make a full day of it." A light snow of an inch depth had fal- 
len the night previous, enabling them to track their game very easily. 
Soon they struck a trail, and directly routed a wolf which after a short 
hot chase they killed. 

Not long after they came upon another which gave them a lively run. 
Mr. Root's horse lead and had nearly overtaken the brute, when stepping 
in a gopher hole, horse and rider came to the groimd witliout serious dam- 
age to either. The wolf was caught and killed with the stirrups of the 
saddle. Wolves when so caught often lie down like whipped curs, and 
make no resistance. 

After this event the hunters took a long circuit south, thence to 
Senachwine timber, and back homeward, catching two more. 

Mr. Root once set a steel trap near the carcass of a cow and caught a 
large, heavy timber wolf, breaking one fore leg, and to save itself the 
animal gnawed off the leg above the jaws of the trap. 

Mr. R. was one day in the timber when a couple of small dogs found 
the wolf and drove him down the road towai'd where their master was at 
work, when the bl'ute took to the woods. Mr. R. wore a pair of broad 
bottom shoes, and with care could keep upon the crust, while the wolf 
went through at each jump. He was very fleet on foot, and soon coming 
up with it caught it by the tail. He had no weapon, and when the 
animal turned to bite struck him with his coon-skin cap. Thus the 
struggle went on, the wolf getting away and again being caught as before, 
until it got under the roots of a fallen tree, yhe dogs soon came up, and 
with the aid of a club it was soon slain. 

During the winter of 1845 the settlers organized a wolf hunt on an 
extensive scale. Men were sent to all the country round to notify the 



DEACON S:\rlTH PARTICIPATES IIST A WOLF TlimT. 511 

settlers, and on a given morning all wei-e to stai't on foot or liorsehack, 
surrounding many miles and converging towards a common center at 
a place called "tow head," south of Lawn Ridge. The people gathei-ed 
according to programme and the hunt began. One of the rules was^ that 
no file arms should be cariied, a measui'e of precaution against accidents 
which proved to be a safeguard not onl)- to the men but the deer and 
wolves also. The only weapons were clubs and si)ears, which in the 
hands of novices, mounted on frightened horses, were of no use what- 
ever. The day was beautiful and everything lovely and successful, so far 
as the starting of game was concerned. Occasionally a herd of deer was 
aroused, and with their white fiags raised they would charge the advan- 
cing lines until met and turned back by others, and this was often re- 
peated. 

Deacon Smith, an active participant in the sport, was mounted on an 
ancient and trusty animal borrowed for the occasion from Lucas Root, 
wan-anted for sober and discreet depoitment. In eaj'ly days he had led 
the hounds in many a chase, but age had tamed nis youthful fire, and left 
him a serious, solemn old nag, who had seen too much of the world to be 
scared at trifies, nor be urged to a less dignified gate than a sort of com- 
plicated movement between a trot, amble and walk, in which t^.e latter 
predominated. 

However, when the game was started and men and horses began to 
feel the excitement, Old Dobbin caught some of the spirit of the hour, 
and made his old joints crack in hot pursuit. Soon the latent fires of 
youth were stirred and the old beast pricked up his ears, elevated his tail, 
and seizing the bits in his teeth dashed on with surprising vehemence, un- 
mindful of his riders' eif orts to the contrary ; in fact he ran away, clear 
beyond the line, and coming upon a drove of sixteen bucks charged 
directly upon them, to the great consternation of the unwilling "Deacon," 
who in relating the circumstance, says he was thereby reminded of the 
condition of the Irishman, who in a similar fix was asked why he did not 
get off, and responded : "An' how could I, when it was all I could do 
to sthick on!" The Deacon just then wished for his gun and some one 
to hold the horse, when he thinks he might have brought down some of 
the game. 

As it was, the gap made by his horse made an opening in the circle, 
through which the deer safely escaped. As for his spear, it was worse 
than useless, for between keeping it from "jabbing" his unmanageable steed 



512 RECOl^rS OF THE OLBEN TIME. 

or Lis own legs and holding on, he had all he could do. Upward of a 
Imndred deer and wolves were at one time within the lines, but the re- 
sults Avere wholly disproportionate to the display, only one deer having 
been killed, and all the wolves escaping. 

THE UNDrRGROUND RAILROAD. 

Lawai Ridge has always been noted for its adv^anced ideas upon the 
subject of human freedom. Indeed, with such men for its leading citi- 
zens, and in such a commimity of intelligent reading and thinking men, it 
could not be otherwise. Men like Nathaniel Smith, Charles Stone, the 
Wilmots and others, could not fail leaving their impress on the com- 
munity and tinge its life to a less or greater extent with their opinions. 
It was a season of revolution. • Ideas, like mighty armies, were sweeping 
resistlessly onw^ard ; public sentiment was undergoing a change, and these 
men kept abreast the car of progress, moving step by step, and never 
looking backward. They were the pioneers, the evangelists of the 
advancing army of freedom, whose mission it was to break the bonds of 
four million human chattels. Silently but earnestly they worked, and 
happily they lived to see the fruition of their labors. Verily they shall 
have their reward. 

The first fugitive that passed through here was brought by Dr. Cut- 
ler, of Princeville, imder a feather bed. The next was a colored man who 
had been pressed so closely by pursuers that to escape their clutches he 
had to dodge under a bridge at Farmington, where he remained hidden a 
day and a night. A friend of the cause then brought him to Lawn Ridge, 
one of the few places w^here a fugitive slave was safe. 

The next business of the "station" here was to receive two escaping 
chattels, one a Baptist preacher and the other a member of his church. 
One of these was accompanied by his wife and children, w^ho, with the 
other man, were boxed up. Deacon Smith took them to Providence, 
twenty-five miles away. 

Escaping slaves were usually brought at night, but went forward by 
daylight, as there was little danger beyond this. 

The "agents" here had become so used to being awakened in the 
night that when aroused by a knock at the door after hours, they knew 
what it meant, and always kept ample preparations in the way of food 
and lodgings foi' these ever welcome guests. 



THE TTNDERGROTTND RAILROAD. 518 

Of course no pecuniary recompense was asked or received by Mr. Smith 
and his co-workers for handling this human freight, but they considered 
themselves richly repaid for all trouble by the gratitude of the poor fugi- 
tives, and their fervent " God bless you." On one occasion two middle- 
aged men came along, who were so nearly white that they readily passed 
for white men. 

On another occasion seven colored people were delivered in one load 
to the Deacon. One, the wife of a Methodist minister and a cripple from 
rheumatism, had to be carried. 

Deacon Smith had a brother, who besides being a Democrat of the old 
school was an inveterate wag. He had his own ideas upon the subject, 
and while perhaps condemning the system, believed in obeying the laws 
of his country as interpreted by the statutes. Yet above all political bias 
he had a heart that throbbed with the instincts of true philanthropy and 
regulated his conduct toward the fugitives. 

One day a party arrived at the Deacon's, and William E., who could 
never resist an opportunity to perpetrate a practical joke, arrayed him- 
self in the traditional slave drivers' costume, and entering the room 
where the chattels were, pulled from his pocket a foi'midable roll of 
papers and began to read: "In the name of the people," but before the 
sentence was completed each one had emptied himself or herself out of the 
windows and back doors and were "streaking " it for the corn field ! His 
brother spent much of the forenoon hunting up the frightened negroes. 

On a certain occasion the Deacon's carryall had broken down, and as 
a fresh invoice of chattels had arrived it was necessary to send forward 
that night, he hitched on to a rusty vehicle belonging to his Democratic 
brother without asking any questions. When the latter found it out his 
wrath at the wagon knew no bounds, and he relieved his loyal feelings by 
then and there smashing it into kindling wood, saying as he did so, it 
should never carry niggers again. 

A Scotchwoman's view of it. 

At an early day the Presbyterians held meetings at Archie Riddle's 
barn, and occasionally at the old log school house. The dominie had 
grown old and tedious and his sermons were long and dull. On one occa- 
sion one of his flock known as "Geordie," had listened to this style of 
preaching until his patience was exhausted and as the parson, warming to 



514 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the work, had reached his sixteenthly and cleared his throat for another 
long pull, the dissatisiied member arose and remarked with characteristic 
Scottish accent : "It is better to be gospel hungry than gospel weary," strode 
out of the congregation. Not long after the absent brother joined the 
Baptist Church, and was duly initiated into that Society. An old Scotch 
woman hearing of the event drawled out: "An' noo there's auld Geordie, 
he's jined anither kirk and been took doun to the burn an' had a' his 
sins swashed awa'." 

TWO PATRIOTIC CITIZENS. 

When our liberties were in danger and the perpetuity of the Union 
demanded the sacrifice of her bravest and best, La Prairie contributed her 
full quota. Melchi Grove sent three stalwart sons, and when the call 
came for six hundred thousand more, though too old to endure the hard- 
ships of a campaign, he felt himself young enough to stop a bullet and 
save another's life, perchance for his country, so leaving his plow in the 
furrow and the farm to the care of those too young to fight he shouldered 
a musket and went into the fray. And so did his neighbor, E. S. Jones, 
the hero of two wars. Brave and patriotic men! To such as them we 
owe the preservation of the Union, and their deeds shall not be forgotten. 

A FATAL ACCIDENT. 

In 1835 a man named John Kirkpatrick met his death in a horrible 
manner near Drake's Grove. He was mounted on a spirited horse and 
had shot a deer, and dismounting to cut its throat, he fastened the reins 
around his wrist. The smell of the blood and sight of the dead animal 
frightened the horse, which giving a sudden jump threw down its master, 
and started to run, kicking viciously until the man was dead and all sem- 
blance of humanity gone. The horse ran until tired out, dragging the 
dead man by its side, and was discovered the next day, still fastened to its 
unnatural burden. 



Incidents. 

Although prairie fires wei'e numerous and destructive it was seldom or 
never they were fatal to citizens or travelers. They raged in certain local- 
ities with incredible fury, but on high lands the grass was shorter and it 



INCIDENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 515 

burned slowly and feebly. A person not knowing this might get caught 
and be in considerable danger, as was the case with Adam Crawford, who 
came to the County in 1854, and had occasion to go to Spoon River for a 
load of|coal. The track ran across the ]3rairie, and it was in the fall when 
everything was dry as tinder. Returning with his load, he saw ahead an 
advancing line of fire, through which his road lay, and knowing no way 
of avoiding it he pushed on, meeting it in a low valley, where the grass 
had grown with unusual rankness. A fierce wind was blowing, and an 
advancing wave of flame struck his horses, which ch'opped to the ground 
as though they had been shot. A woolen blanket partially shielded his 
face and prevented his inhaling the fierce flames, which only lasted but an 
instant and passed on. After a while his horses were persuaded to get 
up and he reached home, but the driver was consideral )ly burned, the hair 
was nearly singed off from his horses and great pieces of skin came off 
before they recovered. Had Mr. C. remained on the high ground until the 
fiery cyclone swept by no harm or danger would have resulted. 

During the absence of the men in the ill-starred Stillman expedition, 
the women went to Reed's fort. The days and nights were passed in 
gloomy forebodings by the inmates, none of whom but had some near and 
dear relative among the Rangers. In these days there were no telegraphs, 
and the mails only came semi-occasionally. About a week after the dis- 
aster to Stillman's command, news came to the fort that nearly every man 
of the force had been killed or captured by the Indians. This was agony 
and suspense almost beyond endurance for the poor women. Who had 
been killed? Who had been made prisoners and suffered the fiendish tor- 
tures which only Indian devils incarnate knew how to inflict? These 
were the soul-harrowing questions that drove the women almost to mad- 
ness. In about ten days, Mr. Jones, reported killed, walked in to the 
camp alive and well, to the joy of every one, as he brought good news for 
all his friends, and while his wife cried for joy, Jones observed, " Its all 
right, my dear ; you must learn not to believe all the foolish yarns people 
may start about me!" "You see I'm here, alive and well; and the man 
who says I've been killed and scalped, I wouldn't believe under oath !" 

In 1837 a stranger named Lawrence came from Boston to view the 
country and to hunt and fish. He went out in a boat on Senachwine 
Creek, when that stream was high, accompanied by his dog. The boat 



516 HECOtlDS OF THE OtDElSr TIME. 

was a dugout, a most treacherous craft and wholly unmanageable save by 
an expert. Getting within shooting distance of some ducks,he was taking 
aim. when the dog suddenly jumped up throwing his weight upon one 
side of the boat and upsetting it. The man was drowned although the 
whole occurrence was in plain sight of his distressed companions, who, 
powerless to save, gazed helplessly and horror stricken upon his struggles. 

In 1852 a party of gentlemen from Peoria were out in the edge of 
Marshall and Stark counties hunting deer and prairie chickens. There 
had fallen a considerable snow during the previous night which had drifted. 
It was late in the season, and though not thawing the sun shone with un- 
usual brilliancy and its dazzling effects soon told upon the eyes of the 
hunters. Of the thirteen men three managed to get to a house, while the 
others, rendered totally blind, were left perfectly helpless in the snow, and 
would have perished had not relief come quickly. Some of them were 
l)lind for weeks afterward and their eyes rendered permanently sensitive 
to brilliant light. 

In 1861 Nathaniel Smith's son, aged 14 years, while out hunting prai- 
rie chickens, in drawing a loaded gun from a wagon, discharged it, the shot 
taking effect in his stomach. He was instantly killed. 

It is said of Nathaniel Smith that he made the first corn planter built 
in the State. It was invented by Job Brown, a citizen of the place. He 
also built the first dwelling in the village, and it still exists. 




DESCRIPTION OF SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. 



517 



SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. 




CHAPTER XLVI. 



TOPOORAPIIICAL. 



ARATOGA TOWNSHIP lies in the north-west corner of 
Marshall County, contains thirty-six sections, and takes its 
name, as well as the lake within its borders from Saratoga, 
in New York, said to have been suggested by Geo. Scholes, 
an early settler within its boundaries. It has a rich soil of 
dark loam upon the prairies, with alluvial deposits on the 
bottoms, and brings forth heavy crops to reward the hus- 
bandman. Senachwine Creek, with numerous tributary riv- 
ulets runs through its borders, irrigating the land and making it valuable 
for stock growing and agricultural pursuits. Although comparatively 
new, it contains a great deal of wealth, and is settled by an unusually 
intelligent class of citizens. Along its northern border lies the body of 
water before referred to, occupying the highest ground in the Township 
and fed exclusively by springs. It was long a noted resort for migratory 
aquatic birds, and a paradise for hunters, until systematic draining reduced 
its borders and decreased its depth. 

In 1879 owners of the adjoining lands combined, and digging a canal 
for some distance, led off its surplus waters, and it now promises to 
become the most productive part of the Township. Saratoga is peopled by 
an energetic community, who pride themselves on their good buildings, 
well fed stock and nicely trimmed hedges. Especially is it productive of 
"hogs and corn," in which its wealth mainly lies. The rapid settlement 
of the Township and its equally rapid development are one of the many 
marvels of oui- rich and fertile State. 



FIRST SETTLERS. 



The first house erected in the Township was by Malachi Hill in about 
1836. It stood on Section 27, by the side of the old Galena road, on 



518 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Senachwiue Creek, near where a ))ridge spanned that stream. The stages 
ran past here several years. The farm was sold to George Scholes in 
1849. 

The first settler on the north side of the Township is believed to have 
been a man named Ford, who made some improvement on Section 2, on 
land since owned by the widow of J. Cooney, in about 1840. 

The next place opened was near by, on Section 3, now the property of 
J. D. Hfitiield. 

Next in order came Jonathan Day's farm, on Section 3, about 1845. 

J. and S. Divilbliss came in 1849 or '50, settling on Section 24, at the 
east line of the Township. 

William D. Louder improved the so nth-west quartei of Section 22 in 
1850. 

Archibald McVicker and his son David improved the south half of 
Section 14 in 1851. 

The school section (16) was improved by Mr. Stout, Stephen Fry and 
Arch. H. Elson. 

John C. Townsend, Isaac Torrey and Peter Smith came on the same 
Section about 1856. 

S. Cartmell made his farm on Section 10, and Eichard Tyrrell on Sec- 
tion 3 between 1853 and '55. 

Thomas Jameson bought an improved place from J. Clark on the now 
Hatfield farm, about 1851. 

The settlers who came into the west side of the Township were John 
Boland, who located about 1852, near his brother, G. Boland, who sub- 
sequently sold to Lombard. 

All the west side of the Township was then Congress land and un- 
entered. 

Artemas Whitman, in 1852 or '53, improved near Andrew Kline's, on 
Section 18, and George W. Kline on Section 27. 

John McNamara commenced his labors on Section 15 in 1854, and 
Patrick about the same date. 

O. Martland, afterward of Lacon, lived on Section 15, near the School 
Section, in 1853, and Mason Seelye opened a farm on the same Section 
about the same time. 

C. Camery stuck his stakes on the north-west quarter of Section 14, 
in 1854. 

James Carse on Section 11, in 1853. 



EARLY SETTLERS OF SARATOGA TOWNSHIP. 519 

Miner T. Jay on Section 28, and William Letton near the former, 
both in 1852. 

Hugh McVicker arrived here in 1854. 

P. Deyo opened a farm on Section G about 1855. 

B. L. Lombard and F. Bovinger's places were improved by J. and G. 
Boland. 

A. Seichter bought his farm, on Section 2, from Mr. Carse. 

J. and R. Hallock came here- in 1859, and improved part of Section 5. 

W. Schofield opened his place, on Section 6, in 1858-9. 

William Owens improved Section 7 about 1860. 



B. G. Howes, 




11 


7 


11 


1855. 


J. H. Merrill, 




u 


8 


11 


1854. 


J. E. Noyes, 




11 


8 


11 


1852. 


G. T. Coleman, 




11 


10 


11 


1857. 


H. Hulce, 




ii 


10 


ii 


1857. 


D. D. Bond, 




11 


15 


li 


1854. 


F, and D. Yaeger, 




11 


11 


ii 


1860. 


C. Huffman, 




11 


12 


li 


1857. 


F. J. Higgins, 




11 


12 


11 


1860. 


M. Hartley, 




u 


12 


11 


1860. 


K. and D. McDonough, 


11 


9 


11 


1855. 


William Jones, 


a 


11 


21 


li 


1853. 


R. Harrison, 


li 


11 


8 


11 


1854. 


Josh. Castle, 


11 


11 


17 


11 


1855. 


J. S. Essex, 


n 


11 


16 


11 


1854-5. 


J. Buchanan, 


Li 


li 


13 


11 


1857-8. 


J. Greenlee, 


li 


11 


14 


11 


1858. 


W. Lawless, 


H 


11 


20 


11 


1855. 


D. Holmes, 


li 


a 


24 


11 


1855. 


Fred. Reinback, 


11 


11 


24 


11 


1855. 


M. P. Sims, 


a 


11 


20 


ii 


1855. 


P. Lawless, 


a 


11 


29 


11 


1855. 


A. P. Webber, 


a 


11 


28 


11 


1855. 


Thomas Doyle, 


li 


11 


27 


11 


1856. 


Joseph Ray, 


li 


11 


26 


11 


1855-6. 


H. G. Breese, 


li 


li 


25 


11 


1855-6. 


James Beaks, 


11 


11 


25 


11 


1855. 


J. H. Bell, 


11 


11 


25 


li 


1860. 



520 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The farm of the latter was improved by Thomas Henderson, in 1855. 
Julia Jacobs improved Section 20 about 1855. She was formerly 
Mrs. Martin, and her husband run the ferry at Lacon many years ago. 
J. G. Carson improved Section 34 about 1857-8. 
H. R Trim, '' " 34 " 1856-7. 

William M. Kickey " " 36 " 1855. 

William Marshall, " " 35 " 1860. 

The latter's farm was previously improved by James Gordon, in 1852. 

PATRIOTISM. 

Saratoga has a war record few townshijis equal. Her brave sons 
freely volunteered, and their blood was poured out on many a Southern 
battle-field. Among those deserving of mention are J. C. Town- 
send, who, enlisting as a private, returned a Captain. His son, who 
likewise begSn a private, was promoted to a Captaincy. Major Town- 
send's company was attached to the Forty-Seventh Regiment, and was 
mainly recruited in the Township. Another brave soldier was Royal 
Olmstead, who won the rank of Major by good conduct in the field. 
Alanson P. Webber was chief musician of the Eighty-Sixth Illinois In- 
fantry, and a noted sharp-shooter, doing valuable service. He still retains 
the gun which he carried, — a sixteen-shooter repeating rifie. 

A MIRAC4E. 

In the autumn of 1844 a traveler crossing the Saratoga prairie ob- 
served a sight occasionally seen in other lands, but very unusual here. 
He was several miles from the river, yet before him laid out as in a pan- 
orama was extended a plain view of the river seemingly but a few rods 
away. The indentations of the bluffs; the windings of the river; the 
islands, ponds, and familiar points of land, trees, etc., were repi'oduced 
with the most faithful accuracy. On the hills, cattle were grazing, a 
steamboat was passing up the stream, and half a dozen fishermen were 
landing a net. Seemingly he was near enough to converse, yet it was all 
a trick of the eye, — an optical illusion or mirage, in which the scenes rep- 
resented were reproduced in the clouds. 



A town was laid out on Section 16^ and named Centreville. Sixty- 



THE PROJECTED TOWX OF CENTREVILLE, 



521 



four town lots were laid out, and streets with noble names ran tliroucrli 
the 23lace. The proprietors were Isaac Torrey and Samuel Divelbliss, but 
the place never "achieved greatness nor had greatness thrust upon it," 
and after patiently waiting for purchasers, the owners pulled up stakes 
and turned it into a farm. 




522 



RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



whitefield township. 




CHAPTER XLVII. 



DESCRIPTION. 



HIS TowiLsliip was named comj^limentary to John B. White 
its first Superv^isor and a prominent public citizen. It is 
th( usual Congressional size, made up of timber and prairie, 
well watered and fertile. On the East it borders on the 
I'iver, and the surface is broken and hilly, with frequent 
ravines extending inland, running into broad, level prairies 
covered with farms in a high state of cultivation. The 
ravines are covered with dense thickets, which in early 
times afforded protection to freebooters, but now they resound only to 
the woodman's ax or the hunters's rifle. 

There is no village within its borders, no costly churches or school 
houses. Its products are mainly agricultural and its citizens tillers of the 
soil. In wealth and productiveness it compares favorably with all others, 
and in intelligence and industry it is not excelled. 

The first settlers of the Township are supposed to have been two 
brothers named Reeves, who removed here from Putnam County not long 
after the Black Hawk war. They did not long remain, transferring their 
claim to their brother George, whose after exploits made his name noto- 
rious, and whose- memory is preserved in the creek that bears his name. 
His history is given elsewhere. 

The patriarch of the Township was Warford Bonham, Sr., known far 
and near as Father Bonham, who came in 18o5. He brought with him a 
large family, consisting of his daughters Mahala and Eliza, wedded to 
James Tanquaiy and John S. Hoskins ; George, who afterward moved 
to Chicago; Jeriah, now living at Peoria; William, at Sparland; Warford 
Jr., living under the bluffs near the old homestead; Mary Ann, married to 
Hemy Hoskins; Clayton, who died in 1870; Hanson D., who occupies the 
old home farm, and Emily, deceased. 

Mr. Bonham was originally from Ohio, coming to Tazewell about 



EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DOINGS. 523 

1833 or 1834, remaining there until liis removal to Marshall County in 
1835. With his sons-in-law Hoskins and Tanquaiy he visited the County 
the winter previous to their coming, each selecting a claim and building 
cabins of the orthodox stick and mud chimney pattern. 

The place selected by Mr. Bonham was a fertile plain at the foot of 
the bluff, three miles north of the Lacon ferry. Between it and the river 
is a fine belt of timber, and in the rear are the picturesque bluffs of the 
Illinois, while the land is peculiarly adapted to raising fruits, vegetables 
and grain of all kinds. Here are the I'uins of the old homestead, and near 
by is the family grave yard, where the "aged fathers of the hamlet sleep." 
Father Bonham lived to see his sons grow to manhood and his daughters 
comfortably settled around him, and died July 22, 1869, at the ripe age 
of eighty-eight. His wife preceded him some eleven years.. His family 
connections were very large, and few men are so honored through their 
descendants as him. 

The next comer was a man named Hathold, who made a claim above 
Bonham's, which he soon after abandoned and left. It is now a part of 
H. D. Bonham's farm. 

Jeriah Bonham made a claim on the bluffs in an early day, which he 
sold to a man named Gentz, and the latter transferred it to Warford Bon- 
ham. This was in 1830. 

In 1837 or 38 Greorge Reeves made a claim on the Danley farm, selling 
it to Mr. Danley, who became a probable settler here in 1842. 

In 1836 or '37 a man named Thenius built a cabin in the hollow north 
of Sparland, which has since borne his name. For some time he lived in 
a cabin built by old Reeves. Two of Mr. Thenius' daughters are married 
and live in Lacon. 

About 1840 a man named Hale made a claim and put up a sod house 
on the farm since owned by Elnathan Platter. 

North of Hale's a German named Andrew Shurtz opened and im- 
proved a large farm, and a German named Jacob Amnaus settled near by 
in 1842. 

About 1847 Charles and Lucas Martin bought the Hall claim and put 
up a good log house thereon. 

Rezen Nighswonger settled in 1847, on the west side of Thenius Creek. 
He afterward sold to John Betts and three years ago went to Iowa. 

Solomon Nighswonger came in 1851 and settled on the north side of 
Thenius Creek and made a good farm. 



524 KECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Albert, George and Charles Wineberger settled next, south of W. 
Bonhara, Jr.'s in 1848. They afterM^ard sold to Pat Monahan, who still 
lives upon the place. 

Elnathan Platter made his farm on the prairie west of Bonhani's about 
1846. 

Harvey B. Allen began improvements on a farm south of the Platter 
place in the same year. 

Dan Deihl came West with the Platters, aVjout 1848. 

The Combs family canie about the same time, locating south of Deihl, 
and Stephen Merritt located west of Combs. 

The next house toward Senachwine Creek was Ijuilt and occupied by a 
man named King. 

Near the Henry line a man named Blossom located somewhere about 
1840, close to the Culvers. 

Greorge Bonham settled on the bottom north of the old homestead in 
1840, on the place now owned by Theodore Bickerman. 

Adam Bickerman's place is north of Danley's place, and was improved 
by Mr. B. in 1847. 

Ephraim Hoyt settled north of the above at an early day, about 1838 
or '39. 

In the same year Henry Snyder improved his place on the borders of 
the two towns. 

A man named Kellogg came here in 1839 or '40, and located near the 
Henry line. 

Captain Andrews settled west of the above at a later date. 

Lewis and Edward Burson came here about 1849. 

Esquire Holly located in the south-east part of the Township and 
began improvements about 1854. 

Esquire C. W. Barnes came from Massachusetts to Illinois in 183G, 
and stopped for a while at Florid, Putnam County. In the following 
spring he removed to Sandy Creek, in Evans Township, and remained 
there until July, 1872, when he changed his location to Whitefield, on 
the north side of what is called Reeves' Kun, near the head of that stream 
on the edge of the beautiful prairie of the section, about equal distance 
from Sparland and Henry. 

His neighbor in this part of the Township was Richard Hunt, who 
had settled a few months previous on Section 15, coming hither from Ox 
Bow Prairie, Putnam County. 



35ARLY SETTLERS RELIGIOTTS SOCIETIES. 526 

Elias Thompson lived three-fourths of a mile east of Hunt's, on the 
bluff. He had moved out from Henry a couj^le of years previous, havino- 
been a hotel keeper in that village. 

William Rowe lived undei- the bluff, east of and not far from Thomp- 
son, having settled there at a still earlier day. 

Lucian B. Hall and Samuel B. Fanning, a bachelor and brother-in-law 
of Hall, lived together in a sod house on the present Kifer farm in 1840 
or '41. 

George Burt, Sr., and Horace Spencer came and settled near Sugar 
Grove in 1844 or 1845. Sugar Grove is on Section 11, at the head of a 
small stream connecting with Crow Creek. It contains from .320 to 400 
acres and is three and a-half miles west of Henry. 

Hiram Blossom lived on Section 1, coming here about 1842. 

David Fanning also settled near the Grove. His place afterward 
passed into the hands of Clarence Burt. 

Among the latter settlers of the Township were Mr. Smith, on "The 
Ridge;" Mr. Gaston, Mr. Ray, Adam Faris, Jacob Platter, E. Stewart, 
John Dunlap, P. Hale, and the Gregorys. 

Samuel F. Coleman is supposed to have come about 1841. 

Richard Hunt and wife, formerly a Miss Horram, came to Whitefield 
in 1842. They were married on Ox Bow Prairie, January 1, 1833, and 
lived a while on Sandy Creek, removing thence to Hennepin and after- 
ward coming to their new home, now one of the finest in this Township. 

Abijah Lyons came to the Prairie some years before. He was one of 
the earliest settlers of this part of the Township. 

Two families named Carmichael settled at Whitefield Corners, in the 
north-western limits of the town, coming there about 1841. 

A Mr. Underwood lived near Hickory Creek, coming there nearly the 
same date. 

These comprise the names of most of the settlers during the first few 
years, aside from the disreputable gang connected with the Reeves family, 
but the time of arrivals cannot be given with accuracy, and, of course, is 
only approximatel)^ correct. 



Religious. 



Long before any churches had been built in this Township the people 
occasionally had meetings at the house of Warford Bonham, Sr. His 



526 HECORBS 0^ THE OLDEi^^ TIME. 

family belonged to the Christian Church ; but some of his neighbors were 
Methodists, and neither being able to muster a respectable congregation, 
they united, securing the services of such preachers as could be induced to 
venture into tlie wilderness, without regard to denominational belief. 

Henry L. Crane, of Lacon, occasionally visited this settlement, and 
invariably received a cordial welcome. 

Daniel McRobinson and "old Father Palmer," the former a Methodist 
and the latter a Christian, were also frequent and ever welcome visitors. 

rilE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

At the head of Thenius' Creek steps were early taken to organize a 
Baptist Church. October 12, 1854, a number of persons holding to the 
tenets of that denomination gathered at the school house to consult upon 
the propriety of establishing a Society, upon which occasion it was agreed 
to organize a church based upon the articles of faith set forth in the 
"Encyclopedia of Keligioiis Knowledge," and an ecclesiastical council was 
called to meet November 9th, Solomon Nighswonger being appointed to 
answer the questions of the council. At the appointed time the council 
met, and organized by electing Elder B. H. Weston moderator, and after 
due deliberation the First Baptist Church of Chiist of Whitefield was duly 
declared established. 

A sermon was delivered at this meeting by Elder H. G. Weston, of 
Peoria. 

Elder W. G. Gordon w^as chosen as their first pastor, and a subscrip- 
tion was started to raise funds for the support of the preacher. 

July 14, 1855, an effort was made to unite with the Baptist Society 
in the neighboring town of Steuben, with a view to building a church 
edifice for the accommodation of both, but after several inefFectual efforts 
the project failed. 

Elder Gordon remained pastor of the Church from the start, holding 
meetings at the school house at the head of Theniiis Creek until February, 
1862, when the congregation, having outgrown its narrow limits, the 
question of constructing an edifice of their own was broached. Mr. E. 
Burson tendered the Society a nicely located piece of ground, which was 
accepted, and the people enthusiastically voted to put up a house of wor- 
ship, but the necessary funds were not so enthusiastically forthcoming, 
and the project failed. 



ClltTl?ClTES OF WHlTEFIELD TOWNSHIP. 527 

A call was extended to Bi'otber Carnes to become their pastor, but lie 
failing to respond, Elder Grordon remained until June 7th of that year, 
when, weary of his long service, he asked to be relieved. 

March 2(), 1864, the question of building a house of worship was 
renewed, and on this occasion with moie success. The same site was 
agreed upon as before, and the work pushed forward with surprising 
vigor, so that w^e find them dedicating their new meeting house October 
23, 18G4. It is a frame structure, capable of seating about 300 people, 
neatly finished and comfortable, but not especially attractive in the exter- 
ior. It cost about $2,200. 

Brother Hoyle preached in 1865, for a salary of $650 per annum. 
Since then Brothers Stjddard, William Ptirker and others have officiated 
at the sacred desk. The membei'ship of the church is not numerous, but 
is made up from among the wealthiest, oldest and most respectable people 
of this region. 

A good Sal)bath School has for years been maintained in connection 
with the church. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

May 16, 1854, the Eev. John Turbit, Robert Faris and William P. 
Carson, members of a committee appointed by the Presbytery of Peoria 
to organize a church in Whitefield Township, met agreeably in a school 
house one and three-fourth miles noth-west of Hosic's farm. A sermon 
was preached, after which the organization of Mansfield Church was 
effected. 

June 1, 1855, a public sessions was held, at which a number joined by 
card and certificate, materially strengthening the organization. 

The organization continued to hold services at the different school 
houses in the vicinity as circumstances permitted, running along smoothly 
enough until in March, 1857, when a business meeting was held to devise 
measures for the erection of a house of worship. At this meeting con- 
siderable ill-feeling was developed, chiefly upon the question of location. 
A prominent member, and one who by reason of his wealth and position 
was expected to contribute liberally to the enterprise, was consulted, 
but his preferences as to location were ignored by the majority, where- 
upon he became exceeding wroth, expressing himself with much greater 
force than elegance. In fact, to fully ventilate his feelings and express 
his contempt, he found it necessary to employ numerous "cuss words," 



5^8 BECOllBS OF TitE OLDEN TIME. 

consigning the unreasonable majority to a mythical locality more noted for 
warmth than piety. 

For this little breach of decorum he was promptly suspended. 
Notwithstanding his defection, however, and the ill-feeling engendered in 
consequence, the church ediiice was finally built, the site being upon land 
donated by W. H. Brassfield. It is of brick, about 40x70 feet, is a neat 
and comfortable structure, and cost about $2,000. It was dedicated 
November 21, 1858, by Rev. R. P. Faris, of Peoria. 

The leading ministers since have been Rev. T. T. Smith, first stated 
preacher. Rev. William B. Faris, James Fleming and J. S. McClung. 

Near the Church is a cemetery, which contains the remains of a num- 
ber of the early members and their children, but as the location is not a 
good one the peo23le of late years have preferred to bury their dead else- 
where. 

The first Sabbath School was established September 1, 1867. It is 
well conducted and largely attended by the youth of the neighborhood. 

CENTRAL M. E. CHURCH. 

This church is a neat and tastefully finished frame building, 32x40 
feet, with a very respectable height of ceiling. The interior is very nicely 
furnished and elegant in its ornamentations and decorations. It stands on 
a high piece of ground, fronting the west, and can be seen for miles from 
each direction. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

This religious organization was created in about 1853. There are no 
consecutively kept records, or at least we have been unable to find any, 
and'consequently our information is wholly derived from the recollections 
of the older members of the Society. 

At first services were confined to occasional meetings at the school 
house near Bursons or at the house of some brother, but in time the neces- 
sity of a house for worship became imperative, and in 1864 a frame meet- 
ing house, 30x40, was built. It is not an imposing structure, but is com- 
fortably seated and sufficiently large for the needs of the congregation. 

In the rear, on, the same lot is the burying ground of the congrega- 
tion, in which a number of pretty slabs and neat monuments evidence a 
loving remembrance of those who lie beneath. 



EARLY SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP. 531 

The church cost about $2,000, and occupies a delightful location. 

Among the different ministers who have officiated here since the 
formation of the Society may be named Rev. Mr. Phelps, who came here 
in 1861. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Green, Rev. Mr. Reeves, and 
Rev. Mr. Brown, the present pastor. 



Schools. 

The first building in the Township for school purposes was built on 
the edge of the Prairie, east of Richard Hunt's farm, about the year 1844. 
It was made of logs after the manner of those days, and was about four- 
teen feet square, with one door and a single window, while the chimney- 
place was so lai-ge that the school marm and all her pupils could have 
hidden therein. Elizabeth Simpson was j^robably the first teacher, hold- 
ing forth there in 1847 or 1848. Her pupils, from four to eight in 
number, were (piite young. She was afterward followed by John Peck, 
Mahlon Peck, and a Mr. Miles, who taught the young ideas to shoot. 
About tifteen years ago a new frame building was put up, which affords 
ample accommodation for the numerous little people of the neighborhood. 

Another school was built near the farm of W. Bonham, Jr., on the 
edge of the Illinois River bluffs. This structure was put up in 1860, is 
16x26 feet, and cost about $400. The first teacher here was Miss Eliza 
Bonham, a daughter of Jeriah Bonham, in the sunuuer of the year named. 

One of the first schools on the prairie, was built near the residence of 
the Burson's, toward the center of the town, near the southern line of this 
and Steuben Township. It was erected about 1856, and furnished room 
for school, churches and public meetings until 1870, when a new one Avas 
built in its place. It cost about $800 and stands near the Baptist Church, 
in one of the pleasantest locations in this region. 



Reeves the Outlaw 



The frontier settlements of a new country are usually the resorts of 
desperadoes. The law has fewer restraints, and men fleeing from the 
consequences of crimes go where the}^ are unknown and unsuspected — 
some to grow up respectable, law-abiding citizens, oftener to ply their 
nefarious business and prey upon society A^dth less fear of detection. 



5i^2 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN" TIME. 

Among old settlers Geo. Keeves possesses an unenviable notoriety by 
reason of his connection with the well known Bandits of the Prairie, an 
association of desperate men extending over the then entire West. Pre- 
vious to his removal here in 1888-4, he lived a while in Senachwine 
Township, where his brothers had made claims, and where so far as known 
he conducted himseK in accordance with the strict principles of justice 
and right. He was a kind neighbor, scrupulously just in his dealings, 
ever ready to accommodate, and kind in sickness. At this time he was 
about forty-five or fifty years of age, suave and gentlemanly in appear- 
ance, seldom excited or thrown off his guard, and prompt to repair an in- 
jury or accommodate a neighbor. Of his previous history little was 
known, except that he came of a respectable family in North Carolina, 
where lie had led a wild life and was connected with dissolute fellows of 
whom no good could be said. A murder had been committed by the 
gang, and though it could not be proven that Reeves was directly impli- 
cated, he was detained in prison a long time, and only escaped by strenu- 
ous exertions on the part of his friends, and the expenditure of much 
money. After his liberation he started for Illinois, and is believed for 
some time to have conducted himself with strict propriety, but bad habits 
are stronger than good intentions, and it is probable his old associates 
sought him out in the West and tempted him to his downfall. 

The Keeves family consisted of himself, wife, four sons and one 
daughter, the latter a young lady of more accomplishments than might be 
expected under the circumstances of her education. The children, if we 
may believe a neighbor, were systematically trained to steal. The old 
lady claimed all the eggs about the D^emises as her personal perquisite, 
and the old man, under the plea of wanting them for his l^itters, used to 
hire his son George, termed the "General," to steal them from his 
mother. Sophronia had many friends in Henry and was much thought of. 

Mrs. Reeves was a Dowton, and connected with the Harts, a disrepu- 
table, thieving set, living in the timber across from Henry. She was the 
ruling spirit of the family, and its evil genius. She encouraged her sons in 
idleness and secreted their plunder. It is probable the point selected for 
their new home was chosen as a safe retreat for the nefaiious end in view. 
It was far away from the settlements, and situated in the mouth of a deep 
ravine, into whose dim recesses the sun seldom penetrated. Its precip- 
itous sides and center were covered with brush, there were lateral branches 
extending on either side, affording admirable chances for concealment, 



REEVES THE OUTLAW AND HIS GANG. 538 

while the main hollow opened on the prairie a couple of miles or more 
westward. Reeves had several cabins or outhouses on the premises fitted 
up for lodghig rooms, and first attracted attention by the frequent appear- 
ance of strange faces about his establishment. 

For some time the gang with which he was connected worked secretly 
and successfully. Horses stolen on Rock River were brought here to be 
disposed of, while those stolen here were swiftly taken abroad. By this 
time (1842) the country was rapidly filling up, and a long course of suc- 
cessful crime had made the perpetrators reckless. Numerous burglaries 
and much petty thieving had been going on, directly traceable to Reeves' 
son. Among others who frequented the place were Burch, Fox and 
Long, the afterward murderers of Col. Davenport. Burch was a desper- 
ado, and the hero of more than one robbery, and, as is believed, murder. 
He Avas the intimate friend of Cam. Reeves, the eldest son of the old 
man, now blossoming into a first class thief and desperado. Himself and 
associates were detected in stealing and passing counterfeit money, and 
Mrs. Reeves had passed countei'feit money at the stores in Henry and 
Lacon, which her husband redeemed when called upon. 

The gang operated at other places. Horses were stolen at Tiskilwa, 
at Princeton, Toulon, and in Peoria County, and when the perpetrators 
were caught, confederates bailed them out or aided their escape. A store 
at Hennepin was broken into about this time, and the robbery was traced 
to Reeves' son, Cameron, and a young man named Allison. The parties 
were arrested near Pekin, and the goods found in theii* possession, but 
through the aid of a sharp attorney, of Peoria, they managed to escape. 

Frederick Rheinbeck's house in Whitefield was broken into, and a 
party stopping there I'obbed of cash and valuable papers, which circum- 
stance so wrought upon the community that a spontaneous and universal 
determination was reached to rid themselves of the presence of the offend- 
ers without waiting the forms of law. At this date it cannot be told who 
were mainly instrumental in bringing the parties to merited punishment, 
through Dr. Swanzy and J. S. Taliaferro, of Bureau County, were active 
participants. It was one of those risings when the whole community was 
ripe for action, and leaders were not necessary. 

A committee was sent to notify Reeves and recpiest his attendance the 
next day, at a place on the prairie since called Council Grove, and found 
him conveying provisions to his son, known to be hiding from the oflicers 
in the bottoms above Henry. The old man took the matter quietly, but 



534 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Mrs. Reeves raved like an enraged tigress. The next day some 300 men 
assembled. They came riding in from twenty to thirty miles distant 
from Stark, Bureau and Peoria Counties, with twenty men from the 
vicinity of Tiskilwa, headed by Dr. Swanzy, determined to deal out Kock 
River fare; in other words, extermination. Prompt to the time came 
Reeves on horseback, with old-fashioned saddle bags packed as for a 
journey. 

The meeting was organized by appointing Hall S. Gregory to preside. 
Dr. Swanzy led off with a speech, in which he recounted the crimes of 
Reeves and his gang, and urged the extermination of the whole tribe. 
He was seconded by his followers, with approving shouts, etc. 

Dr. Boal replied, advising moderation, and giving Reeves time to settle 
up his business, etc. Several here interposed, asking if he was prepared 
to go Reeves security for good behavior, which he declined. The Doctoi' 
was told to sit down. 

Reeves plead his own case, appealed to those who knew him best and 
longest to attest his luiiform good conduct, and hoped they would not 
condemn an innocent man. While the majority were calm and deter- 
mined, a few made noisy demonstrations of executing immediate justice. 
One person whose own record was none too good, was quite conspicuous 
and anxious to hang the culprit, but Reeves effectually settled him by 
asking the privilege of fighting him, each armed with rifles, at forty 
paces. 

Dr. Temple, of Chillicothe, replied to Dr. Boal, advising a middle 
course, and the appintment of twelve persons to take Reeves in charge and 
send him and his family out of the country. A majority of the company 
endorsed this action. 

When Swanzy spoke a rush was made for Reeves, and he would 
have been shot down like a dog, but the chairman shielded him. Mrs. 
Reeves and children ci-ied and begged for mercy. Reeves assented to 
the decision, and when he foimd his life was to be spared, seemed the 
happiest man there. 

The party, led by the committee, went to Reeves' house, whei-e ar- 
I'angements decided on were carried out. Purchasers were found for the 
stock, and household property of value was quickly loaded on to wagons. 
When ready for a start, Mrs. Reeves went to the rear of the fire-place, 
and removing a brick, took therefrom a purse of money, and secreting it 
about her person, mounted the wagon with her family and were driven 



EYPULSION OF THE REEVES FAMILY. 535 

off. As tlie last finale of the tragedy, a coal was applied to tlie house 
and out-buildings, and the bui'ning ruins lighted the self-appointed minis- 
ters of justice on their way. 

The party was conducted to the river and kept under guard until the 
arrival of a steamer from above, when they were placed on board and 
warned never to return as they valued their lives. 

Cameron Reeves was captured that night and placed in the Hen- 
nepin jail, but escaped and left the country. The party proceeded down 
the river, and subsequently went up the Missouri and settled a mile and 
a half from Cameron, where they remained a short time and then migrated 
to Adair County, Iowa, where tiie old man died in 1852. He became 
much dissipated in his later days and died in poverty. George Dent 
speaks of meeting him once while passing through the state. He came to 
a camp fire around which the party was gathered, and when he left a 
particularly fine hunting knife disappeared also. 

The lesson so sternly administered had good results. Of the family 
history for some years we have no data, but the younger members were 
among the earliest settlers of Omaha, and Cameron Reeves was the first 
Shei'iff of the County. It is on record that he made a very good offictir. 
During his term of service three men were taken by the vigilantes from 
the jail and hung. He married a very good woman, who has raised a 
respectable family. His two failings were a love of drink and women, 
and he is now living with one not his wife and principally supported by 
her labor, having separated from his lawful spouse. 

Preston Reeves lives fifteen miles from Omaha, wealthy and respected 
and has raised a fine family. Jesse, the third son, died six years ago. 
He was well-to-do and raised a respectable family, but was given to 
drinking. George, the youngest, died of dissipation. He was a man of 
bad repute and was supported by a woman of the town. 

Sophronia is wedded to A. D. Jones, the founder of Omaha. He laid 
out the town and was its first postmaster. She is wealthy and respected, 
and moves in the first society. Mrs. Reeves still lives (November, 1879), 
and resides with her daughter. Her life is above reproach, and she is a 
noted mid- wife and doctress. 



The Murder of James Shinn. 
A brutal murder took place at the lower end of the Township, on the 



536 RECOUDS OF THE OLDElSr TIME. 

farm of Geo. Bonham, March 18, 1854. A public sale was being held, 
and liquor l^rought by the parties attending freely drank. When the 
supply was exhausted a purse was made up for some more. It was soon 
imbibed, and its effects at once became appai'ent. John Organ, a brother 
of the murdered man, became specially noisy, and his brother William 
Organ, who was perfectly sober, strove to quiet him. While thus en- 
gaged, James Shinn got out from the wagon where he sat, and drawing a 
long sharp-bladed knife, rushed into the crowd, striking the first man he 
met, which proved to be William Organ, who fell to the ground dead. 
The murder was most unprovoked and brutal, Organ being engaged in 
quieting his brother. Shinn escaped, but was caught and lodged in jail, 
from which he broke out. He was again captured, and after a long and. 
tedious trial was sentenced to the penitentiary for three years and six 
months. This may have been the first, but it was not the only time jus- 
tice has been cheated of her dues in Marshall County. 



Incidents. 

The first birth in the Township was that of John Hoskins' son 
Leonard, in 1835. 

The first wedding of any Whitefield citizen was that of Jeriah Bon 
ham to Miss Sarah Atwood in 1839, at the house of the bride's father," 
Mr. Timothy Atwood. 

The land of the Bonham grave-yard was never conveyed or dedicated 
to the public and no lots were ever sold, but a burial place is freely given 
to any neighbor of the family. 

While the Reeves gang infested the country, more or less counterfeit 
money was in circulation. A few years ago a boy while hunting cows in 
the vicinity discovered a bottle hidden beside a tree containing $1,000 in 
new bills dated 1842 and 3. They were on the Hudson River Bank, and 
were undoubtedly "planted" by some member of the gang. 

When Mr. Bonham ana his sons-in-law located on the bottoms they 
went into sheep raising pretty extensively, but this venture did not prove 
fortunate. The wolves were numerous, and often came in broad daylight 



INCIDEKTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 537 

carrying off young lambs and pigs from the very cabin doors. Tliey 
would prowl around in gangs, and making an apparently concerted plan of 
attack, would carry it out with perfect success. One would amuse the 
dogs, another would threaten to break into the back door of the stable or 
hen house, a third would worry the old sow, while the fourth and fifth 
would get a pig each and start for the swamps and jungles of the river 
bottom, to be joined by their comrades in a few moments. The ex- 
asperated woman of the house would hear the pig squealing, loud and 
direfully at first, then fainter and more faint until the captors had reached 
some favorite retreat, beyond the reach of dogs and men. They would 
capture sheep by a different stratagem. This was to stampede the flock, 
and getting them scattered in the woods kill them to eat at their leisure. 
If the shepherd was not on the constant lookout for these marauders 
they were sure to take advantage of his negligence by sweeping down 
upon his helpless flock. 

There was but little demand for more wool than home consumption 
required. Some of the farmers who did not raise sheep had looms and 
spinning wheels, and managed to buy wool from those who grew the 
article. 

Snakes were plentiful and venomous. A visitor at Frank Drake's, 
in 1847, avers that he saw them thrust their heads through cracks in the 
floor, and they sometimes entered the house. In 1 844 the high water 
drew them from the bottoms and they swarmed on high grounds. A little 
child whose parents name was Long, was bitten while playing in the yard, 
and when taken up by its mother the snake clung to the child and was 
lifted up with it. 

The father of Warner Combs was building a house for John King, 
and hearing the prodigious snake stories told by certain men engaged in 
breaking, was induced to go and see for himself, and counted seventy-five 
killed in a comparatively small space, most of them of the most venom- 
ous kind. 

Harmon G. Andrews was one of Whitefield's best citizens. He served 
in the Mexican war, and at the opening of the rebellion volunteered in 
the three months' service. Coming home he raised a company for the 
Forty-Seventh Regiment, and was chosen Captain, serving in the Mis- 
souri campaign under General Fremont; also at Island No. 10, the capture 






HECOllDS OiF THE OLDEN TIME. 



of Forts Henry and Donaldson, luka and Corinth, when he was wounded 
and taken prisoner. 

After this he resigned, and coming home raised Company A, of the 
Fifteenth Illinois, and was elected Captain, They were ordered to 
Georgia, where they received the surrender of the rebel General, Walker, 
with 10,400 men. The war was virtually over, and they were mustered 
out January 24, 1846, He was twice elected Treasurer, and was uni- 
versally regretted. 




'Topography of steuben township. 



539 



STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 




how named. 



OME of the earliest settlers of this Township came from Steu- 
' ben County, New York, named in honor of Baron Steuben, 
a distinguished Prussian soldier and intimate friend of Gen- 
eral Washington, with whom he served in the war of the 
Revolution. The name commemorated their former home 
^ and a gallant soldier likewise, and at the suggestion of Tim- 
othy Atwood it was conferred upon their chosen future 
home. The Township lies along the Illinois River, extend- 
ing westward to La Prairie, and is broken and cut up by ravines, but there 
is much valuable land within its borders, and numerous finely cultivated 
farms. 

The river bottoms are low and subject to overflow in seasons of high 
water; the bluffs rise abruptly, affording excellent pasturage, but seldom 
susceptible of cultivation. 

These bluffs are filled with coal, easily and extensively mined; like- 
wise fire clay, lime and sand stone. In the vicinity of the bluffs the soil 
is mostly clay, which becomes black loam as you travel west, producing 
heavy crops easily cultivated. The bluffs and ravines are covered with 
timber and and an undergrowth of oaks, etc., indigenous to the soil and 
valuable for fire wood and other purposes. The principal and only outlet 
for the products is the village of Sparland, lying along the Bureau Valley 
Branch of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. It enjoys a 
healthy trade with the country west, and is one of the best shipping 
points along the road. Beside its extensive yield of coal, it is the out- 
let for a large portion of the agricultural products of La Prairie and por- 
tions of Whitefield and Saratoga. 

Two and a half miles below the village attempts were once made to 
open up extensive coal mining operations, and a company from Chicago 



540 HECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

expended large sums in buildings and improvements, naming tKe station 
Grantville. Subsequent investigations proved that either the coal did not 
exist in paying quantities or it was of too poor a quality to market suc- 
cessfully, so the enterprise was abandoned. Of the houses erected several 
have been blown down, and the rest are going to swift destruction. 

Two miles above town a company from Kock Island began extensive 
works, and after the expenditure of several thousand dollars, suspended 
labor and abandoned their impi'ovements. 

The village was laid out by the Sparr family, June 13, 1855, and 
embraced a few lots lying along the tract, but since then numerous addi- 
tions have been made giving it all the territory required. It contains a fine 
hotel, elevator, passenger building, etc., with several fine stores, shops and 
dwellings, two churches and one of the finest public school buildings in the 
county. 

THE EARLY SETTLERS OF STEUBEN. 

Franklin Wai'd Graves was the first known resident of Steuben, com- 
ing to Sparland in 1831. He bought of the Indians the land on which 
the town stands, and built a cabin at the foot of the bluff, near Dr. Tes- 
mer's residence. 

The next settler was John Eidgeway, married to Ann McGee, who 
came in the fall of 1832, and settled where Grantville stands. They were 
accompanied by Jeremiah Cooper and family, who settled beside him. 
Mr. Eidgeway died in 1852, and his widow, since Mrs. Pursell, still sur- 
vives, (1880.) Mr. Cooper died in 1843, leaving six children. James 
Hammett also came to the locality that year, and died long ago. He 
raised John and William Eay. Beside him on the north lived William 
Eads, who served in the Black Hawk war. His wife died here, and he 
remained in the vicinity until 1862 or 3, when he went into the army as 
a teamster, and was killed by accident. 

George Eeddick came in 1833, and built a cabin not far from the Fos- 
bender warehouse, where himself and wife subsequently died. 

Hiram McLaughlin is an old settler who made a fami in the Town- 
ship at an early day, and raised numerous descendants. 

John Cornell came to Chicago, and fell among thieves who stole his 
money and clothing. He worked his way to Putnam County, thence to- 
ward Sparland, and finally made a claim on the blufF back of the village 
in 1839, where the brick school house now stands, and also started his 



:EAtlLY SETTLEtlS AND TIIElR BOllSrGg. 541 

Lome farm on the south-east (quarter of Section 9, where he still lives. He 
moved upon it in 1850. 

Wm. Armstrong settled on Big Senachwine Creek in 1839, in the 
vicinity of Drake's Gi'ove, having married a Miss Welch, who lived above 
Sparland in Whitefield, on the river bottoms to the south of the timber. 
He died during the late war- — a soldier in the Union army, and his 
family removed to Kansas. 

S. E. Thompson and George B. Drake came here in the fall of 1834, 
and built cabins at the head of Gimlet Hollow, where Sargent's brick 
house now stands. Drake remained there till the next spring — 1835, when 
Francis B. Drake, Sr., and family came, and moved to the timber since 
known as Drake's Grove. 

Frank Drake, Sr., had five children, of whom George was the eldest. 
His second son and namesake lived here until 1877, when he removed to 
Texas and is still living. His daughter Sally married Samuel Ellis 
Thompson, and still survives. His daughter Cynthia died September 13, 
1835; and his daughter Delia married Thomas Doran, and lives on the old 
homestead. George first settled in the bottoms east of the County poor 
farm, and lived there until 1855, when he emigrated to Texas. He was 
a brick mason by trade, and erected most of the early brick houses of this 
section. 

Joseph Thompson came in 1834, accompanied by his sons Asa and 
Samuel Ellis Thompson. He possessed considerable ready money and 
made considerable improvements. The first religious meetings were held 
at his house, and the first Society was organized there. 

When lands came into market he journeyed to Quincy to make his 
entries, where he was attacked with measles and died. Mrs. F. returned 
and resided with her son Ellis until her death, March 10, 1843, aged 
seventy-two years. Thojr eldest daughter was wedded to George B. 
Drake before their arrival here, and their second daughter married the 
Rev. John Brown. She taught the first school in the Township. 

Samuel Ellis Thompson married Sally Drake on the 4th of July, 
1836, going to the w^edding on horseback, and immediately after they 
began housekeeping in a new cabin, where they live to-day. 

Mrs. Drake died in Fel)ruary, 1847, and Mr. Drake one year later, of 
cancer, aged sixty-nine. 

Asa Thompson married Miss Nancy Watkins, before coming here. 
She died February 23, 1837, and together, with their infant daughter 



542 HECOtlDS 01- THE OLDEN TIME. 

Mary J., who died October 3, 1836, sleep in the Sparland cemetery, the 
latter being the first interment. 

Mr. Tliompson was a wagon-maker by trade, and first settled at 
Chillicothe, Ijiit considei'able sickness prevailing, he removed here and 
made his home with his brother. In February, 1844, he was married 
to Mrs. Smalley, daughter of James Orr, of Lacon, and moved into his 
cabin, where he lived happily until February 25, 1874, when he died, at 
the age of sixty-four years. 

Their children were William E., born December 26, 1844, present 
County Treasurer of Marshall County; Margaret Jane, born May 24, 
1846, married to Charles Boys, living in Livingstone County, Illinois; 
Asa, born August 23, 1840, dead; Asa Ellis and Elizabeth, twins, the 
former dead and the latter still living at home; Milford, now at Blandins- 
ville, Illinois ; Joseph, a farmer in Steuben. 

Ml*. Thompson was a man of moi-e than average ability and acquired 
a large property. Mrs. T. resides upon the old homestead, enjoying the 
respect of all who know her. 

Mrs. Mary Wathins came from Ohio and settled north-west of Spar- 
land in 1835. She died in 1865. Hei' son Jehiel settled near her and 
David lives on the old place. Her daughter Mary Jane wedded Isaac 
Tanquary ; Lucinda married the Rev. Mr. Blackwell, and after his death 
wedded James Tanquary, Jr. 

James Tanquary, Sr., died many years ago, and his wife became Mrs, 
Abram Tanquary. After his death a land shark from, the vicinity of 
Quincy came along with a prior claim upon her land, and to save 
hei'self from being turned out of doors she was compelled to pay him five 
hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. Tanquary was long a class leader in the 
church and a useful citizen. 

John S. Hoskins came on to the prairie at an early day and made a 
claim, where he lived until his death. 

Josiah Hoskins settled on Hard Scrabble at an early day. He had 
three sons, John S., Henry and Thomas. John S. is dead, and the others 
still live in the Township. 

John Power settled upon what was long known as the Fenn place, at 
Drake's Grove, in the fall of 1837. He came from Virginia, and had ten 
children, himself, wife and son-in-law. He died upon the place. 

One of his sons fell from a wagon and broke his neck, near Allen 



EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DOINGS. 548 

Hunter's, on Yankee street. Subsequently the land jmssed into other 
hands, and is now owned by Mrs. Fred. Gage. 

David W. Bates, with his wife and son L. M. Bates, settled upon the 
Bates farm, three miles north-west of Sparland, in the spring of 1837. 
The old man died upon his farm, and a son started to California during 
the time of the gold fever and died upon the way. 

L. P. Bates, a younger brother, was for some time a citizen of Spar- 
land and now lives in Iowa. A half sister lives in Chillicothe. 

Benjamin Allen opened the well known place, now the County poor 
farm, in the fall of 1837. 

Timothy Atwood came to Steuben in 1835, from the town of that 
name in New York. He served in the war of 1812, and accpiiring several 
soldiers' titles to land came West to locate them. He had eight sons and 
daughters, four of whom accompanied him and the rest soon followed. 
He broke fifty acres that fall, and the next j^ear fenced in three hundred 
and twenty acres of land. He was a surveyor, a prominent Mason, and a 
leading member of the church. He died September G, 1837, aged sixt}^- 
five years. His son William succeeded him on the old place, which after- 
ward was sold to Samuel McCoy. 

Allen Hunter came in 1837 and occupied a cabin built by Mr. 
Atwood. He succeeded to the Atwood homestead. Yankee street was 
a nickname attached to it by the rule of "contraries." It is one of the 
garden spots of the County. The public road from Peoria to Galena was 
laid out through there in 1835. One locality in the neighborhood was 
called Hickory Point. 

Other settlers of early days were Thomas Miner, who came in 1837, 
John Webster, Russell Frisbie and Joel Fosdick. 

Charles and James Doran came with their mother to the vicinity of 
Drake's Grove in 1837, and began improvements on what is since known 
as the Fisher place. 

George Mead came upon the Powers' farm in 184U. 

Levi Fosdick settled one-half mile east of Drake's Grove, and planted 
w^hat is known in Steuben as the "big orchard," in 1844 and '45. 

Cornelius Tanquary settled north of Bethel Church in 1840, and still 
remains there. 

Among the prominent settlers of this Township is Amasa Garrett. 
He .came to Putnam County with his parents in 1836, and subsequently 



544 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

moved to his farm at Thompson's "four corners," west of Spailand, before 
he had attained his majority. 

His father at an early day settled at Cole's Grove, in Bureau County, 
twenty-five miles from Winnebago swamp, in the midst of the Indian 
country. For many years he was the only white inhabitant of that re- 
gion, and his house was frequently a stopping place for the old settlers of 
the country south, on their way to and from the land sales at Galena. 
He died at the age of eighty-seven years and his wife at eighty-one. 

In 1836, when Amasa came to Steuben, times were good and money 
plentiful, but from 1837 to 1840 they were hard indeed. 

Mr. Garratt, Sr., wishing to stock his farm, went to McLean County 
and purchased three-year old steers for $4.50 and |5.00 ; heifers $1.00 to 
$2.00 less; two-year olds, $3.00 and $4.00; yearlings, $2.50 and $3.00, 
and cows, $7.00 and $8.00. At Chicago, during these years, beef brought 
when dressed only 2^ to 3 cents per pound by the quarter. Here on the 
prairies the best cattle brought only one cent per poimd on foot. 

The first laid out public thoroughfare in this Township was the State 
road from Peoria to Galena, used ])y the settlers in their travels to Galena 
to enter land and visit the lead mines, and by the stage line, commencing 
in al)out 1836. 

The first precinct election held in the Township was at the dwelling 
house of Thomas Miner, who settled in 1838, on the farm now owned by 
William Ford, on Yankee Street. The place was known as Hickory 
Point, from a grove of hickory timber extending further out upon the 
prairie. The election precinct then embraced what is now Steuben and 
La Prairie. At this election it was agreed that the region should be 
formed into a town and named Steuben. 

In early times the settlers found markets at Chicago or Galena. Long 
journeys were made to these places, and when it was known that any one 
was meditating a ti-ip, he was besieged to do errands for neighbors, who 
came far and near. 

Samuel B. McLaughlin is another old settler, descended from good old 
Scotch-Irish parentage, who was born in Kentucky in 1813, and Avhen 19 
years old came to Illinois and located on Senachwine Creek, above Peoria, 
in 1833, wedding Rachel L. Haramett, who bore him thirteen children, 
four of whom have died. He lived there four years, and then moved to 
where he now resides. He was alwas a hard worker and economical, and 
made money, as the saying goes, "hand over fist." When markets did 



EARLY SETTLERS SCHOOLS. 545 

not satisfy him, he went to Chicago, driving an ox team. He has sold 
wheat in that market as low as 37^ cents per bushel. Our limits will not 
permit a detailed sketch of what could be made a valuable article. He 
has a finely improved place, a well finished house, and owns 1,200 acres 
of land. Mi'S. McLaughlin's parents were among the first settlers of Chil. 
licothe Township. 

Among the settlers not previously named were : 

James Douglas, who came in 1840 and located upon the praii'ie in 
Watkins' neighborhood. His farm was two miles west, on the Samuel 
Black well place. 

John Black settled on what is now the Fort farm about the same date. 

George Scott came in 1839, settling in the lower end of the Township. 
He afterward returned to Scotland, and died in the West Indies. 

James Sumner settled on "Hard Scrabble," where L. B. Thomas lives, 
in 1837. 

Washington Bailey came at the same time, and settled in the edge of 
the timber. He left the country between two days for his country's good. 

Patrick George and John Smith also lived in the vicinity. 

The Sparr family came at an early date, but we cannot say when. 

H. R. Cassell tells of buying lime of George Sparr, at Sparland, in 
1834. 

$ 

The Old Schools. 

One of the first schools in the Township was taught by Miss Elizabeth 
Mead, in 1835, in a log building north of Asa Thompson's farm. 

Joseph Thompson furnished the land, and, together with his son Elias, 
helped to build the first school house in the Township, in the winter of 
1837-8. It was made of logs, lGxl8, with two windows, each having 
six panes of 8x10 glass, and a stone fire place. The floor was made of 
split logs or puncheons. The first teacher was Miss Margaret Thompson, 
afterward wife of Rev. Mr. Brown, who taught in the summer of 1839. 

The present brick school house, north of the four corners, near Asa 
Thompson's residence, was built in 1853. The old log school house stood 
upon a knoll on a cleared space in the timber, near the present tile 
factory. Among the «early teachers here, besides Miss Thompson, were 
Lyman Drake, Franklin Bates, Robert Wills, Jason Truey and Young 



546 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Dodge, afterward Major General. Succeeding these were George Drake 
and Delia Drake, both spoken of as excellent teachers. 



Religious. 

The house of Joseph Thompson was freely thrown open to religious 
meetings, and therein was organized the first meeting to form a society in 
the summer or fall of 1837. Zadoc Hall officiated, and he and Rev. Mr. 
Moff att 1>eing on the Kickapoo Circuit, frequently preached there, Elder 
John Sinclair being the first Presiding Elder for this section. 

Rev. Enos Thompson, a brother of Joseph Thompson, came here 
occasionally and held forth at the house of the latter and in the school 
house, in 1836. 

Old Bethel Church was built near Asa Thomspon's, on his Ian d, in 
1840, by Ellis Thompson and others, and in 1875 moved out further West 
upon the prairie, its foi'mer location being not sufficiently central for the 
convenience of its congregation, which now embraces over a hunded 
families. 

A Sabbath School was organized at Bethel Church many years ago, 
and prayer meetings were held there and at the old log school house. 

The first Sabbath school at the log scllool house was held in 1838, and 
was comprised of children of every Protestant denomination, their parents 
acting as teachers, using such text books as they could procure. In the 
same way a small library was formed, each settler furnishing from his 
own coll^iction such religious books as he happened to have, making a 
curious collection. Among the liberal donors to this library were the 
ladies of Lacon, who gave a miscellaneous collection of Baptist, Metho- 
dist, Presbyterian, Campl^ellite, Episcopalian and other denominational 
books. 

The preachers hei'e after Zadoc Hall were Elder Moffatt, Rev. George 
Briggs, Rev. Mr. Jordan, and afterward again Mr. Hall. 

The first Methodist class was formed iu the spring of 1837, by Rev. 
Zadoc Hall. The] members were Mrs. F. B. Drake, Sr., Sallie Thomp- 
son, Mrs. Tanquary, Mr. Henderson and wife. 

Old Mrs. Watkins and Mrs. David Watkius were afterward added to 
the membership. The first regular preacher was Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick, 



A MODEL FIELD OF CORN. 549 

wlio inaugurated the movement whicli resulted in the erectiou of Bethel 
Church in 1849. 



INDIANS OF SPARLAND AND VICINITY. 

Among the white settlers none had better facilities for observing the 
manners and customs of the Indians than Mr. John Hammett, who settled 
on Senachwine Creek, above Chillicothe, in 1830, and had frequent inter- 
course with the red-skins. 

His first experience here was during the winter of the deep snow, 
and having secured but little hay, Mr. Hammett had to resort to 
various expedients to keep his stock from starving. He cut down 
maple sugar trees, the tender shoots of which afforded sustenance for his 
cattle. His corn, which he planted about the 10th of June, was killed by 
frost. The Indians, having about that time left their Chillicothe village 
and located at Sparland, Mr. H. turned the abandoned site into a farm. 

One day he rode up to the village at Sparland, which contained a hun- 
dred or more wigwams, built in the bottom below the present site of 
the village. They had about thirty acres of corn and pumpkins, the 
finest he ever saw. The corn was planted in hills, like sweet potatoes, 
the hills being arranged in perfectly straight rows and squares, while 
the several grains in each hill were placed with like geometrical pre- 
cision. These hills were circular, two feet in diameter, and one foot 
high, the top being flat, and they stood about six feet aj)art. There were 
thirty to forty stalks in each hill, planted in circles, the stalks being about 
six inches apart. It was the small eight-rowed variety, was carefully cul- 
tivated by hand, and thus tended grew to monstrous proportions and 
matured early, escaping the fall frosts which nipped later varieties. They 
also raised squashes, beans and pumpkins. All the field work was done 
by squaws, the lordly warrior scorning to turn his noble mind to servile 
labor. Sufficient corn for winter use was gathered, exj)osed for a time to 
the sun or smoke and heat of the wigwams, and then buried in caches or 
holes in the ground in dry, elevated localities. 

The Indians had no fences around their corn field. Along one side of 
the field was the pasture for their ponies, being the ground now known as 
O'Leary's corn field. A stream of water running from the bluffs to the 
river divided the pasture from the corn and kept the ponies out of mischief. 



550 RECORDS Oi' THE OLDEN TIME. 

Mr. Samuel Thompson, an old settler near Sparland, narrates anecdotes 
of his early experience. 

The Indians were very friendly in early days; in fact, entirely too 
familiar. They would enter his house and make themselves thoroughly 
comfortable. They would look into eveiy nook and corner of the prem- 
ises, open and smell of the bottles of jjiedicine, and were peculiarly fond 
of whisky, an article which they seemed to take to as readily as ducks to 
water. In those days wild game was plentiful, and tlie Indians could 
easily kill all (deer especially) that they could consume. They would eat 
the meat of any sort of wild animal, even that of the obnoxious pole cat, 
and often preferred it raw. 

Mr. Thompson once visited Shaubena's camp and showed the Indians 
a Bible. After looking at it, with strange gestures and noises, they 
pointed toward the sky, indicating that they comprehended its object. 

The Indians preserved meat for food by drying, suspending it in slices 
around a hole in the groiuid, in the bottom of which was a fire, and 
allowing it to remain until sufficiently dried. They had well fashioned 
copper kettles in which they prepared their soup. Corn was reduced to 
a coarse meal by pounding in a rude stone mortar. 

Religious meetings were frequently held at Drake's Grove, usually 
conducted by missionaries, which the Indians invariably attended in great 
numbers. 

SCALPED r.Y INDIANS. 

About 1864 a young man named Magee, whose home was below Spar- 
land, went West and engaged to cross the plains as a Government 
teamster. There were a dozen or so of wagons in the train, and while 
camped at what was known as Big Spring, in Western Kansas, they were 
attacked by a roving band of Indians, and all of the party murdered but 
young Magee. There was a Government stockade within a mile of them 
and the attack was seen, but before aid could come the red devils had 
accomplished their work and were safe from pursuit. As is usual, the 
attack was made at daylight, when all but the drowsy sentinel were sound 
asleep. The enemy came unseen until within a few rods, and then sud- 
denly swooping down upon their ponies, slaughtered their victims before 
any defense could be attempted. 

Young Magee was sleeping beneath a wagon when alarmed by the 
Indians, and started to run, but was shot in half a dozen places with 



AN ECCENTRIC CHARACTER. 551 

arrows, and fell to the ground, feigning death. An Indian came up, and 
catching him by the hair ran his sharp knife from the forehead round to 
the base, making a clean cut to the bone; then stooping down he placed 
one knee upon the boy's breast, and giving a sharp jerk, tore the scalp 
clean off, leaving the top of the head bare and bloody. It was tuf- 
iiciently cruel, but the fiend, to make sure of his work, then reversed the 
knife and holding the blade in his hands, struck the bare skull with the 
handle as heavy a blow as he was able. This to the still conscious boy 
Avas worse than the scalping, and he relapsed into insensibility. 

As soon as possible the alarm was sounded at the fort and a party of 
soldiers turned out, who found yonng Magee rolling about on the grass. 
From his numerous ^vounds and condition it was believed he could live 
but a few moments, and no attention was paid him, the sun, which by 
this time had risen, beating directly upon his bare skull. The dead men 
were gathered up and buried, and finding the boy still alive, though delir- 
ious, they covered the wound with molasses to shield it from the air, 
and conveyed him to the fort.^ 

There was no surgeon here, but the next day a train was made up, he 
was placed in a Government wagon and taken to where medical aid could 
be had, some two days' travel distant. Here he laid for many weeks, his 
strong constitution carrying him through. When able to travel, transport- 
ation was furnished and he came home. The wound upon his head never 
healed but continued a running sore. He wore a cap or turban, which 
was never removed on entering a house. After remaining about here for 
a year or so he returned West again, and at last accounts was still living. 

DOC. ALLEN. 

This was a most eccentric gentleman, who lived on the west side of 
the Illinois River, in Steuben Township, many years ago. Being a back- 
woodsman of varied attainments and considerable originality, he was 
known far and near. Among other acquirements he had read works on 
the Thompsonian system of medicine and treatment of diseases, and with- 
out a diploma or any other authority than a copy of one of these books 
under his arm and a pint bottle of "No. 6" in one coat pocket, balanced 
by a bottle of whisky in the other, he frequently rode forth, or walked, 
conquering and to conquer. The equilibrium between these two bottles, 
■Bs well as his own, was not always carefully preserved, and the contents 



55^ RECORDS OF ^HE OLDEN TIME. 

of the whisky bottle transferred to his mouth, resulted in causing him to 
proceed in a lopsided, irregular gait, and frequently upset him. 

One night the " Squire " had been on a visit to Chillicothe, and started 
for home in the evening in a very "salubrious" condition. Going down 
a steep bank, his feet caught in the roots of a tree, the earth from 
which had been washed away by recent rains, and he fell headlong 
down hill, his foot held hrmly in the tangled roots. There, helpless, upon 
liis back, head down, unable to extricate himself, he cussed and shouted 
for help in vain. To add to his misery, his bottle of whisky was in his 
coat tail pocket, and that was out of reach down hill. After vainly 
struggling to free himself, he took out his knife to " unjoint his leg," as 
he expressed it, when Asa Thompson came along and set him free. A mu- 
tual drink was indulged in, the Squire remarking, as he lingeringly with- 
drew the flask from his mouth after a long pull, and gave vent to a sigh 
of satisfaction, " Good thing you came up, stranger, just in time — I'd cut 
off that are fool of a leg, sure!" 

Mr. Allen managed to secure his election to the office of Justice of the 
Peace, hence his title of "Squire." His court was a model of judicial im- 
portance, but somewhat hampered as to room and what would be consid- 
ered appropriate surroundings. His cabin, situated near the present 
county poor-house, consisted of a single room with the usual large chim- 
ney, low door, and in lieu of a window, a log chopped out on one side, 
the aperture being stuffed with old clothes or hay in cold weather. 
Three or four poles overhead answered for joists. The chickens occupied 
the loft, while the pigs roamed about below, running between the Squire's 
legs when too closely pursued by the dogs. He held court semi- 
occasionally, as legal business in these days was not brisk. When a suit 
was to be tried, he mounted a slab stool and presided with pompous dig- 
nity. When the chickens came in to roost in the evening, and the pigs 
began to seek their accustomed quarters, the Squire would adjourn court 
for the day, lay aside the stupendous importance which had enveloped 
.him during the sittings of the court and come down to the humble foot- 
ing of common mortals. 

THE CAT AT THE BUTTER. 

Mrs. Thompson had a jar of butter in a small hall adjoining her bed 
room. One morning she observed that the cloth covering had been dis- 



AMUSING ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS. 553 

tiirbed, and for several succeeding days was annoyed by repetitions of the 
offense, at which she was considerably "riled," as she expressed it, and 
vainly endeavored to detect the culprit. One night on retiring she heard 
a noise in the hall, and stealing out softly, with one dexterous jump she 
sprang upon a white object which she mistook for the family cat. She 
seized the offender and gave it one vigorous shake, and then retreated 
in disgust. It was n't a cat, but the pretty little white-faced, bushy-tailed 
animal that lives in retirement and supplies perfumery on an extensive 
scale. 

AN ACTIVE DIME. 

Mrs. Thompson relates the following as illustrative of the scarcity of 
money in pioneer times : 

One day she had occasion to go to Lacon, but had no change. All 
she wanted was a dime, an insignificant amount, but in those days a sum 
of great consequence. At length she obtained the required wealth, a 
peculiarly marked but good and lawful dime. This she needed to pay 
her ferriage, taking with her butter and eggs to trade for such goods as 
she wanted. She went over, paid the ferryman her dime, did her shop- 
ping, and when ready to return home asked the merchant for a dime to 
give the man at the boat. The storekeeper looked perplexed; she had 
been a good customer, and he felt in duty bound to "scare up" the 
money ; but, where ? He searched every drawer, his pockets, accosted men 
passing by; but all in vain. Finally he went out, and in ten minutes 
returned with the money, remarking as he handed it to her, "Got one at 
last, bet there 's not another in town!" Sure enough, for it was the 
identical dime she had given to the ferryman when she came over that 
morning ! 



Incidents. 

Old Sol. Brewer was once "taken despei'ate," and sent to invoke the 
medical skill of Doctor Allen. He promptly responded, made a diagnosis 
of the case, and prescribed a drink of whisky every hour, an external ap- 
plication of No. 6, and an injection of rhubarb and water, leaving it to be 
administered by the patient's hired man. The nurse somehow got the 
bottles mixed, and applied the remedies differently from directions. He 
met the Doctor a few days afterward, and thus reported: "I gave that 



554 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

'ere whisky all right, rubbed his leg with the yaller stuff, and give him a 
dejection of number six, and you could have hearn old Sol beller 
more'n two miles. He says he 'd not have you again to doctor a sick 
dog!" 

In 1835 John Cornell and Wm. Armstrong dug into and examined an 
Indian mound a short distance below Sparland, on the river bank, and 
found therein the remains of an Indian of very large stature. The 
skeleton was over six feet in height, and broad and deep of chest in pro- 
portion. Around the body was wrapped twenty yards or more of the 
finest bi'oadcloth. A large knife was clutched in the bones of the right 
hand, and the fingers of the left seemed once to have grasped a tin cup. 
The cloth and cup a few moments after exposure to the air on the slight- 
est touch crumbled into dust. Around the neck of the dead man were 
several ornaments, such as beads and similar trinkets peculiar to his race. 

During the winter of 1835 Shaubena and his tribe camped at Drake's 
Grove, in rthe Township, and were visited by the white people occasion- 
ally. Mr. Ellis Thompson once dropped in among them. They had 
killed three deer, a polecat and a wolf. They had dressed the meat of all 
but the wolf, which for some superstitious reason they discarded as food, 
and offered Mr. Thompson some of the odoriferous cat, which he declined 
with his fingers upon his nose, but as politely as his sensations of disgust 
would permit! They were cooking this food with unwashed, filthy 
hands, just as the handling of the carcasses had left th< m. They eagerly 
enquired for whisky, and were much disappointed when assured by Mr. 
Thompson that he had none of that article. 




AGITATION OF THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 



555 



The Underground Railroad. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 




SLAVEllY IN THE COLONIES. 

}T is not within the scope of this work to enter upon a dis- 
cussion of the question which for many years threatened to 
overturn and demolish the American Union. It is, there- 
fore, not the purpose of the author to present here any ex- 
tended history of the events which gave birth to slavery; 
nourished and maintained it until it became of such mon- 
strous proportions as to control and shape our national legis- 
lation ; nor the efforts put forth for its final overthrow. A 
brief review of the birth and growth of a party which persistently, 
courageously and successfully combatted this gigantic wrong in our 
country is deemed a fitting introduction to the incidents in the counties 
whose history is recorded in these pages. 

It is enouffh for us to know, and to the credit of the Ameri- 
can people be it said, that slavery was introduced here not by them- 
selves, Ijut by a foreign people, who knew nothing of human liberty in 
theory or in fact, and whose sole end was their own personal aggrandize- 
ment. 

The first slaves in this country were twenty Africans, landed upon our 
shores in chains by a Dutch ship, in A. D. 1700. They were sold to a 
few adventurers, who had come hither to amass fortunes — not to remain, 
but to return at some future time with their ill-gotten wealth. This was 
the beginning of the slave ti-ade and the birth of slavery in the colonies. 
The first anti-slavery publication ever issued in this country was a tract 
written by Ralph Sandiford in 1729. The next was by Benjamin Lay, 
and published by Dr. Franklin, ^vho helped to organize the Pennsylvania 
Abolition Tract Society, of Avhich he was president, the first organization 
of the enemies of African bondage in America. It was incorporated sub- 



556 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

sequently by the State Legislature, and continued to exist and labor in its 
work until the final extirpation of the evil which gave it bii'th. 

In 1774 a declaration was issued, signed by all the members of the 
North American Congress, pledging its members not to engage in the slave 
trade themselves nor lease their vessels to others for that purpose. This 
was the first step toward preventing foreign or domestic traffic by ships 
in "human chattels. 

Slavery was extinguished by the provisions of the State Constitution, 
adopted in Massachusetts in 1776; in New Hampshire in 1792, and in 
Vermont in 1793. Laws for the gradual abolition of slavery were passed 
by the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1780, of Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut in 1784, of New York in 1799, and of New Jersey in 1804. 
Enactments favoring voluntary emancipation by the owners of slaves 
were adopted in Delaware in 1787, in Maryland in 1796, in Kentucky in 
1798, and in Tennessee in 1801. The National Congress in 1787, con- 
formably to the request of Virginia in relinquishing her claims to the 
magnificent North-west Territory, of which our own State was a pai't, 
passed an ordinance prohibiting the introduction of slaves into that re- 
gion ; thus the subsequently great states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michi- 
gan and Wisconsin became permanently free. 

When the convention of 1788 assembled to revise the articles of con- 
federation existing between the States, it was found that every State, ex- 
cept North Carolina, South Carolina and Greorgia, was opposed to the 
toleration of the African slave trade. 

The so-called navigation laws were then the bone of contention be- 
tween some of the extreme Northern and some of the Southern States. 
The Northern ship owners wanted protection for their vessels and ship- 
building fostered by Congress. To this the Carolinas objected, as favor- 
ing one class or locality to the detriment of others. It was class legisla- 
tion, which they declared should not be permitted. 

As a compromise, cei'tain Northern men united with the pro-blavery 
delegates, the Yankees getting their shipping laws to suit them, and in 
return the South obtained a clause in the constitution by which the slave 
trade was continued, in such States as should permit it, for twenty years 
longer — until 1808. This scheme was adopted in direct opposition to 
the vote of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. 

In this manner slavery was fastened upon the country as one of its 
institutions, recognized by the constitution, the fundamental law of the 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 557 

land, sustained by tlie Supreme Court in repeated instances, and protected 
by Congress and the legislatures of tlie States where the institution was 
upheld. On its side were the might and power of the constitution, 
the law makers and the interpre ers thereof; the strong arm of the Gov- 
ernment itself was employed to protect slavery. Thus shielded, it grew and 
increased in power in one section of the Union, and in time became 
haughty and aggressive and threatened to break down the barriers which 
the founders of the Government had placed between it and the free North. 

The memorable agitation in Congress from 1850 to 1852 of the slavery 
question, produced the Fugitive Slave Law, a time serving measure w ich 
exasperated the radical abolitionists in the North and worked nothing to 
allay the bitter sectionalism of the South, and was only a means of hasten- 
ing the impending conflict, which was doomed to come sooner or later. 

In the meantime the Free Soil party was rapidly increasing in num- 
bers, and public sentiment at the north rapidly undergoing a change. 
The Kansas-Nebraska discussion intensified the feeling and welded public 
opinion at the North into determined hostility to the sum of all villainies, 
as it was called. 

The dispised abolitionists " went into politics," and demonstrated they 
were a power no longer to be ignored. Next came the formation of the 
Kepublican party, a partial disintegration of the heretofore invincible 
Democratic party, the election of President Lincoln, and finally the war 
of the Rebellion. The following up of the local causes that led to these 
events would be interesting, but space will not permit. 

Public sentiment here was influenced by such men as Lovejoy, Cod- 
dington, Dickey and other workers, who labored in season and out of 
season for the cause of human freedom. They were earnest, unselfish God- 
fearing men, who felt it their duty to do all in their power to promote the 
cause. They held public meetings whenever audiences could be gathered, 
submitted to indignities and persecutions without number, but never 
swerved from the line they had marked out, and most of them lived to 
see the fullest fruition of their hopes. 

The Underground Railroad grew out of the efforts of the Anti-Slavery 
party to cripple the slave power. Its memb rs held that statutory enact- 
ments conflicting with the "higher law" were not binding and of no effect, 
and that they committed no sin in helping a human chattel to achieve free- 
dom. 

It is due the friends of slavery to say that their action in upholding 



558 BECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tlie "institution," etc., was strictly within the letter of the law. They 
were commanded to detain every slave found abroad, to prevent his 
escape, and return him to bondage under penalty of fine and imprisonment. 
They were mainly natives of the south, educated to regard the slave as a 
menial and inferior human being. Slavery was sanctioned by divine 
institution and the laws of the land; they foresaw the inevitable result of 
agitation and deprecated the catastrophe sure to follow. 

It is not probable there was any formal organization foi- effecting 
the escape of slaves in this vicinity. The friends of the movement had 
often met in convention and knew on whom each could rely, so that when 
the first fugitive appeared the "friend" to whom he applied knew of some 
one living northward on whom he could depend, and to whom the ef cap- 
ing stranger was taken. 

In this way the trafiic began and was kept up. Two routes led 
through the County. On the east the Work brothers, living on Ci'ow 
Creek, were the active agents; their consignees below being the Morse 
brothers, living in Woodford County, and all "packages" coming into their 
hands were safely delivered to William Lewis and other friends in the 
vicinity of Magnolia, from whence the fugitive was forwarded past Lowell 
to Chicago. West of the river Nathaniel Smith, at Lawn Ridge, was the 
active agent, who rece ved his "goods" from Moses Pettengill, of Peoria, 
and others at Farmington, and delivered them with the utmost care and 
entire safety at Providence and Princeton. 

The experience of James Work, a leader in the crusade of freedom and 
an active agent of the Underground Railroad, will be read with interest. 
He well remembers the eai'ly effoi'ts of such successful agitators as 
Ichabo Codding, Owen Love joy, Rev. James H. Dickey and that class of 
earnest, able men and finished orators, who came among the people and 
organized the route to freedom. The next station south of Mr. Work's 
dwelling was that of the well known Parker Morse, and the next north 
Mr. Wm. Lewis, of Magnolia. 

The first appearance of slaves here who seemed to come upon the 
regular line or railway, was not much prior to 1840. L^p to the time of 
the death of the father of James and Samuel Work, in 1842, but very icw 
colored people had been setsn on this route, which may not be said to have 
got into regular operation until about this date. "We knew little or 
nothing of those who were agents along the entire line," says Mr. W., 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 559 

" and were only posted as to the stations immediately next us on either 
side." 

Usually the negroes were transported in the night and would reach 
their stopping place at Work's from some place south, about bed time, 
and after a comfortable lunch lie would drive them to Lewis's, fourteen 
milss away. Mr. W. states that it was nothing unusual for him to get up 
in the night and drive his dusky friends to the next place. 

Those that reached a stopping place at or near morning, the careful 
"agents" had to secrete all day from the watchful eyes of some inquisi- 
tive neighbor, or a chance traveler or detective slave hunter, Mr. W. 
fr-^quently liid his colored guests in the corn-field or the deep recesses of 
the ravines, and was compelled to exercise much caution to keep the ex- 
ubernnce of the darkies' spirits down, and especially was he vexed with 
the effervescence of juvenile joyousness, and continually feared that some 
"picaninny" would get them into serious trouble, and many a kinky- 
headed youngster came along in those days, brim full of music and mirth- 
fulness, and not appreciating the risk its friends were taking in its behalf, 
was liable at any moment to give utterance to a frantic yell of African 
delight at its novel surroundings, and invite pursuit and capture and the 
visitation of the law upon its self-sacrificnig white friends.- Some of Mr. 
Work's neighbors and near relatives were strongly opposed to his course, 
and threatened to inform upon him, and one of them was so highly 
shocked at the immorality of Mr. W.'s conduct — the stealing of slaves 
— that he threatened to shoot the philanthropist. 

The negroes told Mr. VV. the m )st pitiful stones of their sufferings 
at the hands of their late masters, and exhibited to him visible and un- 
healed marks of the "black-snake" or "raw-hide" whip. 

Duiing his residence here and active duties in the cause of emancipa- 
tion, no slave was recaptured, and he knows of but few instances where 
the escaping fugitive had been followed by his master or representative. 

The slaves who were indebted to this particular line for aid and com- 
fort came chiefly from Missouri and Kentucky; occasionally one from 
further south and one from South Carolina, who, bewildered and without 
the aid of guides, had wandered through to opposite Cairo before being 
made aware that he had lost much time and ti'aveled a long distance out 
of his way. 

The cause of their self emancipation was generally cruelty by their 
owner or overseer, though they all seemed to have a holy horror of being 



560 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

sold to the planters of the far south. Rumors had reached them from 
that then remote region, and to them a region out of the world, where 
negroes were starved, flogged, beaten, flayed alive, and of disease and 
death in the most horrid form. Field hands, too, were in demand, and 
the necessities or avarice of their masters knew no bonds of blood or 
ties of kindred among their poor human chattels; to be sold there was to 
forever sever husband from wife, father from children, lover from his 
aflianced — in short, to break up every relation that mortal holds dear! 
To avoid this sad fate many of them took every chance of being hunted 
down like flying deer from the hounds and the hunters. 

Occasionally large numbers would arrive at once seeking Mr. Work's 
attentions. Once he had ten men and women in charge, and in driving 
across the prairie toward Magnolia in the night, lost his way, and was so 
belated thereby that he had to take his dark cargo through that village in 
broad day-light! But no one molested him or gave him any annoyance, 
though there were several prominent citizens there who were strongly 
opposed to this plan of freeing the negroes, and could have delivered him 
up to the cruel punishment of the law had they been so disposed. 

During the ten years he was engaged as a "driver" on this road, he 
thinks he has taken on their way to Canada and freedom, on an average 
tiiirty or more a year. For some of the slaves he so helped away from 
their owners liberal rewards were offered, and the people themselves were 
worth from $250 to $600 or $700 each, or even more. The many hund- 
reds of thousand of dollars worth of these human goods which he handled 
he never has taken the trouble to figure upon. 

Some of the fugitives were very ragged and none of them had money. 
They were of all shades of color, from the jet black African through all 
the gradations to nearly that of the pure Caucasian ! Among them were 
husbands who had left their wives, wives who had departed from their 
husbands, mothers who had their children to mourn for .till in bondage, 
and every phase of the sad picture that could be imagined was to them a 
full hideous reality. 

He never asked them to work, for it would have been an unsafe exper- 
iment even had he so desired. The only thought he had was to hurry 
them away beyond all possibility of capture. The "Liberty Party," as 
the small political faction to which he belonged was called, was very 
weak in those days. 

In 1844 James Gr. Birney, for President, received but three votes in 



^HE tTNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 56l 

many miles of territoiy, and they were Hoyt, and James and Samuel 
Work, and these brave men who had done so well and risked so much for 
the cause of freedom, were sneered at and pointed out with derision and 
scorned and desj^ised by the community, but they were sincere abolition- 
ists and voted as they practiced. 

Now and then they held meetings of the brethren, sometime at Mr. 
Work's and at other times at Morse's cabin, where these fearless men and 
women gathered and received such aid and encouragement in their labors 
as they could give one another, when not cheered by the presence of the 
great leaders,- whose names have been previously mentioned. At these 
gatherings they were threatened with violence and saluted with rotten 
eggs and other equally objectionable marks of displeasure by their bitter 
neighbors, but they lived through it all, and most of them to see the per- 
fect triumph and reward of their labors. 

SLAVE HUNTERS FOILED. 

In 1837 Alexander Ross, li\dng near Hennepin, while on his way to 
Galena, when a few miles beyond Princeton encountered a couple of slave 
hunters returning with two young and attractive mulatto girls who had 
escaped from slavery. The sight of the weeping girls aroused all his 
manly sympathies at once. Ross was a Democrat, but not of the pro- 
slavery type, and he formed a resolution to rescue and save the victims if 
possible. So he proclaimed himself a bitter anti-abolitionist, and de- 
nounced the "slave stealers," as he called them, in fearful terms. The 
men were glad to meet one so much after their own heart, and asked his 
opinion as to how they could best get away with their chattels and escape 
the fury of the Abolitionists. He promptly told them of a friend of his 
at Princeton who was "all right," and offered to pilot them to his house. 
His proffered services being gladly accepted, they arrived and were duly 
quartered for the night, when Ross volunteered to sit up and guard the 
slaves from any attempt at rescue. As soon as all was quiet the cunning 
conspirator and the lady of the house roused the girls and took them in a 
cutter to James W. Willis, at Florid, where they safely arrived, and he 
returned to Princeton by daylight next morning. The men awoke, en- 
quired after their property, and lo ! the birds had flown. Ross was found 
at his post, sleeping the sleep of the just, where he appeared to have been 
all night, and, as he claimed, from the fatigue of watching had "fallen 



562 R'ECOllbS OF ^HE OLDEISr TIME. 

asleep in spite of himself." He was really asleep, and with some difficulty 
was aroused, and it took some time to make him aware of what had hap- 
pened — his head being unusually "thick" on this occasion. When he 
realized what had occuired he seemed very much chagrined, and blamed 
himself severely for his inability to keep awake.. 

He promptly volunteered to help the fellows find their property, and 
led them man}^ a wild goose chase about the town and country, but all to 
no })urpose, and finally left them and pursued his journey to the land 
oifice. In the mean time Mr. Willis and other friends of the cause started 
the girls on their way to a safer retreat. 

THE MAGNOLIA UNDERGROUND RAILROAD DEPOT. 

The managers of the Underground Railroad line for this section of 
countiy M^ere the Lewis brothers, William and Jehu, the former, however, 
tlie chief and ever active superintendent. There were two branches of the 
road from the South, which united at William Lewis' house, one from 
Parker Morse's, in Woodford, and the other from Nathaniel Smith's, at the 
south-western corner of Marshall County. 

From William Lewis' house the escaping negroes were usually taken 
to Chester Duryee's, at Lowell, in La Salle County ; but occasionally some 
were sent to Union Grove, a few miles north of Clear Creek, where there 
lived several sympathizers in the cause of the slave. The Lewises, though 
Virginians by biith, were thorough Abolitionists, and earnest and active 
workers in the cause of freedom. 

Once an old grey-headed negro came along, who wore a pair of specta- 
cles one glass of which was gone and the other badly cracked. He was 
wrinkled, and had but little hair upon his cranium. He could give but 
little account of himself save that he had "runned away from marsser, on 
de Knawway, in ole Virginny," and that he had "heerd that de Norf star 
would lead him to a Ian' ob liberty;" and he had "follered it ebber sence 
he left Knaw way." He had picked out the brightest star he could dis- 
cover in the njrth-west, probably Sirius, and thus he traveled mostly by 
night, heading his course toward that far off luminary. Mr. Lewis gave 
him better advice and started him on a nearer route. 

Once there came an intelligent black woman, whose back and should- 
ers yet showed the marks of a recent terrible fiaggelation at the hands of 
her master. It was her fourth attempt at escape, and this time she was 



I^HE UNDERGROtnSTD RAILROAb. 563 

successful. She reached Canada in safety, and wrote a touching lettei- of 
thanks to her friends. 

Another slave came to Mr. Lewis' care, who was so near white as to 
escape sus})icion. He was a blacksmith who worked some time at his 
trade and I'eceived liberal wages. His master in Kentucky was his own 
Jialfhivther! He at length left here and went to Chicago, when his mas- 
ter wrote him a touching letter, }3romising all things that the young man 
could desire if he would retui-n to the family. The relationship was 
acknowledged, and the family joined in imploring their own dear " Ed- 
ward" to come home; but he had tasted of freedom, and breathed the an- 
of liberty and equality. While not doubting the sincerity of his relatives, 
yet he dreaded the possible consequences which the laws then entailed 
upon a runaway slave and refused to return. This letter he sent to Mr. 
Lewis, whose family still have it in their possession. 

Among the fugitives at different times were several young girls, 
nearly white. They did not escape because of harsh treatment or any 
indignity, but simply to avoid the consequences that slavery was sure to 
bring upon them sooner or later by being sold to go South, or become the 
victims of brutal men, restrained by no law, moral, social or Divine, in 
theii" treatment of the unfortunate females who added youth, beauty and 
gracefulness to other charms of their sex. 

PARKER MORSE. 

The apostle of anti-slavery in Woodford Count}^ was Parker Morse, 
who died in 1878, and the story of the organization of the Underground 
Railroad we are prompted to give from his own lips. It was as follows : 

About 1839 a poor negro slave, who had been captured by his master, 
chained by the wrists and legs was driven past his place, on his way back 
to bondage. The sight made his blood boil, and Mr, Morse resolved 
from that time onward to be an active worker in the cause of freedom. 

Not long afterward Deacon John Morse, of Mt. Hope, McLean County, 
Illinois, a man of the same name but not a relative, called and laid before 
him the outlines of a prospective method of helping escaping negro 
slaves on their way to Canada. The plan seemed at once so entirely 
feasible, and withal so philanthropic, that he had no hesitancy in en- 
listing in the scheme. After dinner the two proceeded to the residence 
of Mr. John Lewis, near Magnolia, and on the road " stuck the stakes for 



564 RECORDS Oi' fHE OLDEN TtMl. 

a track." Lewis went forward to Lowell, La Salle County, where he es- 
tablished a station, and soon stopping places were fixed at regular inter- 
vals to Chicago, and thence to Canada. To the south of Morse's, depots 
were ari-anged on two or three lines : one through Springfield, Bloomington, 
etc., and another from Delavan and Washington, Tazewell County. A 
branch line ran from the latter point up west of the Illinois River. By 
this arrangement slaves from Kentucky or Missouri, on crossing into Illi- 
nois, were taken charge of by the first station-keeper and by him carried, 
almost invariably in the night, to the next depot, where they were fed 
and secreted till the following evening, and by the agent there carried to 
the next place, and so on to the end of their journey. 

One of the most active workers in the anti-slavery cause was Deacon 
Nathaniel Smith, of Lawn Ridge, a Grod-fearing blacksmith and member 
of the church militant, who could strike hard blows in debate and back 
them up if need be with sledge hammer accompaniments in defense of 
right. He assisted many slaves on the road to freedom, and was always 
ready to turn out by day or night with his team. The first human chattel 
that passed through his hands was a closely pressed negro, who was 
brought from Princeville hid beneath a feather bed. He safely delivered 
him at the next station. The next was a poor fugitive, who lay 
hid under a bridge at Farmington all day, while the pursuers raged all 
around him. A third was concealed some time beneath a brush heap. 
One was a Baptist minister of the gospel. Once there came a load of 
seven in a covered wagon. One of the party lay beneath a log when his 
master on horseback jumped over it without finding him. A lady nearly 
white came along, who had been a slave to the Rev. Mr. Ely, of Balti- 
more. She was stewardess on a boat, and finding her saintly owner 
designed selling her planned an escape and got safely through, but her 
husband, who was a. free man, was arrested for assisting her and served a 
long term in a Southern penitentiary. 

A young man came through from Farmington who was hidden beneath 
a wagon box upon which his master, who was searching for him, sat down 
with an assistant and talked over their plans. They asked the "agent" if 
the fugitive was about, and were told they could search the premises. 

Mr. Smith's house became noted, and he was once honored with a 
column notice in the St. Louis Republican, to which he replied. 

Once he traveled in the stage with an irate slave-holder searching for 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 565 

fugitives, and after learning all the latter's plans, disclosed himself. The 
man evinced a strong desire to make mince-meat of the Abolitionist, but 
the latter's brawny fists and resolute demeanor convinced him that discre- 
tion was the better part of valor. 

A NEGRO IN THE FAMILY BED. 

[Note By The Editor :— The incident related below is a fact, duly attested by a son of 
the party referred to, who gives it for publication under a promise that names be sup- 
pressed. The act is so creditable to all concerned that we regret we cannot give them.] 

Abont 1840 there resided in Marshall County, ofp from the line of the 
Underground Railroad, a ''dyed in the wool Democrat" and inveterate 
hater of Abolitionists, whom he regarded as the paid servants of evil. At 
heart he was the kindest of men, deeply sympathetic, and when strongly. 
moved capable of doing anything his conscience approved. He believed 
in the sanctity of legal enactments, and while, perhaps, disapproving the 
universally condemned "Fugitive Slave bill," gave the laws enacted for 
its enforcement his hearty support. He considered Abolitionists and those 
aiding the escape of Negroes as disorganizers of the worst class, and 
declaimed against them in public and private; nevertheless, in his heart 
of hearts he nouiished a love of justice so strong as to lead him to do that 
for the Negro not the most enthusiastic lover of the black man would. 
This sentiment was probably unknown to himself — certainly not sus- 
pected by the "conductors" of the line, who gave his premises a wide 
berth when taking fugitives through. 

One winter morning he had risen earlier than usual, and going to the 
door beheld the crouching form of a strange Negro. His first impulse 
was to roughly order him to begone, but there was something in the man's 
countenance and manner that led him to listen to his story. 

Falling on his knees, with hands uplifted and tears streaming down 
his bronzed cheeks, he told his story of wrong and misery, and besought 
him, by the love of his wife, his children, and all he held dear, to protect 
him. Briefly told, he was raised by an indulgent master in Ken- 
tucky and had happily married an estimable woman — an upper servant 
in the household. Two children were born to them, and though a slave 
his fetters were light and he had no longings for greater freedom. In 
time his master died and the estate and servants were sold, himself and 



566 feECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TlMl?. 

family separated; he to go on a plantation up the Red River, and his 
wife became the property of a lecherous, brutal villain of the vicinity. 

Together they formed a plan of escape, and leaving their little ones 
behind fled northward, crossing the Ohio River in a skiff loaned by a 
friendly black man. They were entirely unaided, and knew nothing of 
the country or the inhabitants, but lay hid in the woods by day and trav- 
eled only at night. 

They had reached somewhere in the vicinity of Springfield, and deem- 
ing themselves safe, ventured to travel by day. In the meantime their 
owners had traversed the country far and wide, scattering hand-bills and 
offering liberal rewards for their apprehension. Through these they were 
recognized, apprehended and remanded to slavery. From the first they 
were separated, and no communication allowed. He found a way of 
ridding himself of his handcuffs while en route with his captor 
knocked him down, and jumping from the wagon dashed into 
an impenetrable swamp, where he laid until night, and then, with the 
north star for his guide, struck out for freedom again. By some means 
his pursuers had got on his track once more, and might be expected at any 
moment. 

His story, told with all the eloquence that a man in his situation must 
feel, his piteous appeals for mercy and succor, wakened the deepest feel- 
ings of the farmer's heart, and he determined that at least he would not 
inform on him. At this moment two horsemen were discovered far off 
on the prairie, riding hard in the direction of his house. Telling the 
negro to step inside (he had not been discovered), he walked down to the 
gate to meet them and learned as he expected they were in pursuit of the 
runaway, whom they had every reason to believe was concealed some- 
where about the premises. One of the party he recognized as a small 
pettifogger from a neighboring town (for whom, by the way, he enter- 
tained the reverse of friendly feelings), and the other was a low browed 
bully, armed with a long whip, while a pair of handcuffs were suspended 
from his saddle. Briefly they explained that their "nigger" had given 
them the slip — that they had the necessary authority and were going to 
take him back if found, dead or alive. 

They did not know it, but about this time the farmer made up his 
mind that the negro should be saved, and the fellows before him sent 
away empty handed. Telling them to hitch their beasts while he finished 
his toilet, he stepped inside with a strong belief in his mind that some- 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 567 

body then and there was about to break the law, for come what would he 
was determined they should not get possession of the negro. There 
crouching in one corner was his man and in another was the family bed, 
from which his wife had not yet risen. •' Get into my place in bed," said 
he, and his tones indicated he meant it. His wife would have remon- 
strated, but a warning " hush " and steps at the door stopped further con- 
ference. The men entered and were told to search the premises well. 
He wanted no niggers about him, and "if the black rascal had been 
hiding there he hoped he would be found." Of course the man was not 
found, but was cared for diu'ing the day and when night came helped on 
his way rejoicing. 

The incident related above recalls to mind a negro barber whom we 
knew at McGregor, Iowa, in 1859. His name was Cromwell, and he was 
intelligent beyond his station. We often tried to learn his history, but 
he was averse to talking upon the subject, and claimed he never was a 
slave, but the gleam of his eye when talking showed that he felt more 
than he dare utter. He was deeply interested in the welfare of his race 
and when the emancipation proclamation was issued and a call made for 
colored troops sold his business and went South. He made a very 
creditable record during the war, was at the assault on the rebel fort at 
Petersburg, was blown up at the explosion that killed Colonel Bross, and 
when mustered out was Captain in a colored regiment. Afterward he 
settled in New Orleans was elected State Senator, and in 1875 was one of 
a delegation that visited Chicago. He there met an old time friend of 
the writer, and at his request narrated his slave life, detailing an ex- 
perience identical with what is here related. After leaving his enter- 
tain(n*'s premises he made his may straight to Canada, crossing the Detroit 
River ten miles above the city of that name. He worked at his trade in 
Hamilton for a number of years, and in 1855 visited his old home, hoping 
to find his wife and children, but only learned the former died with grief 
soon after her re-capture, and of his children nothing was known. With 
a sorrowful heart he turned northward, and under an assumed name 
settled at McGregor. 

CAUGHT A TARTAR. 

A negro named Wilson had an eventful time in trying to get his wife, 
to Canada. He first ran away from his master in Kentucky, made a small 
home in Canada and returned for his wife, but was caught and put to 



5G8 Recoeds of the olden time. 

work under a guard. In a little time he got away again and retui'ned to 
Canada. Again lie returned for his "other half," but was unsuccessful, 
and the second time caught. Nothing daunted, lie got away once more, 
went back, put in another crop and returned to meet with a similar fate. 
In the meantime his wife died. The poor fellow having no othei tie in 
that cruel country, again made his escape. He was plodding his way on 
foot, brooding upon tiis misfortunes, and while passing a farm in Peoria 
County, observed a farmer stop his team where he was plowing and 
approach the road, Wilson put his hand in his pocket and grasped his 
knife. The farmer, smelling a reward, shouted in an authoritative 
manner, "You 're my prisoner!" Wilson simply remarked when he 
reached the next station on the Underground Railroad, "Guess he won't 
be so anxious to 'rest anudder culled pusson." A neighbor who met the 
farmer shortly after said he looked as though he had been run through a 
corn cracker, and there was an ugly cut on the arm that disabled him a 
long time. 

WHITE SLAVES. 

Mr. Morse is of the opinion that eight-tenths of all the escaping slaves 
had white bood in their veins. Among the many who passed through 
was a handsome young girl with pure blue eyes, thin, evenly-formed 
features, a straight nose and auburn hair, falling in ringlets down her 
back. It was not kinky or wavy, but in natural curls. 

On another occasion two sisters stopped there, who seemed the per- 
fection of grace and loveliness. Their lips were neither too thick nor yet 
too thin ; their skin was fair and their cheeks bloomed with nature's roses; 
their hair in long ringlets of a light brown color, their feet small and 
without the African heel, the nose Grecian without ilaring nostrils, and the 
eyes a blight, tender blue. On one side their parents had been white for 
generations ; on the other a grand-mother was partly colored. Themselves 
and parents belonged to an aristocratic family, but reverses and imprudent 
speculations had ruined the estate and they were about to be sold, and so 
wisely sought their freedom. 

Afterwards came a little girl, so purely Caucasian in form and features 
that no one could believe she was aught else. Mrs. Morse was strongly 
tempted to keep her and finish the education her mistress had begun, and 
adopt her into the family; but fearing to create an attachment that might 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 560 

be broken Ijy the southern master, she let the child go on her way with a 
devout prayer for her future hap2:)inees. 

Moses Pettengill, of Peoria, is a life long Abolitionist, who proved his 
faith by his works in the cause of human freedom. He was once ap- 
pealed to hj a friend named Brown, living east of Peoria, to aid him in 
helping two men, a woman and several children on the road to freedom. 
He had started with them the night before and was turned back at the 
Peoria bridge with threats of being shot if he persisted. A friend of his 
ran a boat upon the river in whom he could confide, and to him he sent 
the women and children, and came to Mr. Pettengill to aid in getting the 
men through. As handbills were posted all around accurately describing 
them, and offering large rewards for their apprehension, it was not safe 
for them to be seen. So P. arranged to meet his friend across the river 
at ten o'clock that night with a skiff. He then engaged two trusty young 
men, one of whom was Josiah Babcock, now a prominent business man of 
Galesburg, to assist. The men were safely brought across, given a good 
supper prepared by Mrs. P., and before daylight safely delivered toChas. 
Stone, at Lawn Eidge, who forwarded them on their way. One of the 
negroes was the husband of the woman and father of the children previ- 
ously referred to, and had been owned by a christian widow woman not 
far from St. Louis, from whom he rented the services of himself and 
and wife, paying them $200 yearly. But hard times came, and finding 
he could not support them and pay his mistress the exhorbitant sum 
demanded he determined to escape. To get safely out of the city 
was the difficulty, and to accomplish it he bargained with a close- 
mouthed, mercenary farmer, living in Jersey ville, 111., to convey himself 
and family boxed up as merchandise to his destination, giving him in ad- 
vance $50.00 — every penny he possessed. Imagine if we can their con- 
dition. The man in one box, the woman and children in the other, driven 
slowly over the rough broken roads, incapable of changing their jiositions, 
uttering a word, or getting a breath of fresh aii-, and compelled to remain 
so all the day long. It was fifty-two miles of agony, and for sixteen 
hours they enaured it. How inexpressibly dear must be the boon of free- 
dom purchased at such dreadful hazard. 

Another instance is remembered where a slave-catcher was baffled, oc- 
curred a year later, at Florid. A couple of slaves, a woman and her 



570 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

daughter, traveling by tlie Underground Kailroad, had reached Wm. M. 
Stewart's, and were stopping for the night. While there, a sharp fellow, 
who claimed to own the fugitives, appeared and demanded them. He too 
remained over night, when, to gain time, Mr. Stewart had him arrested 
oh a charge of attempted kidnapping. The slave hunter, familiar with 
our odious laws, managed his own case and cleared himself, but the wo- 
men in the meantime had been hidden in Geo. McCoy's smoke-house, and 
couldn't be found. They ,got away safely. Ten years afterward Mr. 
McCoy, while passing through Indiana in the timber, passing a neat com- 
fortable cabin, was astonished by hearing his name spoken by a good 
looking black woman, who proved to be one of the two above mentioned. 
She had since married and was in happy circumstances, and her mother 
also lived near by and was satisfactorily provided for. 

*In 1849, a young slave named John, ran away from his master in 
Missouri, located in Princeton, and became quite a favorite among the 
people. His master hearing of his whereabouts and accompanied by a 
friend to prove property, came after him. The slave was mowing in an 
out lot in the north part of the town, and did not observe the slave 
catchers until they came upon him, each of whom presented a pistol to 
his head, which caused him to make no resistance. His hands were tied 
behind him, and his master holding one end of the rope led him like a dog 
through the streets of the town. News of the boy's capture flew like 
lightning, and people, much excited, were seen running hither and thither, 
marshaling their forces for the rescue. A warrant was issued and the 
slave catchers arrested on a charge of kidnapping, and with the slave were 
taken to the Court House for trial. The court room was filled with ex- 
cited people, some of whom sympathized with the slave and others his 
master. While the trial was progressing some one cut the rope that 
bound the slave, and during the confusion he escaped from the court room 
followed by the excited crowd, some to catch and others to assist him in 
making his escape. A horse with a woman's saddle on was hitched in the 
street, on which they placed the slave and ordered him to ride with all 
speed to the residence of Mr. Love joy, which he did, followed by the court 
and excited people. The house of Mr. Lovejoy was quickly surrounded, 
some to protect and others to capture the slave. Behind the barn a man 
was seen to mount a horse, and a cry was raised, " There goes the negro." 

* Matson's Reminiscences of Bureau County. 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 571 

The slave party put tlieir horses at full speed in pursuit of the fugitive, 
who had taken across the piairie in the direction of Dover, but on coming 
up with him they were surprised to find instead of the negro Mr. Waldo 
with a black vail ovei' his face. The slav^e party attempted to force an 
entrance into the house, but Mr. Lovejoy forbid them doing so without 
due process of law. A messenger was sent for a search warrant, and 
while they were waiting for his return, the boy in disguise, with a basket 
on his arm, went to the barn. Behind the barn a wagon was standing, 
into which the slave was placed and covered up with empty bags. This 
wagon was driven quietly away, and the sla e escaped while the slave 
party stood guard around Mr. Lovejoy' s house, waiting for a search 
wariant. 

While the new Court House in Hennepin was being built, a negro 
slave ^vas caught by an unusually keen detective, and the poor fugitive 
was put in the basement of the Court House fo)' safe keeping. There 
seemed to be no weak point in the testimony, and under the law there 
was no option but to remand the unhappy fellow back to slavery. About 
forty of the citizens by that mysterious sort of mutual understanding 
which prevailed in communities of Abolitionists in those days got to- 
together, Mr. Flagg, who built the Court House, engineering the scheme. 
The men met in the brick yard, where John Williams was making 
brick for the building, and by means of a pole broke in the door and got 
the negro, put him in a carriage and spirited him away, and the slave- 
hunter, who w^as a trembling spectator of part of the scene, mounted his 
horse and fled for Kentucky, where mob law was not so fashionable. 

Wm. Lewis, the "agent" of the Underground Railroad at Magnolia, 
whose cabin standing on the prairie a half mile north of Clear Creek, was 
the depot, took a just degree of pride in his work in behalf of freedom. 
At Vermilionville, east of his place, Mr. Jenks, also a hot Abolitionist, 
kept another stoi:)ping place for fugitives, and Lewis frequently carried 
escaping darkies from his cabin to that of the Jeuk's "station." At 
one time he took a wagon load of these people over to his neighbors on 
Vermillion River, stopping on the way to call the settlers out to see his 
"blackbirds," as he facetiously termed them. 

A costly chattel once went through Mr. Morse's hands. He had been 
a steward on a New Orleans and St. Louis packet. Li those days no 



572 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

negro could leave home without a pass from some competent authority. 
Purposely remaining concealed one day until the boat had been gone a 
couple of hours; he went in great haste to the Captain of a boat in 
the same trade, and explaining his detention asked him to give a "pass" 
allowing him to go on the first packet and overtake his master. He did 
overtake, and passed him by, going clear past — to St. Louis and a land 
of libei'ty, beyond Lake Erie. 

On one occasion a bright, intelligent mulatto came along. He was a 
valuable chattel belonging to D. A. January, a well known citizen of St. 
Louis, who determined, if possible, to effect the boy's capture. A trusty 
agent was sent over the route, scattering hand-bills offering a reward of 
$1,000 for his arrest, and personally called upon Mr. Morse, the chattel in 
the mean time being safely hidden in the barn. It was the neai'est he 
ever came to a thousand dollars, but it had no temptations for him. 

Many of the escaping fugitives were armed, and sooner than be taken, 
would have used their weapons. Mr. Morse told the fugitives to never 
show their arms unless forced to, and then "strike hard and spare not." 
A mulatto named Free, living at Springfield, had a fine team of horses, 
and plie*; regularly between Springfield and Chicago, helping many a 
slave to freedom. He was once pursued and shot, near Washington, 111., 
but upon displaying an old rusty musket his three assailants fled in mortal 
terror, and he delivered his load safely. The shot lamed him for life. 

Among the friends of the slaves and active workers in his liberation 
Mr. Morse remembers Deacon John Morse, of Mt. Hope; Rev. Mr. Hurl- 
burt, William Lewis, Samuel and James Work, the Messrs. Dillon, near 
Tremont; the Roberts brothers, Mr. Mathews, of the same locality; Mr. 
George Kern and boys, near Washington; Patterson and Randolph Scott, 
Mr. Chase, Mr. Bayne, and a few others. 

Aaron Payne was a good Christian, but reared in the South he firmly 
believed in the divinity of slavery, and bitterly opposed the advocates of 
freedom. During the anti-slavery excitement an enthusiastic meeting was 
once held at the log school house on Clear Creek, north of Magnolia, and 
addresses and. sermons on the subject delivered by such workers as Benj. 
Lundy, Owen Lovejoy and Richard Codding. Aaron Payne attended one 
of these gatherings, and created a fearful explosion by getting up and 



THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 



573 



denouncing the meeting and its object as an affront to tlie Almighty, who 
had created the negro and condemned the race to be the slaves of white 
men, and the institution being of Divine origin, countenanced and ap- 
proved by the Creator, in both the old and new testaments, could not be 
assailed by human hands without sacrilege and sin. The old pro-slavery 
preacher was not allowed to finish his remarks, having been hustled out 
of the presence of the offended congregation, and nothing but his personal 
popularity and known goodness of heart saved him from being roughly 
handled. He departed highly indignant, and often afterward related the 
incident as a gre\dous and unpardonable affront to himself, as well as an 
assault upon free speech ! 

James Work learned to abhor slavery when a boy, living in Vir- 
ginia. He says he often saw gangs of slaves brought up like cattle 
and driven to market chained togethei-. He has seen himdreds of these 
human chatties driven along in couples, with a long chain between to 
keep them in order. Usually a wagon followed with some children and 
provisions, while the women, who would not desert their offspring, fol- 
lowed behind. These gangs were always accompanied by two owners or 
drivers on horseback, with loaded whips similar to those used by cattle 
drivers now-a-days. One of these rode ahead, and the other followed. 

Deacon Smitli related an incident told him by a confiding slave holder 
once on a t me. He was a member of a church in Dixie that had human 
chattels bequeathed to it by a dying brother, who doubtless hoped in this 
manner to buy his way to heaven. Wishing to improve their buildmg, 
they sold a slave or two, and afterward disposed of a other to buy a com- 
munion service. But a member greatly scandalized himself by refusing to 
partak'e of the Lord's supper from the holy vessel, saying, "There is blood 
in the cup." 




574 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



The Indians. 



CHAPTEK L. 




BLACK PARTRIDGE. 

'HE indivicliml whose name is commemorated in the north- 
west Township of Woodford County, was an Indian chief 
of the Pottawatomie nation, whose village was a little south- 
west of Richland school house, on lands belonging to Wil- 
liam Hunter. The locality was long known to the early 
settlers as the "Big Springs," and was a favorite camping 
ground for travelers. In what year Black Partridge was 
born is not known. We first hear of him at Mad Anthony's 
defeat of the Miami Indians, in 1794, where he boasted of taking several 
scalps, Vjut his band was badly cut up, and himself received an ugly wound 
on the shouldei'. His Indian name was Mucketepokee. He wass present 
at the treaty of Greenville in 1795, and received from General Wayne a 
medallion likeness of General Washington, which was worn round his 
neck foi' many years. 

Next we hear of him at a treaty concluded with Gov. Edwards in 
1809-11 — authorities on this point being somewhayt conllicting. He was 
accompanied by Senachwine, whose village was near the present site of 
Putnam; Gomo, whose camp was at Chillicothe; Shick-Shack, whose peo- 
ple lived below Hennepin, and several minor personages whose names are 
not known. Black Partridge made a speech, and Governor Edwards re- 
sponded. A great feast was provided of which the Indians partook lib- 
erally, and not until the beeves were eaten up were the latter ready to 
talk of business. The j)eace here concluded was not of long duration. 
English emissaries were busily fomenting mischief and secretly supplying 
the Indians with arms in anticipation of coming troul>le. Then came the 
war of 1812, in which many Illinois Indians took the part of Great Brit- 
n, making raids into the settlements of Madison and St. Clair Counties. 



BLACK PARTRIDGE, THE INDIAN CHIEF. 575 

At these depredations the people became greatly alarmed, and some fled the 
country, while others built temporary forts and with their famili s took 
refuge therein, Grovernor Edwards being applied to determined to raise 
a force and chastise the enemy into submission. 

The General Government took hold of the matter, and General Hop- 
kins, with a force of four thousand mounted riflemen from Kentucky, was 
ordered to rendezvous at Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, while Colonel 
Russell, with three hundred Rangers, should assemble near the present site 
of Edwardsville and marched north to co-operate with them. A force 
likewise went up the river in four keel boats, under command of Captain 
Craig. It was raised near Shawneetown, and counted all told about tM^o 
hundred men, armed with muskets, while the boats carried howitzers. 
The reason of these heavy forces being brought to beai' upon the Indians 
was a belief that they had participated in the massacre at Chicago, and 
deserved the severest punishment. 

On the 14th of October the Kentucky troops, with a grand display, 
left Fort Harrison, and with bands playing and banners streaming, their 
horses gaily caparisoned and their guns glistening in the sunshine, took up 
their line of march. It was the finest army ever seen in the AVest, and 
great results were expected from the expedition. They entered the State 
of Illinois somewhere in the vicinity of Edgar County, and started across 
the grand prairie. The Kentuckians had never seen the vast level plains 
of the West, and their imaginations were fired with apprehension of the 
hidden dangers beyond. They were superstitious withal, and greedily de- 
voured reports waggishly circulated that great dragons lay in wait, and 
prairie fires fifty feet high would sweep down and overwhelm them. 

On the fourth day out they became panic stricken, their patriotism 
vanished, and they resolved to go no further into a country so full of 
dangers. General Hopkins, finding remonstrance useless and his unaided 
efforts of no avail, sorrowfully gave the order to return. 

In the meantime Governor Edwards, with Russell's mounted Rangei'S, 
was marching northward, expecting to form a junction with the larger 
army, but failing to meet them, pushed straight on for Black Partridge's 
village, near the head of Peoria Lake. They were well mounted and 
traveled light, relying on the country for forage, and were untrannneled by 
baggage wagons or commissary stores. 

Near the present site of Bloomington they came upon a solitary Indian 
out hunting, whom a trooper cut down without provocation. They here 



576 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

fell ill with an old trapper, named Grant, who informed them most of 
the Indians were off on a hunt, and volunteered to lead them to the vil- 
lage. Marching to within a few miles they encamped for the night, and 
sent out spies to reconnoiter, who reported everything quiet. 

Colonel Russell divided his forces, stationing a portion in the bottoms 
near the present residence of Louis Guibert, to intercept fugitives. On 
their way to the village they came upon an Indian and squaw, 
mounted, who held up their hands in token of submission, but Captain 
Judy saying he did not come to take prisoners, fired and mortally wounded 
the Indian, and several shots were fired at the sqiiaw, who began wring- 
ing her hands and crying, making no attempt to escape. Her comrade 
fell from his horse but grasped his gun, when those who were near sud- 
denly threw themselves from their horses to avoid his fire. A man by the 
name of Wright, however, was not quick enough and was shot by the 
Indian, both expiring soon after. In the confusion one of the 
rangers' guns accidentally exploded, striking a man named Bi'uce, from 
East St. Louis, in the forehead and killing him. 

Strange as it may appear, these occurrences did not alarm the sleeping 
village, and when Colonel Russell was satisfied the detachment sent 
below had readied its destination he gave the order to attack. 

The rangers came on in two columns, one division sweeping directly 
down the point south of the school house, and another some thirty or 
more rods below. The Indians, taken wholly by surprise, made little 
resistance. A portion undertook to escaj^e down the river but ran upon 
the force concealed there and were turned back. Directly in the rear of 
the camp was an impenetrable swamp, into which they plunged, followed 
by the rangers, whose horses became mired in a few steps, throwing their 
riders. A few Indians made a stand, and protected by trees, poured a 
galling fire into the invaders, killing Patrick White, of Belleville, John 
Shur, of Edwardsville, and wounding several others. About thirty Indi- 
ans, old and young, 'were killed, most of them being old men and sijuaws. 
Several pappooses were slain, one soldier inhumanly running his bayonet 
through a little child and holding it high above his head. Some of the 
soldiers were guilty of the most inhuman acts, — such as mutilating, the 
dead, placing ropes around their necks and dragging them about. 

The camp equipage of the enemy was sunk in the marsh, their wig- 
wams and provisions burned up, and everything destroyed. While this 
was being accomplished scouts were sent to follow the retreating force, 



BLACK PARTRIDGE, THE INDIAN ClilEF. $77 

whicli fled up the river to near the mouth of Crow Creek, where they 
were seen crossing to the other side. 

Here it was known a large force of Indians, under Gomo, were 
encamped, and their early appearance was to be apprehended. No time 
was lost, therefore, in making ready to return. The dead were deposited 
in a large box and buried in a shallow grave at the foot of the bluff, near 
the scene of battle, their remains scantily covered, and the enemy left 
where they fell to be devoured by wolves. When all was complete the 
different detachments were called iii and a rapid retreat eastward began, 
the troops marching all day without rest, and camping at night on the 
prairie, probably not far from where Cruger now stands. 

At the time of the destruction of his village Black Partridge was 
absent. He had long been a friend to the whites and his conduct at the 
Chicago massacre proves this. On the morning of that day, finding he 
could no longer restrain his young men, he proceeded to the fort, and with 
a sorrowful countenance delivered up the medal given him at the treaty 
of Greenville, seventeen years before, saying his men were going to take up 
arras against the pale faces, and he did not wish to longer wear a token of 
friendship. It is known that some of his braves participated in the slaugh- 
ter, but that he did not is conclusively shown by Mrs. Kinzie in her account 
of the massacre, and confirmed by Mrs. Beeson, whose narrative is here 
given: ''At nine o'clock the troops left the fort in military aiTay, 
with drums beating and colors flying. Captain Wells with his mounted 
Miami warriors led the way, the troops followed on foot, and next came 
the baggage wagons, containing the sick and the women and children, 
while the Pottawatomies, five hundred strong, brought up the rear. The 
train followed the present line of Michigan avenue to a range of sand hills, 
a mile and a half above, where Fourteenth street strikes the lake. Here 
the Pottawatomies left them and wheeled off into the prairie, which Cap- 
tain Wells divined as a signal of treachery and told the troops to prepare 
for battle. The Indians came on yelling like so many devils, and began 
shooting right and left. The soldiers defended themselves manfully, l)ut 
were largely outnumbered. 

Mrs. Helm, wife of the Lieutenant, rode beside her husband, but was 
thrown from her horse early in the engagement and stood looking on the 
carnage, spell-bound with fright. Her husband and father were in the 
engagement, and she expected each moment to see them fall before the 
murderous savages. A tall warrior, hideously painted, rushed at her with 



578 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

uplifted tomahawk, but she evaded his well aimed blow, which descended 
on her shoulder, cutting a fearful gash. Although but seventeen and 
slightly formed she grasped him round the neck and tried to get posses- 
sion of a scalping knife hanging at his belt. Throwing her to one side he 
was about to brain her with his axe when she was caught up by another 
Indian, and borne struggling into the lake and plunged beneath the 
water. It was but for a moment, however, for her head was raised to 
permit her to breathe, while hei" body was held under. Gaining courage 
at this she looked in his face and recognized Black Partridge, the white 
man's friend. When all was over he took her to the camp of the friendly 
Indians and delivered her over to a squaw, who cared for her as well as 
circum tances allowed. 

It afterward transpired that Lieutenant Helm's life was spared at the 
time of the massacre, and he was held a prisoner at a village on the Kan- 
kakee. On learning it. Black Partridge arranged with his French friends 
for his ransom, and being provided by them with presents he started for 
the village, accompanied by a half-breed from Peoria. 

They found the Lieutenant closely guarded and suffering from a se- 
vere wound. He knew that to the old chief he was indebted for the 
preservation of his wife and hei* family, and when he approached threw 
his arms round him and wept like a child. The Indians refused to accept 
the ransom offered, and Black Partridge voluntarily added to the sum his 
pony, rifle, and a large gold ring worn in his nose. The party soon started 
for St. Louis, accompanied one day by Black Partridge, who then left 
them and rode across the country to learn on his arrival that his home 
had been destroyed, and to recognize among the half consumed remains 
his favorite daughter and her infant child. No one was near, and in bit- 
terness of spirit the old chief threw himself on the ground and wailed in 
anguish. 

The next day he crossed the river to Gomo's town, where Chillicothe 
stands, and learned the remnant of his band had removed up the river to 
Bureau Creek. Thither he wended his way in the bitterness of his heart, 
vowing revenge against his enemies. That winter he traveled from place 
to place stirring up the red men, and in the spring led a force of three 
hundred Indians against the the frontier settlements of Eandolph, St. 
Clair and Madison Counties. They massacred several persons, and captur- 
ing a number of horses made a rapid retreat without loss. Peace was 



THE DEATH OF BLACK PARTRIDGE. 579 

soon after concluded, and Black Partridge retired to his village beside the 
big spring to spend the remainder of his days. 

He was an old man, Jiis wife and children were dead, his people were 
yearly growing fewer in numbers, the buffalo had fled the countr}^, the 
land was passing into the hands of. the pale faces, and there was little left 
to live for. With no desire to longer stay, he looked his last on the 
green grass and blue sky, turned his face to the wall and died. There 
was deep sorrow in the camp, and all the rites of Indian mourning were 
gone through with. His body, clad in richest robes, was laid in a rough 
box, his ornaments, arrows, pipe and tobacco placed beside him and 
when securely l>ound with thongs was hoisted into the forks of a big 
ash tree growing a few rods distant, where it stood after the Indians had 
departed, and was cut down by old man Fields. His death is supposed 
to have taken place about 1819 or 20. In ap)pearance Black Partridge 
was tall and commanding, with the; eye of an eagle, a high forehead, a 
large nose and comely features. His aspect was noble, his voice heavy, 
and his hair long and black as a ravens. In his little world he reigned 
supreme, and his will was law, yet no king on his throne was better be- 
loved, and no rivals disputed his authority. 

THE HUNTER HERMIT OF CROW CREEK. 

In the vicinity of Crow Creek in very early times l^ed an old hunter 
and trapper named Grant. His story is told in the diary of an officer en- 
gaged in the survey of the "Military Bounty Tract" in 1816, and ap- 
peared in a series of letters published in the '"''New ForZ'ev " in 1839. 
Where he came from originally is unknown. We first hear of him as a 
hunter and scout attached to Lewis and Clark's expedition, which ascended 
the Missouri and traversed the continent in 1805, being the first to ex- 
plore the then unknown territory of Oregon. 

In 1815 Government set apart that part of the territory of Illinois 
north and west of the river of that name, or so much of it as was necessary, 
for the payment of soldiers' bounties in the war of 1812, and ordered its im- 
mediate survey. The party from whom our information comes says that 
one Sabbath they crossed the Illinois River at a point about twenty 
miles above Fort Clark, and followed up a large creek to the cabin 
of an old hunter and trapper who had lived there for several years, 
and was held in much esteem by the Indians, over whom he exercised con- 



580 EECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

siderable authority. The way this influence was secured is told in the 
following story : When he came to the country there were two tribes at 
per]3etual war. He took sides with one, and became the deadly enemy of 
the other. A small copper camp kettle comprised the sum total of his 
culinary equipage, which for convenience of transportation was worn on 
his head, and served not only to cook his provender, but protected his 
upper works from the weather. One day while alone in the bottoms 
somewhere between Henry and Lacon, he was surprised by a party of his 
foes, and they being too numerous to flght, he took to his heels. Among 
the pursuers was a young brave uncommonly fleet-footed, who coming up 
with him, dealt a blow with his tomahawk which, according to Indian 
logic, should have cleaved its way to his enemy's shoulders, but in this 
case produced only a sharp, ringing report. No Indian's skull would ring 
like that, and he started back in terror exclaiming, "Manitou!" From 
that time the hunter was safe. He V)ore a charmed life, and no one offered 
or dared to molest him. His cabin was in a secluded nook some two miles 
up Crow Creek, as near as can be made out. 

SHICK SHACK. 

While Shaubena achieved greater notoriety and was best known to the 
whites from his 'unswerving friendship during the war, he was but an 
occasional visitor in Marshall and Putnam Counties, and his detailed his- 
tory is not in accordance with our plan. His friend and cotemporary 
Shick Shack, whose home was at the mouth of Clear Creek, in Putnam 
County, more properly comes within our province and deserves mention. 
He was the head of a branch of the Kickapoo tribe, whom he governed 
with an authority truly patriarchal. He was a man of large stature and 
imposing presence, and had sufficiently profited from the example of the 
whites to know that the best interests of his people lay in a strict observ- 
ance of treaty stipulations. 

Shick Shack had enjoyed the civilizing influences of a residence among 
a better class of whites than the majority of his people were brought in 
contact with, having been converted to Christianity when a boy of twelve 
years old, and sent, with his parents, to St. Louis, where he received some 
schooling and religous training. He spoke English quite fluently, sought 
the society of his white neighbors, in the association with whom he ever 
conducted himself with scrupulous politeness; and by example and pre- 



SHICK-STTACK AKD HIS TEIBE. 58S 

cept exercised a powerful influence for good among his followers. He 
was also a preacher, and frequently, alone or in company with white mis- 
sionaries, expounded Gospel truths to Indian congregations with zeal and 
eloquence. Personally he was temperate, and compelled, as far as pos- 
sible, total abstinence among his people. Though depending principally 
on the chase for subsistence, he gave considerable attention to agriculture 
and introduced the American breaking plow into use by his tribe. 

While emulating the virtueF of the whites, he was prompt to condemn 
their vices and deplored the demoralizing effects upon the Indians of as- 
sociation with the vicious of our I'ace, claiming that when left to them- 
selves the Indians were naturally a more peaceable and religious people 
than the whites. He sorrowfully recognized that the two races never 
could affiliate and clearly foresaw the ultimate extinction of the red man. 
He mourned deeply the necessity of leaving here because of the Black 
Hawk war. A firm friend to the whites, he had, he said, tried to make 
his people understand and obey white men's laws ; he signed treaties that 
they might live at peace with the palefaces ; but with a shrug of the 
shoulders he added: "Bad Ingen and bad white men make war: good 
Ingen, good white man, no war." 

His method of inculcating temperance was both novel and successful 
If a member of his band got tipsy he was soundly whipped. If he trans- 
gi'essed a second time he was whipped harder, and if after these admoni- 
tions he continued to tipple he was whipped to death. 

INDIANS MAKING SUGAR. 

One of the first settlers near Florid, in entering land for his farm, took 
within its boundaries a maple grove, where Shick Shack's tribe annually 
made sugar. One afternoon in early spring a formidable procession of 
painted warriors rode up and surrounded the house of the pioneer, nearly 
frightening his wife to death. In the cabin was a couch-shell use as a 
horn, which she had been instructed to sound on the appearance of danger, 
as a warning to the men at work in the fields or woods. But the sight of 
the savages so completely terrified her that she was unable to give the 
signal. An Indian picked up the shell, looking inquiringly at her, as 
though to ask its use. Her woman's wit pi'ompted her to cause him. 
to sound the alarm, which she dared not give herself. Swelling out her 
cheeks and puckering her lips upon her closed fist, with expressive panto- 



584 itt:coRDS of the olden Time. 

mime, she imitated blowing. The Indian swelled his stalwart chest, 
pressed hs coarse lips, and with great ado — 

Blew a blast as erst threw down 
Old Jericho's substantial town. 

His companions instinctively seized their tomahawks as if to repel an 
attack, but learning the source of the strange noise, gathered round eager 
as children to manipulate a new toy. Meantime the men, alarmed at the 
signal, came running to the house, when it was found that the Indians 
had no hostile intentions Ijut simply wanted to make sugar on their old 
grounds. 

Shick Shack used frequently to visit the homes of his white friends, 
bringing venison, honey, fish, moccasins, etc., to trade for fiour, corn, pota- 
toes, meal or corn bread. Though noted for his temperance, honesty and 
morality, he had the weakness of his race for finely. On one occasion he 
with a number of his followers, called on Mr. Samuel D. Laughlin and 
asked for some rooster feathers. Told to help themselves they charged 
upon the frightened cocks, robbed them of their gaudy plumage, and soon 
each dusky brave appeared profusely and ludicrously decorated. Shick 
Shack wore a high-crowned silk hat which some white friend had 
given hnn, in the band of which he thrust the longest and brightest 
feathers, and strutted proudly about with his borrowed plumes waving in 
the breeze. 

Himself and his tribe went beyond the Mississippi, upon the reserva- 
tion appointed by their treaty with the Government, in the fall of 1832. 




RIVER NAVIGATIO]^. 



585 



The Illinois River. 




CHAPTER LI. 



EARLY STEAMBOATIISTG. 



. N the Illinois River Peru was practically the head of na\Tga- 
tion, thongli a few boats in seasons of high water occasion- 
ally ran uj:) to Ottawa. Forty years ago travel was prin- 
cipally by the rivers. Passengers for St. Louis took the 
stages or the canal (when built) at Chicago, and at Peru 
transferred themselves on board steamers in waiting to carry 
them to their destination. These boats were well equipped 
and quite equal to those of the present day. 
The name and date of arrival of the first steamer seen on the Illinois 
above Peoria are unknown, but it is believed to have been in 1830. Wm. 
Strawn, who at the time lived three miles in the country, once visited the 
Indians on the river bottoms and found them in a high state of excite- 
ment over the supposed visitation of the Great Spirit, which passed up 
the river the night before. As described by them it was enveloped in 
flames and with a roar like thunder and a great rush of waters passed 
slowly by, returning the next night. It was a long time before their de- 
scription was intelligible, but finally the whites concluded it must have 
been a steamer, which probably passed up to Hennepin or fui-ther, and 
the next night returned. 

In 1832 the steamer Souvenier came up with supplies for troojis en- 
gaged in the Black Hawk war. There was very little to attract trade for 
several years and arrivals were few. 

In 1838 the Joe Daviess, Capt. John Hall, ran during the season of 
navigation between Peoria and Peru, doing a fair business. 

In 1839 the steamers "Exact" and "Tiskilwa" made occasional trips 
here, the latter boat terminating her existence the following year in a col- 
lision with the "Wacousta," in which both were disabled. 



586 llECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

The steamer " Frontier " was put on the route by Frink <fe Walker to 
carry the mail from Peoria to Peru. Her commander was O. C. Pratt, 
and her pilots were Detwieler and Mosher, afterward well known Cap- 
tains. She was sunk at the "Tow Heads," a well known locality in the 
narrows of Peoria Lake, about 1843. in a collision with the "Panama." 
Its place was supplied by the " Grovernor Briggs." 

About 1850 the " Prairie Bird " and " Governor Briggs" collided at 
a place since known as Prairie Bird Point. The " Bird " had a large 
number of emigrant Irish on board and safely landed them on an island. 

The " Lucy Bertram " was wrecked at Trenton (Depue) many years 
ago. 

.The principal obstructions were Tree Top bar. Crow Creek bar, the 
Sister Islands and Hennepin Flats. 

Among the men best known as commanders or pilots were Captains 
Price, Blake and Swaney, " Hard " Culter and others. A noted murder 
once occurred above Henry, when a steamboat commander shot and killed 
a rival Captain. The murderer escaped and was never seen afterward. 

For twenty years no boat ascended the river above La Salle, but in 
1877 the Grey Eagle, commanded by Captain Morris, carried an excursion 
party to Starved Rock. Since its erection the Illinois Central Railroad 
bridge had never been swung, and the stringers were sawed off to permit 
the diaw to revolve and the boat pass through. 

KEEL AND FLAT BOATS. 

Before steamboats began to j)ly upon the river, most of the business was 
done by sail and flat boats, especially that of transporting to the South, 
the enormous crops of potatoes then raised everywhere, near the Illinois 
especially in Putnam County. 

These huge arks were from 75 to 115 feet in length, 20 to 25 feet 
wide, from six to seven feet between decks and would hold from 4000 to 
6000 bushels of potatoes, and cost from $300 to $400. 

They floated to their destination, no propelling power being used, and 
a trip from Hennepin or Henry to New Orleans required six to ten weeks. 

In 1842 Wm. B. Mann and others built about twenty flat boats at 
Hennepin, loaded them with potatoes, and floated down to New Orleans 
where they sold boats and cargoes realizing an average of $30 each for the 



FLATBOATING ON THE ILLINOIS RIVER. 587 

boats. Capt. Leech left Hennepin rather late one cold season about 
1844 or '45, with a cargo of these vegetables and a consignment of 
oats and was caught four miles below Liverpool, Fulton County, on the 
15th of November and frozen in, being ice-bound until the 25th of the fol- 
lowing January. The potatoes were not damaged and the oats he traded 
for flour, meal and groceries, made an early voyage in the spring and sold 
out to advantage at St. Louis. 

These boats were used but once. As soon as the cargo was removed 
they were broken up, and the lumber and sj^ikes from the dismembered 
craft sold for what they would bring. 

The keel boat, however, was a more permanent vessel and could be 
rowed up stream. They were smaller than the others mentioned, more 
resembling the canal boat of our day in form and shape. Around the 
outer edge of the deck was a narrow walk, but without guards. Cleats 
of M^ood were nailed parallel across this walk, as braces for the feet of the 
polesman, who, with a stout well-seasoned pike or staff, twelve or fifteen 
feet in length and as thick as he could conveniently grasp, one end braced 
against his shoulder and the other on the bed of the river, shoved the 
boat along. Should the pole break or slip he invariably plunged head- 
long into the water at the imminent peril of his life, especially where 
the current happened to run quartering from his side under the vessel. 

There were from ten to twenty men employed on each of these treach- 
erous crafts, and accidents of the kind described were frequent, and often 
fatal. 



588 



BECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



The Graves Tragedy. 



CHAPTER LIL 




THE REED AND DONNER PARTY. 



MONG the saddest episodes in the froDtier history of the 
West is the nan-ative of the Reed and Donner party of 
ninety persons, which, in attempting to cross the Sierra 
Nevada Monntains late in the fall of 1846, were over- 
whelmed in one of the gi-eat storms jieculiai- to that sec- 
tion, and one half of them perished. With this party 
were a family of emigrants from Sjjarland, whose history 
we propose briefly to follow. From time to time vague 
and unreliable accounts have appeared, made up from rumors and "facts" 
supplied by the vivid imagination of enthusiastic writers, but until the 
past year no authentic history has ever been given. The experience was too 
dreadful, the recollection of their sufferings too horrible to be dwelt upon, 
and no persuasions could induce the survivors to recall their superhuman 
sufferings. So much had been and was being told that was false, and 
so little was really known upon the subject, that for the beneiit of correct 
history the survivors were at last pei'suaded to unseal their lips, and give 
to the world their aw^ful experience. To C. F. McGlashan, of Truckee, 
California, is due the credit of bringing this about, and to whom we are 
indebted for the particulars which folk)w : 

Franklin Ward Graves was a Vermonter l)y l)irth, who came to Put- 
nam County in I80I, where a couple of half brothers resided. He spent 
some time looking up a location, and finally purchased a claim of the In- 
dians where Sparland stands, erected a cabin near the present, residence of 
Dr. Tesmer, and moved into it probably in the fall of 1831. During 
the^Black Hawk war he enlisted and served as Drum Major in Strawn's 
Regiment of Infantry, his family remaining most of the time in their 
cabin. Mr. Graves was a genuine backAvoodsman and pioneer, who found 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 589 

his most congenial associations on the frontier. He despised the trammels 
of civilization, and loved the unshackled freedom of the red man. In 
Slimmer he went shoeless, hatless and coatless, his long coarse hair his 
only protection. He was a man of large frame, good natured, hospitable 
and ever ready to do a kindness. Mrs. Grraves was tall and thin, her good 
natured sun-burnt face wreathed in smiles. She wore a blue calico frock, 
an old sun-bonnet and a faded shawl, on dress occasions, and like her 
liege lord, went barefoot. It was her custom to cross the river daily in 
fair weather, laden with honey, wild fruits or soft soap, and dispose of 
them to the settlers of Columbia (Lacon). There was not a woman in 
the place but knew her and loved to see her kind face make its appear- 
ance. She would cross the river in the coldest days ai^d stormiest weather 
in her little canoe to convey some remedy to the sick or do a kindness. 
Mr. (t raves was more hunter than farmer, but managed to. secure a large 
tract of land and open up a considerable farm upon the bottoms. For 
some time befoi'e leaving he grew restless and longed to explore the then 
little known Pacific States, and sought a purchaser for his property, finding 
one in Geo. Sparr, to whom he sold 500 acres of land for $1,500. This was 
in the sj)ring of 1846, and immediate prej)arations were made for depart- 
ure. His family at the time consisted of himself and wife, and nine chil- 
dren as follows : Mary A., William C, Eleanor, Lovina, Nancy, Jona- 
than, Franklin Ward Jr., Elizabeth, and Sarah. The latter was engaged 
to Jay Fosdick, and did not design accompanying her parents, but when 
the time for departure drew nigh her heart failed, and she decided to go. 
Her lover chose to accompany his wife, and they were married a few days 
.before starting. Along with them went John, Snydei", a tall, good look- 
ing young man afterward engaged to Mary. 

Mr. Graves had an extensive outfit, and was equipped in the best pos- 
sible manner for the journey. He had three teams drawn by oxen, and 
took along with him several head of cattle and cows besides. The pay- 
ment for his land was mostly in silver half dollars, and for their safe con- 
veyance he put heavy cleats in the corners of his wagon box, bored holes 
from below with an auger sutHciently large for the purpose, and then de- 
posited them. They journeyed leisurely to New Boston, where they 
crossed the Mississippi, traversed Iowa and reached Independence. 

There was a large emigration that year to Oregon and Salt Lake. 
One hundred miles west of, Fort Bridger the Graves party overtook a 
company numbering one hundred or more, which from the leadership was 



590 RECOKDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

known as the Keed and Donuer party. Previous to this a man named 
"William Trimble, traveling with their party, was murdered by the Paw- 
nees, and his stock stolen. His family turned back. At Fort Laramie 
they celebi-ated the Fourth of July with appropriate exercises. Occasion- 
ally they were pestered by thieving Indians, but not often. 

Once a party of friendly Sioux offered to purchase Mary Graves, and 
failing in this one of them laid hold of her bridle as though disposed to 
carry her off by force, but a riiie pointed in that direction caused the 
fellow to quickly drop the bridle. At Fort Bridger there was talk 
concerning a newly discovered route across the mountains, known as 
Hasting's Cut-off, said to be 300 miles shorter than the usual route by 
Fort Hall. A large number took the old route and got through safely, 
but the Donner party of ninety persons, at the earnest solicitation of 
Bridger and Vasquez, who had charge of the fort and were personally 
interested in the new route, concluded to adopt it. To these men is due 
all the disasters that followed. 

The party traveled sevei'al days without difficulty, crossing Weber 
River at the head of the well known canyon. Here a long delay occurred 
until men could be sent forward to ascertain a proper route, when they con- 
cluded to take across the mountains in a more direct line to Salt Lake. 
Innumerable difficulties were experienced, and three weeks of precious 
time was spent making I'oads. When the party arrived at the outlet of 
the stream down which they had followed, it was impossible to proceed 
further, and the wagons had to be hoisted to the top of a steep bluff and 
then lowered upon the other side. The dreadful difficulties can never be 
described. Instead of reaching Salt Lake in a week they were thirty days 
in making the trip. 

The terrible delays made possible the imminent dangers that awaited 
them on the Sierra Nevadas. Fr jm where they stood the great lake and 
the plains surrounding it were seen, and they hailed it with joy and grat- 
itude as the end of their difficulties, looking forward to a prosperous 
and i^eaceful journey over pleasant roads for the remainder of their 
trip. Alas! there were trials in the way compared with which their 
recent struggles were insignificent. But for the fatal delay caused by the 
Hastings Cut-Off all would have been well, but now the summer was 
passed, themselves and teams well nigh exhausted, and their stook of pro- 
visions nearly consumed. 

The valley of Salt Lake contained little of gladness for the Donner 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FA.MIL Y. 591 

party. At this time the Mormon emigration had not arrived, and all was 
a vast solitude. It was the 3d of September when they arrived, but 
warned by the lateness o the season, stopped but a single day. Here one 
of the party died, a poor consumptive named Halloran, and was buried 
beside the road in a bed of almost pure salt. He left about $1,500 in 
cash, which he gave to Captain Donner. On the 6th of September they 
reached a valley called Twenty Wells, and laid in a supply of pure water, 
knowing they had a fifty mile desert to cross. It was a vast alkaline 
j^lain destitute of either water or grass, and instead of fifty was seventy- 
four miles wide. Long before crossing its wide expanse their supplies 
gave out, and after being on the plain two weary nights and one day, 
James Reed volunteered to ride ahead and, if possible, discover water. It 
was twenty miles away, and during his absence his eighteen oxen, mad- 
dened by thirst, wandered off in the desert and were never seen again, 
leaving himself and family of nine persons destitute in the midst of a 
desert eight hundred miles from California. When he returned the 
awful truth was disclosed, and the full horror of the situation dawned 
upon him. 

But to remain here was death, and taking his child in his arms all started 
to walk the twenty miles. The sufferings of that dreadful night can 
never be told. Some of the children became so worn out and exhausted 
for want of water that they laid down on the bleak sands and would 
never have risen had they not been forced forward. During the night 
they were intensely frightened by the rush of a wild animal, that proved 
to be one of his lost steers maddened with thirst. Finally it dashed off 
in the darkness and was seen no more. At last they^ reached the welcome 
spring and found relief. For eight days they camped here all hands seek- 
ing Reed's cattle. 

The outlook for him was gloomy enough. An ox and a cow was all 
he had left, but Mr. Graves and a Mr. Breen each lent him an ox, and 
hitching them all together and abandoning everything that could not be 
loaded on one wagon they started once more. 

While here an inventory of provisions was carefully taken, and the 
startling discovery made that all their supplies would not take them 
through. And to render theii' situation still moi'e terrible a storm came 
on and the hill tops were covered with snow. A council was held and it 
was decided to send two of the party forward to seek relief, aud a couple 



592 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

of brave volunteers were found in the persons of William McCutclien and 
C. T. Stanton, the latter from Chicago. 

DEATH OF JOHN SNYDER. 

Between Mary Grraves and John Snyder, the yoimg man who ac- 
companied the family, a love affair had grown up, which ripened into a 
marriage engagement. He was aVjout twenty-three years of age, of manly 
carriage, erect, tall and muscular. On the march and in camp, through 
hardship, toil and danger, he was the life of the party, never cast down 
and never desj)ondent. His intended was about nineteen yeai^s old. She 
was tall and slender, of graceful form and build, and had been l)etter 
educated than most persons in her station, having taught school before 
leaving Illinois. 

Of James Reed mention has before been made, and the deplorable in- 
cident we have to relate concerning these men shows how sudden passion 
makes deadly foes of warmest friends. 

The train had reached Gravelly Foi'd on the Humboldt. Already 
they wei'e beginning to eagerly scan the Western plains in hopes of relief 
from Sutter's Fort. Occasionally a wagon would need repairing or there 
would be a brief halt to recruit the jaded cattle. The Indians were 
troublesome and had stolen two of Mr. Grraves oxen and one of the horses. 

In traveling the party observed this i-ule, the team that led one day 
was obliged to take the rear position in the next, this system of alterna- 
ting allowing each one to lead the train. On the 5th of October Franklin 
Graves was ahead, Jay Fosdick second, Jolm Snyder third, and the team 
of J. F. Reed came fourth. Milton Elliott drove Reed's team. Arrived 
at a st ep sandy hill they were obliged to double up, that is, hitch several 
yoke to each wagon. There was some difficulty in doing this, and Elliott 
and Snyder exchanged hot words, the origin of which is unknown. Sny- 
der being nettled at some remark of Elliott's, declared his team could pull 
up alone, and made use of very bad language. It is probable the teams 
collided, but of this nothing now can be known. All parties agree that 
Snyder was greatly enraged, and was beating his team over their heads 
with the heavy end of his whip when Reed, who had been hunting, ar- 
rived and remonstrated with Snyder for beating his cattle, offering his 
own team to assist. 

Snyder refused the proffered aid, and used very abusive language to- 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 



593 



ward both Keed and Elliott. Reed attempted to calm the enraged man, 
but it only added fuel to the fire. Both were men of fiery, passionate 
dispositions, and angry words multiplied rapidly. When Keed saw that 
trouble was inevitable, he said something about waiting until they got up 
the hill and then settling it, but Snyder construed it into a threat and re- 
plied, "We will settle it now," at the same time striking Reed a heavy 
blow' with the but end of his heavy whip-stock. This was followed by a 
second and third, each one cutting through the scalp, from which the 
blood flowed in streams. Mrs. Reed believing her husband was being 
murdered, ran between the pai'ties, and the blow descended on her own 
head and shoulders. Again the whip was raised, when Reed, blinded by 
the blood and dazed by the shock of the fierce blows, rapidly drew his 
knife and struck Snyder in the breast, penetrating the lung. He stag- 
gored and fell, into the arms of W. C. Graves, who laid him on the ground, 
his only utterance being, "I am a dead man." Reed's wife and daughters 
gathered about him and began to stanch the blood that flowed from his 
wounds, but he pushed them aside and went to the assistance of the 

dying man. 

Snyder's death fell like a thunderbolt on the party, who immediately 
went into camp. Reed felt he had only acted in self-defense and in the 
protection of a wife he adored, nevertheless it was evident trouble was 
brewing among Snyder's friends that boded no good to him. The Reed 
family were in a bad situation. At the commencement they had the best 
turnout or outfit in the party. He had a fine horse, his daughter had a 
pony, on which she often rode beside her father, and was looked upon as 
"aristocratic." Mrs. Reed was so unmanned Avitli grief and remorse that 
she could do nothing, and the wounded man came to his twelve-year old 
daughter to have the cuts dressed. They were wide and deep, and years 
after, when he lay in death, a gently stirring wind blew his gray locks 
aside, disclosing the ugly scars. A council was held to decide his fate, 
and they said he must die. John Snyder had been an unusual favorite, 
and they felt that nothing else could atone for his loss; T)ut when they 
looked on his weeping wife and children, who would l)e left without a 
protector, they relented, and said he might live, but should be l)anished 

from the party. 

When this was communicated to Reed he refused to comply. He had 
only obeyed the dictate of self protection and would not accede to an un- 
just punishment. Then came the wife's pleadings, and long and earnestly 



594 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

she urged liiiii to go. If he remained lie would be sacrificed to tlie deadly 
enmity of of Snyder's friends, and if he went forward he might reach the 
settlements and return with provisions already needed in camp. Even if 
permitted to stay he might be compelled to see those he lo ed so dearly 
perish of starvation. The wife's counsels prevailed and sorrowfully he 
prepared to go, first exacting a solemn promise from tlu- company that they 
would care for his family. It was their purpose to turn him adrift with- 
out food or the means of procuring any, but their intentions were frustra- 
ted by his faithful daughter who smuggled to him his gun and ammuni- 
tion and a few crackers. A man named Herron also chose to accompany 
him. Sad and bitter was the parting, for each felt a presentiment they 
were never to meet again and the unhappy man sorrowfully departed. 

Starvation now stared the emigrants in the face. Their provisions 
were nearly exhausted, the oxen were poor and scarcely able to drag the 
wagons. On the 12th of October they reached the sink of the Humboldt. 
Here the cowardly Indian^ ran off twenty-one head of cattle, and they 
were never recovered. All who were able had to walk, and many carried 
little chiltU'en. Some had lost their entire stock and had to carry whatever 
of personal effects they had. The men, as a rule, became exhausted much 
sooner than the women. Only the sick, the little children and the utterly 
exhausted were allowed to ride. 

On the 9th a death occurred. It was an old Grerman named Hard- 
coop, traveling with a person by the name of Keseberg. He was nearly 
three score years; was sick, feeble and helj^less, yet he was compelled to 
walk with the rest. He walked till his feet actually burst, — walked 
until he sank exhausted, and then as the train pitilessly left him, tried to 
walk again. It was terrible to think of, for well he knew this abandon- 
ment meant death by exposure and starvation in its most dreadful form. 
Keseberg made no attempt to return and find the old man, and owing to 
the overwhelming dangers that now threatened the company they could 
not wait. 

A few days later another tragedy occurred. This time it was a man 
named Woliinger, supposed to be. wealthy. He and Keseberg were walk- 
ing in the rear, and when the latter came into camp he was alone. Sev- 
eral went back to search for the missing man but he was never found, and 
the supposition was strong that Keseberg had murdered him for his money. 

On the 19th of October T. C. Stanton returned with five mules laden 
with flour and beef sent to their aid by Captain Sutter. The welcome 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 595 

supply cheered all liands, and but for tliis tlie wliole party would have 
perished. Here a great mistake was committed. 

Instead of pushing forward as they should have done they laid by four 
days to rest their cattle before ascending the mountains. It was a fatal 
delay. Her*-, too, an accident occurred, costing one man his life and 
leaving a widow and two fatherless infants. 

The clouds now began to wear an omnious appearance, and everything 
indicated winter was at hand. It was a month earlier than usual, but 
the mountains were covered with snow, and at Prosser Creek it was eight 
inches deep. The hapless emigrants struggled on and made desultory 
efforts to cross the barriers, but baffled, wearied and disheartened they 
turned back to the foot of the lake. Another determined effort was 
made. The wagons were left behind, the horses and inules packed with 
provisions, and all day long the men and animals floundered in the snow, 
bi'eaking paths and forcing their way forward, but at nightfall an abrupt 
precipice was reached that could not be passed, and sorrowfully they re- 
turned. The next day it was decided to kill the stock, pack the meat, 
and cross the summit on foot, but to many the op|)ortunity never came. 
That night snow began to fall at the Lake, coming down in large steady 
masses. All understood it meant death. The storm continued four days, 
and the cattle left to themselves strayed off and were lost in the drifts. 
The mules loaned by Captain Sutter were lost and never returned. Some 
of the cattle were afterward found and slaughtered; a Mrs. Breen, whose 
husband was an invalid, personally doing this, and storing up the meat 
foi- her family. Mrs. Reed had no cattle to kill and Mr. Graves gave her 
two from his store. 

It was now apparent that the party must remain here during the win- 
ter, and preparations, such as were needed, were made. Mr. Graves 
built a cabin close by Donner Creek, and others were from one to six miles 
distant. 

All knew that death speedily waited waited the company unless the 
mountain could be crossed and relief obtained from the other side, and it 
was resolved soon as possible the strongest and ablest should r et forth. 
Accordingly, on the 15th of November, fifteen persons set out, among them 
being Mr. Graves, his two daughters, Mary A. and Sarah, along with her 
husband. Jay Fosdick. All day they toiled but did not get more than a 
mile from the cabins and at midnight they returned. The failure had a 
very depressing effect and many never rallied or afterward made an effort 



596 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

at release. On the lOtli they killed a beai- which gave a welcome supply 
of provisions, Init what was that in a company of 81 persons. Things in- 
deed looked dark. They could count on their fingers when their provis- 
ions would be exhausted, yet unless it came from themselves no relief 
could be expected. 

Day after day with aching hearts and throbbing brows they gazed into 
each others faces in blank despair. Who would go out and seek a grave 
that those left behind might live. Who would be the forlorn hope of the 
perishing emigrants. 

Once, a party led by Patrick Breen, tried to reach the summit and 
again the same paities, accompanied by Mrs. Reed and family and others, 
made an unsuccessful atttempt. Still another party of men and women 
foi'ced their way to Sununit Valley but were forced to return. 

About this time August Spitzer, weakened ljy long fasting, fell down 
never to rise again and was buried in the snow. 

Finally a forlorn hope was organized and seventeen names enrolled, 
though two did not go, Mr. Graves making snow shoes for the party 
without which they could not travel. It was certain death to remain, it 
could be no worse to go. 

Who comprised this party? Mothers whose babes would starve unless 
they went; fathers, whose wives and children would perish if the 
fathers did not go ; children, whose parents could not survive unless the 
children, by leaving, increased the parents' share of food. It was indeed 
a forlorn hope.. C. F. Stanton, as noble a man as ever lived, he who 
had returned laden with supplies furnished by Captain Sutter, was the 
first to volunteer. He said: "I will bring help to those famishing peo- 
ple or lay down my life." Franklin Ward Graves was the next. He 
was one of the noblest men that ever lived, and worthy of a monument. 
Of his nine children the youngest was but a babe. Generously had he 
parted with his cattle that others might live, dividing equally with those 
who had no food, when his own family was starving. Mary Graves and 
her sister Sarah resolved to accompany their father, and Jay Fosdick 
I'esolved to share with his wife, the perils of the way. Mrs. Foster and 
Mrs. Pike left their babes with their mother, she telling them what they 
ate would keep their little ones from starving. 

Who can imagine the anguish with which Mrs. Pike bid her little 
Naomi, but two years old, and her nursing babe Catherine, farewell. 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 597 

What bitter tears were shed by Mrs. Foster, when she bid her baby boy 
good bye. They knew it not, but it was a long, long farewell. 

Among others who went was an Irishman named Patrick Dolan from 
Keokuk. He had a supply of meat stored away, and generously gave it 
to Mrs. Reed, going voluntarily into the wilderness to starve and die. 
Oh, the horror of the occasion, — the heroism of the brave men and wo- 
men in the party. As an appreciation of his services, Mrs. Reed gave him 
a gold watch and a Masonic emblem belonging to her huslmnd and bade 
him keep them. Months after, when the snows left the valleys, they 
were found by the Indians and carried to Captain Sutter's fort and re- 
claimed by the owners. 

The party took wnth them six days rations, if a piece of tough shriv- 
eled beef the size of one's two fingers, three times a day, could be called 
such. This, with a little coffee and loaf sugar, was all. They dare not 
take more from the dear ones at the cabins. They had matches, a hatchet, 
one gun, and a blanket for each. The first day they made four miles, 
pressing resolutely forward, without so much as daring to look back to 
the dear ones whose lives depended upon the horrible venture. 

They camped in full view of the cabins, which seemed harder to the 
aching hearts of the poor mothers than the parting. The snow was from 
twelve to sixty feet deep. The next day they made six miles, and get- 
ting a few boughs kindled a fire on the snow, boiled a little coffee and 
ate their pitiful allowance of beef. The third day they walked four miles, 
dragging themselves wearily along, silently and with downcast eyes. No 
one spoke except when absolutely necessary, but on they struggled, some- 
times at long distances from each other. 

On the fifth day Stanton died. He had gone snow blind, and pite- 
ously besought them to lead him, bnt with food gone, hope lost, and only 
the blind clinging instinct of existence left, they could not aid him, and 
ceasing to importune he heroically met his fate. On that morning he sat 
by the camp-fire smoking, and as they were about to leave, Mary Graves 
went to his side and asked if he was coming. "Yes," he said, "I'm com- 
ing soon." They were his last words. 

None can be blamed for abandoning Stanton. In twenty-four hours 
all were without food, except a Mr. Eddy, who in his sorest need found 
a small piece of meat his wife had robbed herself of and hid in his clothes 
with a note signed, " Your own dearest Eleanor." It saved his life. 

That night the snow begun to fall, coming down in great fleecy flakes. 



598 HECOBDS OF THE OLDElsr TIME. 

They were utterly discouraged and some proposed to go back, but tbe 
two Indians of the party said they would go on and Mary Graves said she 
would accompany them. For two days they had not tasted food, and 
some one proposed to cast lots to see who should die that the rest might 
live. It fell on Patrick Dolan, the generous Irishman who voluntarily 
gave his food that others might live. Who should take Dolan's life? 
With one accord they rose to their feet and staggered on, making two or 
three miles. The next morning dawned dreary, I'ainy and discouraging, 
but they started out as usual, the soft snow clinging to their feet in balls. 

Mary Graves says instead of attempting to make a iire they crawled 
back to their old camp of the previous night and remained, the falling 
rain having changed to snow and sleet, which cut their pinched faces and 
made them shiver with cold. A good fire was finally made, which some- 
time during the night thawed the snow beneath and suddenly dropped 
out of sight. Their camp was made above a stream of water, which far 
below tumbled over its rocky bed. Here Patrick Dolan's life went out 
in demoniacal shrieks and frenzied appeals for food. About midnight 
Antoine ceased to breathe and W. F. Graves was dying. He had reached a 
point where iron nerves and a strong constitution would no longer sustain 
a man, and his end was at hand. Calling his daughters to his side he ex- 
horted them for the sake of those left behind to bear up and strive to 
prolong their lives. 

He reminded Mrs. Pike of her babies and all of the necessity of secur- 
ing food and charged them when life was gone to save their own lives by 
using his body as food. His daughters had said they would never par- 
take of human flesh and earnestly he pleaded that they rise superior 
to their natural instincts and prejudices and use the the only means per- 
mitted to sustain life. 

Was there not something noble and grand in the advice of this father? 
Was it not true heroism that all false delicacy be thrown aside and his 
body be sacrificed to save the starving emigrants. A sublimer death was 
never witnessed. With his last breath he urged that his flesh be used to 
prolong the lives of his companions. Truly a soul so noble had no need 
of the form of its mortal tenant, — it had a better place prepared. 

With their fires gone out, the fierce cold cutting to the bone and two 
of their number dead, some plan must be devised to secure warmth or all 
would perish. Lying down as closely as possible, Mr. Eddy spread 
blankets above and crawling beneath all were soon covei'ed beneath the 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 599 

swiftly falling snow. The next day ushered in a worse storm than had 
yet been encountered, lasting two days. When at last it abated and they 
emerged from their prison-house they were more dead than alive. Four 
days they had passed without food and two without fire. 

The horror of this "camp of death" can never be told. It was iiec- 
esary to secure a fire or they would perish, yet for a long time their 
eif orts were fruitless. Their matches were worthless and not until Mrs. 
Pike tore open a mantle lined with cotton did they succeed in getting a 
fire from their fiint lock gun. At last they suceeded and lighted the 
branches of a dead pine which afforded warmth. The weak, famished 
wretches had reached the last possible alternative and they must eat of 
the flesh of their dead companions or all perish. Oh, the supreme, the 
awful horror of horrors of the moment. 

The men finally mustered courage enough to aj)proach the dead. 
With averted heads and trembling hands they cut pieces of flesh from the 
inanimate forms and placed them on the coals. Human beings were never 
called on to undergo more trying ordeals. Dividing into groups, the 
members of each family were spared the pain of feasting upon their own 
kindred. One could not eat. This was Lemuel Murphy, a feeble boy of 
thirteen years, who succumbed to the great hardships and privations, and 
died with his head in the lap of his sister. 

The four bodies were divested of their flesh and the same dried. 

Although none partook of their own kindred the sights were blood- 
curdling. Can any one express the horror of Mrs. Foster when she saw 
the heart of her beloved brother broiling upon the coals? Yet did 
she endure it that she might succor her babies and her mother, who wei'e 
left behind. The Indian guides would not partake of the revolting food 
but sat apart in mute dejection. Starved bodies possess little nutriment, 
and soon the supplies were exhausted. Then they ate their shoe strings 
and their moccasins. That night the Indians, hearing words that boded 
no good, became alarmed and fled. On the 4th, Mr. Eddy and Mary 
Graves, who were together, shot a deer, drinking its blood and feasting 
on its flesh, then waiting for the others to come up. It sustained the 
party several days. Next Jay Fosdick gave out, becoming too weak 
and exhausted to travel. That night he died, his wife staying by him 
until morning, and then struggling on to overtake her companions. Mrs. 
Foster's husband had given out and was perishing, and Mrs. Fosdick con- 
sented the flesh of her husband should be converted into food. It was 



600 tlECOtlDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

the first time a woman had been called on to use the knife, but Mrs. Fos- 
ter cut the withered flesh, and broiling it over the coals gave it to her^ 
husband and saved his life. Mrs. Fosdick would not touch the food, and but 
for the deer would have died. Head, feet, entrails, and all were eaten, and 
then they were without food of any kind. That night they felt would be 
their last, but when morning came they staggered on. 

Soon they met freshly made tracks marked with blood. It was the tracks 
of the two Indians who for nine days had been without food. Starving, 
exhausted, with feet bleeding and frozen they staggered on until they 
reached a little streamlet, where they lay down to die. The starving whites 
came up and passed them, for famished as they were they could not think 
of depriving them of the little life left in their wasted bodies. Already 
the delirium that precedes death was upon them, and the fugitives sat 
down to wait their death. There were five women and two men left, and 
two of those must die unless help came at once. William Foster went 
back and told them he must take their lives. They neither moaned nor 
struggled, but with Indian stoicism submitted. The emigrants heard two 
reports of the gun and all was over. 

Even this relief was but temporary. The flesh was carefully removed, 
saving it all, and they pushed on, until absolute starvation again stared 
them in the face. 

At last they reached a valley where they beheld human tracks, and 
turning a point discovered an Indian Rancherie. Mary Graves, who tells 
it, says they ran fast as their uncertain steps could carry them. The In- 
dians were amazed. Nevei' had they beheld such pitiable human creatures 
who stood stretching out their arms for assistance. A moment they 
looked and then all turned and fled, but soon returned to aid the dying 
travelers. The women and children cried and wailed with grief at their 
terrible condition, and set before them such food as they had, which was 
bread made of acorns. The Indians did all they could to relieve them, 
but the food was insufficient for their weakened systems, and they knew 
something more nutritious must be had or they must die. So again they 
started, with their Indian friends as guides. Day after day they strug- 
gled until their strength was all gone, and they laid down feeling they 
could not rise again. W. H. Eddy had still some remaining strength, and 
with an Indian on either side he pushed on fifteen miles, to the cabin of a 
Mr. Tucker, where he found relief, and at once despatched aid to those 
behind who were brought safely in. Their names were W. H. Eddy, 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 601 

William Foster, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Pike, Mrs. McCutclien, Sarah Fosdick 
and Mary Graves. It was thirty-two days since they left Donner Lake. 

Meanwhile, how fared those left behind ? About the time the fifteen 
left, William Baylies starved to death. He died in the Graves cabin, and 
was buried by W. E. Graves and John Denton. All the part}- were 
starving. Between them and death were only the hides of the cattle 
taken oif in the fall and laid on the roof for protection. These were cut 
into strips, the hair singed off, and the sides scraped until clean, and then 
boiled and eaten without salt. It made a pulpy mass very much like 
glue, containing very little nourishment. 

The cast away bones of the cattle were picked up and boiled until 
they crumbled in the teeth and could be eaten, and even rags were toasted 
and eaten. 

The Donner party, at the foot of the lake, were if possible worse off. 
They ate everything from which nourishment could be extracted, and got 
so weak they could not make a fire. 

Mrs. Murphy had charge of the little nursing babe of Catherine Pike, 
and all the nourishment she could give it was snow water mixed with a 
little coarse flour. 

Jacob Donner was the first to die. He expired while sitting at the 
table in his tent, as if in deep meditation. 

Patrick Breen kept a diary, from which these particulars are gleaned. 
He was a devout Catholic, and during the darkest hours prayers were 
regularly read. So impressive were these religious ceremonies that one 
beautiful girl made a vow that if God saved her family she would become 
a Catholic. He did save them and she kept her vow. She is to-day a 
devout Catholic. 

Many attempts were made to cross the mountains, but all were fail- 
ures, and the disheartened, starving emigrants each time returned. Jan- 
uary 27 there was a death, and on the 31st another. February 4 and 
February 7 two children died. The snow being so deep out of doors one 
was buried in the Graves cabin. On the 8th and 9th three more deaths 
occurred. February 14, another death. 




602 



RECORt)S OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



CHAPTER LIII. 




RELIEF. 



O soon as possible after the forlorn hope had got through, a 



relief party was organized to go to the aid of those left in the 
mountains, but it took ten or twelve days to get ready. It 
was on the 5th of February they started, and three days 
later three of them returned, unable to endure the hard- 
ships of the journey. 

At the foot of the mountains the horses had to be 
abandoned, as the snow was so deep they could not travel; 
but the brave men, carrying fifty pounds each, made the 
journey on foot. What a spectacle met their gaze. The deep snows 
had almost concealed the cabins, and the inmates lived subterranean lives. 
They were like deep pits, down which icy steps led like going into a grave. 
Dead men and women were laying around, some without any covering 
and others partially buried in the snow. So weak had they become that it 
was a great effort to hoist the dead up the steps of snow that led to the 
cabins. All were re^ uced to skeletons, their eyes were sunken deep in 
their sockets and had a tierce maniac glare terrible to behold, their faces 
were haggard, woe-begone and sepulcheral. It was seldom a voice was 
heard, but when heard was weak, tremulous and pitiful. Food, there was 
absolutely none. 

Wood was plentiful, but to these weak, starving creatures it was a 
herculean task to prepare it. Their numb, fleshless fingers coidd hardly 
guide an ax, and it was more than their feeble strength could do to wield it. 
Milton Elliot died in the Bree cabin. There were no men about and 
Mrs. Breen and her daughter by tugging, pushing and lifting as best they 
could, got the body up the steps. And now it seemed Virginia Reed, the 
brave little girl who bound up the cruel wounds on her father's head, who 
braved the wrath of the infuriate men determined upon taking his life, 
and conveyed to him arms and provisions; who had been the life, 
the hope, the stay of the cabin and camp, must die. Her stomach 
had grown so weak that it could no longer endure the nauseating 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAxMILY. 603 

boiled hides, and they had nothing else to give. Grood Mrs. Breen 
was the first to notice the signs of dissolution, and softly calling her 
mother, they ascended to the snow above to confer upon it away from the 
healing of the girl. Together they knelt and prayed, and were talking 
despairingly of the future, when an unusual noise was heard above 
them, and then the shout of a strong man. It was the relief party sent 
out by the forlorn hope. Virginia Reed's life was saved. 

Captain Reasin Tucker led the party, an old acquaintance of the Graves 
family, to ^vhose cabin he hastened. Famished, indeed, they were. 
Anxiously Mrs. Graves asked about her dear husband, and Captain 
Tucker had not the heart to tell her the truth, and so he said they were 
well. So too they deceived Mrs. Murphy about her dead son. 

Mrs. Gi'aves was a noble-hearted woman, specially praised for her un- 
stinted charity. She was generous to a fault, and no one was turned from 
her door without food while she had it to give. 

The relief party started back in a couple of days, and twenty-three 
persons accompanied them, among whom were William C, Eleanor and 
Lovina Graves. Mrs. Pike's child and Mrs. Kirby's child were carried 
by the party. 

Before they had proceeded two miles two of Mrs. Heed's children 
showed such signs of weakness that it was not safe to proceed, and 
Aquilla Glover so informed her. Bitter was her grief, and to cherish her 
feelings Mr. Glover promised to return when he reached Bear Valley and 
take them over. Turning to him, she said : "Are you a Mason?" He re- 
plied, "I am." "Will you promise me upon the word of a Mason that you 
will come back and get my children ?" Mr. Glover made the promise, and 
the little ones were by him taken back to the cabins. In the gloomiest 
moment of her life the mother remembered her husband deeply revered the 
order, and she felt if her children must be left, she would trust this Brother 
to care for them. The party were placed on short allowance from the 
start, and each day it was cut shorter until they had for a day's rations 
but two pieces of meat the size of one's finger. 

On the evening of the fiist day a death occurred. It was the infant 
child of Mrs Keseberg. Her only boy had starved to death at the cabin, 
and her grief was inconsolable. 

When camp was pitched at night John Denton was missing. They 
went back along the route and found him lying on the snow, entirely ex- 
hausted and asleep. They roused him and took him to camp. He appre- 



604 RIJCORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

dated their kindness but declared he could not stand another day's travel. 
And true enough after walking a little way he gave out and sat down 
deciding that he could go no farther. His companions built a tire and 
leaving some food went on. Their necessities were too great for them to 
wait. Denton was a gunsmith and worked in metals, and the first one to 
discover gold in California. In the ashes of the Graves cabin he found a 
yellow metal which he declared was gold and retained the piece as long as 
he lived. The existence of gold in California at that time M^as not known 
but afterwards there were extensive mining camps in the vicinity, and 
since gold exists in the soil there, it is more than probable the statement is 
correct. The second relief party found his remains untouched, and beside 
him a memorandum book on one leaf of which was inscribed the folio wing 
beautiful poem, and there too lay the pencil with which it was penned. 
It is inexpressibly sad and beautiful. 

Oh after many many years, 

How sweet it is to come ' 

Bacli to the dwelling place of youth, 

Our first and dearest home ; 
To turn away our wearied eyes 

From proud ambition's towers. 
And wander in those summer fields, 

The scenes of boyhood's hours. 

But I am changed since last I gazed 

Upan that tranquil scene. 
And sat beneath the old witch elm 

That shades the village green. 
And watched my boat upon the brook. 

It was a regal galley, 
And sighed not fer a joy on earth, 

Beside tha happy valley, 

I wish I could once more recall 

That bright and blissful joy. 
And summon to my weary heart 

The feelings of a boy ; 
But now on scenes of past delight. 

I look and feel no pleasure, 
As misers on the bed of death. 

Gaze coldly on their treasures. 

Just as their last provisions were exhausted, they reached a place 
where Capt. Tucker had cached a supply, tied up in a tree. To their in- 
exepressible grief and dismay they were gone. Some wild animals had 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 



605 



eaten the ropes and destroyed them. Death stared them in the face, and 
the strons^est man trembled at the prospect. 

But soon they met James F. Reed, and the little party with him was 
laden with provisions for the snff erers. Taking just snfficient for their 
immediate wants each passed on. The meeting between Reed and his 
family under the circumstances, was very touching, and after a simple 
crreetincr he continued his iourney knowing full well that an hour's delay 
might cost a human life. 

At Bear Valley Capt. Tucker had another cache of provisions, and 
these were safe. The small quantity distributed could not satisfy their 
huniier, and great care was taken that the starving people did not get too 
much. ' After a sufficient quantity was distributed, the remainder was 
hung up in a tree. During the night a boy named Hook climbed the tree 
audlte until his hunger was appeased. It was a fatal act. In the morn- 
ing he could not move, and the camp went on without him. William 
Murphy's feet were swollen and blistered so that he could go no further, 
and he, too, was left. A camp keeper likewise remained. When all had 
gone, William Murphy rose up and followed. ^ For two days he walked 
barefoot on the snow, his feet frozen and bleeding. 

In marcaing, the leader provided with snow shoes went ahead and the 
rest followed, stepping in his tracks. Little James Reed could not take 
such long steps and had to go partly on his knees, yet he got through with 

the rest. 

Mr. Reed found the inmates in the cabins at the lake and on the creek 
in a sad condition, but overjoyed at the prospect of relief. Food was dis- 
tributed sparingly that harm might not come from over eating. At Kese- 
berg's cabin was Foster's and Reed's little children. They were ui bed 
and crying incessantly for food. For fourteen days they had not risen or 
been moved from the bed. 

The threatening appearance of the weather impelled Mr. Reed to at 
once return. With him went seventeen persons, among whom were Mrs. 
Elizabeth Graves, Nancy G.-aves, Jonathan, Franklin, and her daughter 
Elizabeth Jr. All were weak and emaciated and it was evident the journey 
would be slow and painful. 

Mrs. Donner's husband was an invalid, and the faithful wife would 
not leave him even to save her own life. The party scarcely made three 
miles the iirst day, and then went into camp. At leaving Mrs. Graves 
took with her a considerable sum of money, but how much is unknown, 



GOG RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Geo, Span- paid her husband $1,500, and it is not probable much of this 
was used in procuring an outfit. The first night some one of the party 
jokingly said they would play a game of cards to see who should have her 
money. The next morning she staid Ijehind and secreted it. All that is 
known is, that she buried it behind a big rock on the north side of Donner 
Lake. So far as known it has never been found. 

The threatening stonn came in all its fury, and the poor immigrants 
were exposed to its pitiless blasts. They were shelterless, supperless and 
disheartened, and sank down upon the snow, some never to rise again. 
Except for the exertions of James Reed this dreadtul night all must 
have perished. He labored at the tires, he piled snow against the shel- 
tering boughs, he shook it from the poor sleepers. But there is a limit to 
human endurance and while saving others he was literally freezing. He 
labored until sightless, benumbed and half dying he sank down on the 
snow. Providentially Mrs. Bi'een awoke. The logs on which the iire 
rested had given away, the coals dropped on the snow and had gone out 
and soon all would have been in dajkness. The camp was quickly roused 
and Reed was cared for. All were nearly frozen. Hiram Miller's hands 
were so cold and frosted that the skin cracked when he strove to split 
some kindling. The night was the coldest many of them had ever known, 
and in the darkness and in the storm the weary soul of Mrs. Graves put 
out on the imknown sea of eternity. She was one of the noblest and self- 
sacrificing mothers in the party. Her life was devoted to her children, 
and for them she yielded it up. 

Mrs. Farnham, who gathered the particulars from one who was present 
thus describes the closing scene: "Mrs, Graves lay with har babe and 
three or four children by the side of the fire. The storm raged violently 
all night, and she watched through it, taking little snatches of rest, and 
I'ousing herself to brush the snow from the sleepers. Toward morning 
one of the little Grave's girls called her mother's name. The call was 
repeated impatiently, and Mrs. Breen rebuked the child, telling her to let 
her mother rest. Presently Mi-s. Giaves spoke in a quite unnatural voice 
and Mrs. Breen asked one of the men to go and see to her. He found 
the poor sufferer almost gone, and taking the infant, shook the snow from 
the blanket and covered her as well as he could. Presently Mrs. Breen 
went and found her cold in death. Her poor starving child moaned 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 607 

piteously in the arms of it's young sister, but the mother's heart could no 
more warm or nourish it." 

Meanwhile the snow came pitilessly down without ceasing. For three 
days it stormed incessantly, and none can imagine the dread desolation of 
the scene. It is best told in Bret Harte's story of "Gabriel Conroy." ^ 

" Snow everywhere. As far as the eye could reach— fifty miles looking 
southward from the highest white peak. Filling ravines and gulches and 
dropping from the walls of canyons in white shroud like drifts fashioning 
the dividing ridge into the likeness of a monstrous grave, hiding the basis 
of giant pines and completely covering young trees and larches, rimming 
with porcelain tlie bowl-like edges of still, cold lakes, and undulating in 
motionless, white billows to the distant horizon. Snow lying everywhere 
on the California Sierras, and still falling. It had been snowing in finely 
granulated powder, in damp, spongy flakes, in thin, feathery plumes; 
snowing from a leaden sky steadily; snowing fiercely; shaken out of black 
purple clouds in flocculent masses, or dropping in long, level lines like 
white lances from the broken and tumbled heavens; but always steadily. 
The woods were so choked with it, it had so cushioned and mufiled the 
ringing rocks and echoing hills, that all sound was deadened. The 
strongest gust, the fiercest blast awoke no sigh from the snow-packed rigid 
piles of frost. There was no cracking of bough, no crackle of underbrush; 
the overladen branches of fir and pine yielded and gave way without a 
sound. The silence was vast, measureless, complete." 

No description can do justice to that awful night. Even the pen of 
the romancer fails to reproduce its dreadful horrors. 

Mrs. Breen laid her husband and four children together, and while 
they slept watched by the fire, with only moccasins on her feet and a 
blanket drawn over her head, within which she shielded her poor, emaci- 
ated baby. Her milk had dried up, and the babe was so poor and lifeless 
that each hour she expected it to expire. 

The brave men who had periled their lives to save the poor emigrants 
felt themselves in imminent danger of death. They were powerless 
to carry the helpless and starving children through the soft, yielding 
snow, and it was doubtful whether they could ever. reach the settle- 
ments, even if unencumbered. Isaac Donner, one of the sons of Jacob 
and Elizabeth Donner, died the second night. He was sleeping on a bed 



608 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

of pine boughs between his sister Mary and Patty Keed, and died so 
quietly that neither of them awoke. 

In the deep snow, and the weak and starving condition of the fugitives, 
progress was impossible, and yet to remain was death. The relief party 
felt that the only hope was to hasten to the settlements and send back 
relief. Solomon Hook thought himself able to travel, and joined the party. 
Hii-am Miller, an old friend of the Reed family, took Francis Reed in his 
arms, and Patty Reed, full of courage and hope, refused to be carried, 
and started on foot. 

With what emotions did the pooi' sufferers in Starved Camp see 
the party disappear among the pines. There was no food, and death had 
already claimed two of their number. A\'hat a pitiable group it was. 
Could a situation more desolate and deplorable be imagined. Mr. Breen, as 
has before been mentioned, was feeble and sickly, and upon his faithful 
wife devolved the care not only of her helpless family, but of all who 
remained in camp. John Breen, their eldest son, was the strongest and 
most vigorous, yet the following incident shows how near he was to death's 
door: The fire had melted a deep cavity in the snow, down which the 
men sometimes descended, and into this pit the boy stumbled and :^11, but 
f jrtunately was rescued. It was some time before he was restoi-ed to 
consciousness. Mrs. Breen had saved a small piece of sugar, which she 
])laced between his teeth, and that seemed to revive him. He lived, and 
is now the head of a large family in San Benito County. 

Mi'S. Breen 's younger children, Patrick, James, Peter, and her babe 
Isabella, were completely helpless and dependent. So, too, were the 
orphan children of Mr. and Mrs. Graves. Nancy was only about nine 
yeais old, and upon her devolved the task of caring for the little babe 
Elizabeth, and to her lasting honor be it said, although she was dying of 
hunger^ she faithfully tended, cared for and saved her baby sister. Aside 
from little bits of sugar, this baby and Mrs. Breen's had nothing for an 
entire week but snow water. Besides Nancy and Elizabeth there were of 
the Graves children Jonathan, aged seven, and Franklin, aged five. 
•Franklin soon perished. Starvation and exposure had so reduced his 
feeble person that he could not endure the continued fasting. Nancy 
Graves became the wife of R. W. Williamson, an able, eloquent and 
devout divine of Los Gatos, Santa Clara County. 

An accident happened to Mary Conner, an estimable girl. She had 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 609 

frozen her feet, and they were insensible to pain. Happening to be too 
near the fire, they were dreadfully burned, and she suffered excruciating 
agony, yet evinced remarkable fortitude. She ultimately had to submit 
to a partial amputation of her foot. 

Of the fourteen who staated out three — ^Mrs. Graves, her boy Frank- 
lin, and Isaac Donner — lay dead upon the snow, and the eleven waiting 
relief were the P5reen family of seven, Mary Donner and the three Graves 
children. 

Meantime, how fared it with those who went pressing on toward 
the southwest? At each step they sank above their knees in snow, 
each following in the footsteps of the leader. Only the strongest could 
endure the severe hardships of forcing a way through the interminable 
drifts, and the men alternated in leading as their strength allowed. Patty 
Keed was too small to take the long steps, and the over-exertion soon told 
upon her; yet so resolute and courageous was she that she would not 
admit she was either cold or fatigued. She was but eight years old, but 
had a wonderful mind for one of her age. She was too weak to endure 
her journey, and gradually her system gave way. Her sight grew dim, 
and the path, the forest, the bleak mountains faded from her eyes, but in 
their stead came a vision of angels and brilliant stars. It was a picture 
seldom seen by mortal eyes, full of glory and brightness. Her wan face 
became illumined with smiles, and she began to talk of the radiant forms 
that ho veered near her, the angels, the stars, and the happiness she felt. 
McCutcheon looked on the girl and said to her father: " Why Reed, Patty 
is dying." It was too true. 

At once the party stopped and went into camp, that they might minis- 
ter to the little girl. At the starved camp Reed had taken the frozen 
sacks in which food had been carried, and scraping from the seams little 
crumbs of bread that adhered, placed them in the thumb of his mitten for 
an emergency like this. Little did he imagine such an emergency would 
come so soon. Warming and moistening the crumbs between his own 
lips, the father placed them in the child's mouth. Others wrapped blan- 
kets round her chilled form, chafed her feet, and gradually she returned 
to life, her first words being a regret that they had wakened her from that 
beautiful dream. To this day she cherishes the memory of that enchant- 
ing vision. After this Patty was carried on the men's backs. 

Without further accident they arrived at Bear Valley, where Past 



610 



BECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



Midshipman Woodwortb, with supplies, had idly waited without an sffort 
to succor those known to be in the mountains. His name deserves to be 
embalmed in infamy. 

Patty Reed is now Mrs. Frank Lewis, of San Jose, California. She 
has a pleasant home and a beautiful family of grown-up daughters; yet 
never has she forgotten that dreary, desolate journey in the mountains that 
so nearly terminated her existence. 




Sad story of the graVJes family. 



en 



CHAPTER LIV. 




A MOTHER AT STARVED CAMP. 

►E have told how Mrs. Breen was left with the living and 
the dead at Starved Camp, and its history cannot better 
be given than has been done by Mrs. Farnham, whose ac- 
count we append : 

There was no food in Starved Camp. There waF 
nothing to eat save a few seeds, tied in bits of cloth, that 
had been brought along by some one, — and the precious 
lump of sugar. There were also a few teaspoonfuls 
of tea. They sat and lay by the fire most of the day, with what heavy 
hearts who shall know. They were upon about thirty feet of snow. The 
dead lay before them, a ghastlier sight in the sunshine that succeeded the 
storm than when the dark clouds overhung them. They had no words of 
cheer to speak to each other — no courage or hope to share — but those 
which pointed to a life where hunger and cold could never come, and 
their benumbed faculties were scarcely able to seize upon a consolation so 
remote from the thoughts and wants that absorbed their whole beinsj. 

" A situation like this will not awaken in common natures religious 
trust. Under such protracted suffering, the animal outgrows the spiritual 
in frightful disproportion. Yet the mother's sublime faith, which had 
brought her thus far through her agonies, with a heart still warm toward 
those who shared them, did not fail her now. She spoke gently to 
one and another; asked her husband to repeat the Litany, and the children 
to join her in the responses ; and endeavored to fix their minds upon the 
time when relief would probably come. Nature, as unerringly as philoso- 
phy could have done, taught her that the only hope of sustaining those 
about her was to set before them a termination of their sufferings. 

What days and nights were those that went by while they waited. 
Life waning visibly in those about her; not a morsel of food to offer them; 
both her own infant and the little one that had been cherished and saved 
through all by the mother now dead, wasting hourly into the more perfect 
image of death ; her husband worn to a skeleton ; it needed the fullest 



612 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

measure of exalted faitL, of womanly tenderness and self-sacrifice, to sus- 
tain her thi'ougli such a season. She watched by night as well as by day; 
she gathered ^vood to keep them warm; she boiled the handful of tea and 
dispensed it to them; and when she found one sunken and speechless, she 
broke with her teeth a morsel of the precious sugar and put it on his lips. 
She fed her babe freely on snow water, and scanty as was the wardrobe 
she had, she managed to get fresh clothing to its skin two or three times 
a week. Where, one asks in wonder and reverence, did she get tke 
strength and courage for all this ? She sat all night by her family, her 
elbows on her knees, bi'ooding over the meek little victims that lay there, 
watching those who slept, and occasionally dozing, with a fc^arful con- 
sciousness of their terrible condition always upon her. The sense of peril 
never slumbered. Many times during the night she went to the sleepers 
to ascertain if they all still breathed. She put her hand under their blan- 
kets and held it before the mouth. In this way she assured herself that 
they were yet alive. But once her blood curdled to find, on approaching 
her hand to the lips of one of her own children, there was no warm breath 
upon it. She tried to open the mouth, and found the jaws set. 

She roused her husband, "Oh! Patrick, man! arise and help me! 
James is dying ! " 

"Let him die ! " said the miserable father; "he will be better off than 
any of us." 

She was terribly shocked by this reply. In her. own expressive lan- 
guage, her "heart stood still when she heard it." She was bewildered, 
and knew not whei^ to set her weary hands to work ; but she recovered 
in a few moments and began to chafe the breast and hands of the perish- 
ing boy. She broke a bit of sugar, and with considerable effort forced it 
between his teeth with a few drops of snow water. She saw him swallow, 
then a slight convulsive motion stirred his features, he stretched his limbs 
feebly, ^and in a moment more opened his eyes and looked upon her. How 
fervent were her thanks to the Great Father, whom she forgot not day or 
night. 

Thus she went on. The tea leaves were eaten, the seeds chewed, the 
sugar all dispensed. The days were bright and, compared with the nights, 
comfortable. Occasionally, when the ,- un shone, their voices were heard, 
though generally they sat or laid in a kind of stupor from which she often 
found it alarmingly difficult to arouse them. When the gray evening twi- 
light drew its deepining curtain over the cold glittering heavens and the 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 61^ 

icy waste, and wLen the famishing bodies had been covered from the 
frost that pinched them with but little less keenness than the unrelenting 
hunger, the solitude seemed to I'end her very brain. Her own powers fal- 
tered. But she said her prayers over many times in the darkness as well 
as the light, and always with renewed trust in Him who had not yet for- 
saken her ; and thus she sat out her weary watch. After the turning of 
the night she always sat M'atching for the morning star, which seemed, 
every time she saw it rise in the cold eastern sky, to renew the promise, 
"As thy day is, so shall thy strength be," 

Their fire had melted the snow to a considerable depth, and they were 
lying on the bank above. Thus they had less of its heat than they needed, 
and found some difficulty in getting the fuel she gathered placed so it 
would burn. 

One morning after she had hailed her messenger of promise, and the 
light had increased so as to render objects visible in the distance, she 
looked as usual over the white expanse that lay to the southwest, to see 
if any dark moving specks were visible upon its surface. Only the tree- 
tops, which she had scanned so often as to be quite familiar with their ap- 
pearance, were to be seen. With a heavy heart she brought herself back 
from that distant hope to consider what was immediately about her. The 
fire had sunk so far away that they had felt but little of its wamith the 
last two nights, and casting her eyes down into the snow-pit, whence it 
sent forth only a dull glow, she thought she saw thie welcome face of be- 
loved mother Earth, It was such a renewing sight after their long, freez- 
ing separation from it! 

She immediately aroused her eldest son, John, and with a great deal 
of difficulty and repeated words of ckeering and encouragement brought 
him to understand that she wished him to descend by one of the tree-tops 
which had fallen in so as to make a sort of ladder, and see if they could 
I'eacli the naked earth, and if it were possible for them all to go down. 
She trembled with fear at the vacant silence in which he at first gazed at 
her, but at length, after she had told him a great many times, he said 
"Yes, mother," and went. 

He reached the bottom safely, and presently spoke to her. There was 
naked, dry earth under his feet ; it was warm and he wished her to come 
down. She laid her baby beside some of the sleepers, and descended. 
Immediately she determined upon taking them all down. How good, she 
thought as she descended the boughs, was the God whom she trusted. 



614 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

By perseversnce, by entreaty, by encouragement, and with her own aid 
she got them into this snug shelter. 

Relief came not, and as starvation crept closer and closer to himself 
and those around him, Patrick Breen determined that it was his duty to 
employ the means of sustaining life which God seemed to have placed 
before them. The lives of all might be saved by resorting to such food 
as others in like circumstances had subsisted upon. Mrs. Breen, however, 
declared that she would die, or see her children die, before her life or 
theirs should be preserved by such means. If ever the father gave to the 
dying children, it was without her consent or knowledge. She never 
tasted, nor knew of her children partaking. 

Mrs. Farnham says that when Patrick Breen ascended to obtain the 
dreadful repast, his wife, li'ozen witJi horror, hid her face in her hands and 
could not look up. She was conscious of his return, and of something 
going on about the lire, but she could not bring herself to uncover her 
eyes until all had subsided again into silence. Her husband remarked that 
perhaps they were wrong in rejecting a means of sustaining life of which 
others had availed themselves, but she put away the suggestion so posi- 
tively that it was never renewed nor acted upon by any of her family. 

She and her children were now, indeed, reaching the utmost verge of 
life, A little more battle with the grim enemies that had pursued them 
so relentlessly — twenty-four, or at most, forty-eight hours of such war- 
fare, and all would be ended. The infants still breathed, but were so 
wasted they could only be moved by raising them bodily with the hands. 
It seemed as if even their light weight would have dragged the limbs from 
their bodies. Occasionally through the day she ascended the tree to look 
out. It was an incident now, and seemed to kindle more life than when 
it only required a turn of the head or a glance of the eye to tell that there 
was no living thing near them. She could no longer walk on the snow, 
but she had still strength enough to crawl from tree to tree and gather a 
few boughs, which t^he threw along before her to the pit and piled them 
in to ]-enew the fire. 

The eighth day was passed. On the ninth morning she ascended to 
watch for her star of mercy. Clear and bright it stood over against her 
beseeching gaze, set in the light liquid blue that overflows the pathway of 
the opening day. She prayed earnestly as she gazed, for she knew there 
were but few hours of life in those dearest to her. If human aid came 
not that day, some eyes that would soon look imploringly into hers would 




(A 

> 

< 

O 
u 

X 

I- 

ll. 


u 

z 
u 
u 

to 

05 

00 



LlJ 

< 

_J 

(T 
LJ 

Z 
Z 

o 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. G17 

Le closed in cleatli before that star would rise again. Would she herself with 
all her endurance and resisting love, live to see it? Were they at length 
to perish ? Great God ! should it be permitted that they who had been 
preserv^ed through so much, should die at last so miserably? 

Her eyes were dim and her sight wavering. She could not distinguish 
trees from men on the snow, but had they been near she could have heard 
them, for her ear had grown so sensitive that the slightest unaccustomed 
noise ari-ested her attention. She went below with a heavier heart than 
ever before. She had not a word of hope to answer the languid, inquir- 
ing countenances that were turned to her face, and she was conscious that 
it told the story of her despair. Yet she strove with some half insane 
woi'ds to suggest that somebody would surely come to them that day. 
Another would be too late, and the pity of men's hearts and the mercy of 
God would surely biing them. The pallor of death seemed already to be 
stealing over the sunken countenances that surrounded her, and weak as 
she was, she could remain below but a few minutes together. She felt 
she could have died had she let go her resolution at any time within the 
last forty-eight hours. They repeated the Litany. The responses came 
so feebly that they were scarcely audible, and the protracted utterances 
seemed weaiisome. At last it was over, and they rested in silence. 

The sun mounted high and higher in tlie heavens, and when the day 
was three or four hours old, she placed her trembling feet again upon the 
ladder to look out once more. The corpses of the dead lay always before 
her as she reached the top — the mother and the son, and the little boy, 
whose remains she could not even glance at since they had been mutilated. 
The blanket that covered them could not shut out the horror of the 
sight. 

The rays of the sun fell on her with a friendly warmth, but she could 
not look into the light that flooded the white expanse. Her eyes lacked 
strength and steadiness, and she rested herself against a tree and endeav- 
ored to gather her wandering faculties in vain. The enfeebled will could 
no longer hold rule over them. She had broken perceptions, fragments of 
visions, contradictory and mixed — former mingled with latter times. Re- 
collections of plenty and rural peace came up from her clear tranqidl 
childhood, which seemed to have been another state of existence ; flashes 
of her latter life — its comfort and abundance — gleams of maternal pride 
in her children who had been growing up about her to ease and independ- 
ence. 



Gi8 Rlscotibs o'F The oLDen time. 

She lived through all the phases which her simple life had ever worn 
in the few moments of repose after the dizzy effort of ascending; as the 
thin blood left her whirlincr brain and returned to its shrunken channels, 
she grew more clearly conscious of the terrible present, and remembered the 
weary quest upon which she came. It was not the memory of thought; it 
was that of love, the old tugging at the heart that had never relaxed long 
enough to say: "Now I am done; I can bear no more!" The miserable 
ones down there — for them her wa "ering life came back; at thought of 
them she turned her face listlessly the way it had so often gazed. But 
this time something caused it to flush, as if the blood, cold and thin as it 
was, would burst its vessels ! What was it ? Nothing that she saw, for 
her eyes were quite dimmed by the sudden access of excitement! It was 
the sound of voices ! By a superhuman effort she kept herself from 
falling. Was it reality or delusion ? She must at least live to know the 
truth. It came again and again. She grew calmer as she became more 
assured, and the first distinct words she heard uttered were: "There is 
Mrs. Breen alive yet, anyhow !" Three men were advancing toward her. 
She knew that now there would be no more starving. Death was i-epelled 
for this time from the precious little flock he had so long threatened, and 
she might offer up thanksgiving unchecked by the dreads and fears that 
had so long frozen her. 




SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 



{U9 



CHAPTER LV. 




THE RESCUE. 



>HE men who reached Starved Camp formed a part of the 
third relief party sent foi'ward, and to a better iniderstand- 
ing of it some account of the efforts made should be given. 
The first relief was contributed by good old Captain 
Sutter, to whom be the praise. When James Reed reached 
the settlements, he at once went to San Francisco to com- 
municate with the Government, and his story created the 
wildest excitement. 
The story that emigrants were starving to death in the mountains pro- 
foundly stirred people, and offers of provisions, horses and money poured 
in without stint. It was the time of the Mexican war, and most of the 
able-bodied men were with the army, so that suitable persons to make the 
perilous journey were not to be found. Captain Tucker's party, organ- 
ized upon the arrival of the Forlorn Hope, was the first. Reed and his 
companions were the second, and the third was led by Eddy and Foster. 

Wh( n they reached the deep well -like cavity where the Breens and 
the Graves children were, a very serious question arose. Out of the 
eleven but two were able to walk. A storm appeared gathering on the 
mountains, and their supply of provisions was limited. It was proposed 
to take the Graves children and Mary Donner, leaving the Breens to wait 
the arrival of another party, which all knew meant death. 

Oakley and Rhodes favored leaving them, but Stark said "No, I will 
not abandon these people. I am here on an errand of mercy and I will 
not half do my work. You may go, but I will stay by them while they 
and I live." It was nobly said, and nobly did he perform what he prom- 
ised. To him the lives of the entire family are mainly due. The greater 
part of the distance he carried one of the Graves and one of the Breen 
children. He was a powerful man and made light of carrying the blank- 
ets, provisions and some of the weaker children. He was formerly from 
Monmouth, 111. 

At Donner Lake much suffering had occurred. Here Lavina Murphy 



()20 ftECOiRDS OF THE OLDEIS^ TIME. 

was left in charge of liei' grandson, Geo. Fostei', tlie cliild of James Eddy, 
and the three Donner girls. All occupied the sara^ cabin, and with them 
was Keseburg. 

When Foster and Eddy arrived their children were dead. It is said 
that Keseburg killed aud ate one of them during the night, and while thei-e 
is some discrepancy of opinion on this subject, all agree that he kept the 
remains hanging on a nail in the cabin for use until consumed. It will l)e 
remembered he was charged with two murders previously, those of Hard- 
coop and Woltinger. 

In the morning the relief party started Ijack. Eddy was to cany 
Georgia Donner, Thompson, Frances Donner, and Foster, Simon Murphy. 
John Baptise and Clark were to accompany them. At Alder Creek George 
Donner was at death's door, but liis faithful wife would not desert him, 
though well knowing her life was the penalty of remaining. Of ten occu- 
pants, seven lay V)eneath the snows, and three survived, one of whom was 
soon to go. This was George Donner, the captain of the party. 

Mrs. Murphy was sick, exhausted and unable to walk. She had cared 
for others until her health and strength were gone, and she was utterly 
helpless. The children had best go, but she would remain until able to 
ti'avel. With her, too, staid Keseberg, who by reason of lameness, as he 
asserted, was unable to travel ; though others assert he had a more pow- 
erful reason for remaining, — a desire to possess himself of George Don- 
ner 's property. 

The night previous to their leaving, Mrs. Tamsen Donner, mother 
of the three little girls, came up from Alder Creek, seven miks distant, 
to enquire after her little ones, whom she supposed had gone across the 
mountains. Oh, the joy and the pain of that meeting. As they wound 
their arms around her neck, kissed her lips, laughed in her eyes and 
twined their fingers in her hair, what a struggle must have been taking 
place in her soul. 

As the pleading, upturned faces of her babies begged her not to leave 
them, her very heart-strings must have Ijeen rent with agony. Well may 
the voice quiver or the hand tremble, that attempts to portray the anguish 
of this mother during that farewell interview. From the very first mo- 
ment, her resolution to return to her husband remained unshaken. The 
members of the relief party entreated her to go with her children and 
save her own life. They urged that there could only be a few hours of 
life left in George Donner. This was so true that she once ventured the 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 621 

request tLat tliey remain until sLe could return to Alder Creek, and see if 
he were yet alive. The gathering storm-clouds which had hovered over 
the summit for days, compelled them to refuse this request. An hour's 
d^lay might be fatal to all. 

Geoi-ge Donner knew that he was dying, and had frecjuently urged his 
wife to leave him, cross the mountains, and take care of her children. As 
she held her darlings in her arms, it rec^uired no prophetic vision to dis- 
close pictures of sadness, of lonely childhood, of longing girlhood, of pil- 
lows wet with tears, if these three little waifs were left to wander friend- 
less in California. She i;iever expressed a belief that she would see that 
land of promise beyond the Sierras. Often had her calm, earnest voice 
told them of the future which awaited them, and so far as possible had 
she prepared them to meet that future without the counsel or symjDathy 
of father oi- mother. 

The night-shadows, creeping through the shivering pines, warned her 
of the long, dreary way over which her tired feet must pass ere she 
reached her dying husband's side. She is said to have appeared strangely 
composed. The struggle was silent. The poor bleeding heart brought 
not a single moan to the lips. It was a choice between life, hope and 
her clinging babes, or a lonely vigil Ijy a dying husband, and an unknown, 
shroudless death in the wintry mountains. Her husband was sixty-three; 
he was well stricken in years, and his life was fast ebbing away. If she 
returned through the fi'osty night-winds, over the crisp, freezing snow, 
she would travel fourteen miles that day. The strong, healthy men com- 
posing the relief ])arties frequently could travel but five or six miles in a 
day. If she made the journey, and found her husband was dead, she 
could have no hope of returning on the morrow. She had suffered too 
long from hunger and privation to hope to be able to return and overtake 
the relief party. It was certain life or certain death. On the side of the 
foruier was maternal love ; on the side of the latter, wifely devotion. The 
whole I'ange of history cannot produce a parallel example of adherence to 
duty, and to the dictates of conjugal fidelity. With quick convulsive 
pressure of her little ones to liei- lieart; with a hasty, soul-throbbing kiss 
upon the lips of each ; with a ])rayer that ^vas stilled with a sob of agony, 
Tamsen Donner hurried away to her husband. Through the gathering 
darkness, past the shadowy sentinels of the forest, they watched with 
tearful eyes her retreating form. As if she dared not trust another sight 
of the little faces — as if to escape the pitiful wail of her darlings — she 



622 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

ran straight foT'ward until out of sight and hearing. She never once 
looked back. 

There are mental struggles which so absorb the being and soul, that 
phj^sical terrors or tortures ai-e unnoticed. Tamsen Donner's mind was 
passing through such an oi'deal. The fires of Moloch, tht. dreadful suttee, 
were sacrifices which long religious education sanctioned, and in which 
the devotees perished amidst the plaudits of admiring multitudes. This 
woman had chosen a death of solitude, of hungei', of bitter cold, of pain- 
racked exhaustion, and was actuated by only the pure principles of wifely 
love. Already the death-damp was gathering on George Donner's brow. 
iVt the utmost, she could hope to do no more than smooth the dying pil- 
low, tenderly clasp the fast-chilling hand, press farewell kisses upon the 
whitening lips, and finally close the dear tired e3'es. For this, only this, 
she was yielding life, the world and her darling babes. Fitted by culture 
and refinement to be an ornament to society, qualified by education to 
rear her daughters to lives of honor and usefulness, how it must have 
wrung her heart to allow her little ones to go unprotected into a wilder- 
ness of strangers. But she could not leave her husband to die alone." 
Rather solitude, better death, than desert the father of her children. O 
Land of the Sunset! let the memory of this wife's devotion be ever en- 
shrined in the hearts of your faithful daughters! In tablets thus pure 
engrave the name of Tamsen Donner. 

When the June sunshine gladdened the Sacramento Valley, three 
sweet little barefooted girls walked here and there among the houses and 
tents of Sutter's Fort. They were scantily clothed, and one carried a thin 
blanket. At night they said their prayers, lay down in whatever tent 
they happened to be, and folding the blanket about them fell asleep in 
each other's arms. When they were hungry they asked food of whom- 
soever they met. If any one inquired who they Avere, they answered as 
their mother had taught them: "We are the children of Mr. and Mi's. 
George Donner." But they added something they had learned since. It 
was, "and our parents are dead." 

With the rescue of the Graves family this narrative properly ends; 
but those who have followed the party thus far will like to know the fate 
of those still behind. 

George Donner came from Springfield, 111., and was a man of consid- 
erable "wealth. He had a large amount of valuable goods, and considera- 
ble gold and silver, — how much is not known, but it is supposed some 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 623 

ten or twelve thousand dollars at least. These facts were known to 
Keseberg, and it is supposed influenced his course. It is claimed he 
could have accompanied the third, or Foster and Eddy's party, but chose 
to remain. ' Mi's. Murphy was too ill, and Mrs. Tamsen Donner would not 
leave her husband. These comprised all that were left. 

The fourth, or Captain Fallon's relief party reached the lake April 
1 7, and Captain Tucker, who accompanied them, best describes the awful 
sight. "'Human bodies terribly mutilated, legs, arms, skulls and portions 
or remains were scattered in every direction. Mrs. Murphy's body was 
found with one of the limbs sawed off, the saw lying beside the remains. 
Near the Graves cabin were two bodies entire except that the abdomens 
were cut open and the entrails removed. In that dry atmosphere nothing 
decays, but bodies shrivel up and wear away, becoming like mummies. 
Stre^vn al)out were skulls which had been sawn asunder to extract the 
brains, and skeletons in every variety of mutilation. 

The remains of George Donner were found in the cabin, neatly wrapped 
in a sheet. To carefully lay out her husband's body and tenderly enfold 
it in a winding sheet was the last act of devotion to her husband per- 
formed by Tamsen Donner. When this was done, she went to the Mur- 
phy cabin, and whether murdered by Keseberg to obtain possession of her 
husband's money, as is generally believed, or whether she died a natural 
death, only the Father above and one individual knows. Mrs- Murphy 
probably starved to death. 

When Capt. Fallon's party reached the camp at the lake no one was 
visible, but a fresh track in the snow led away from camp towards the 
Donner cabins. They pressed forward to Alder Creek, finding his goods 
as described but the closest search failed to discover any money. On their 
return to the Graves cabin at the lake they found the same mysterious 
tracks which proved to be those of Keseberg. When asked for Donner's 
money he refused to divulge what had become of it, and not until a rope 
was put around his neck with a threat of hanging did he tell where it 
was hidden. All that was i-ecovei'ed was $531. Capt. Fallon in his re- 
l)ort says he found two kettles of human blood, in all supposed to be over 
a gallon. If Kesebei'g is guilty of all that is charged he has terribly ex- 
piated his crimes. Of all men living he is the most miserable, and as no 
one should be condemned without a hearing let him give his own version 
of this terrible story. He says : 

" If I believe in God Almighty having anything to do with the destiny of 



624 KECOKDS OF THE OLDEX TIME. 

man, I believe that the misfortunes which overtook theDonner party and the 
terrible part I was compelled to take in the great tragedy were predestined. 
On Hastings' cut off, we were twenty-eight days going twenty-one miles. 
" When we reached the lake we lost our road, and owing to the depth 
of the snow on the mountains, were compelled to abandon our wagons, 
and pack our goods upon oxen. The cattle, unused to such burdens, 
caused great delay by 'bucking' and wallowing in the snoAV. There was 
also much confusion as to what articles should be taken and what aljan- 
doned. One wanted a box of tobacco carried along ; anothei-, a bale of 
calico, and some one thing and some another. But for this delay we 
would have passed the summit and pressed forward to California. Owing 
to my lameness, I was placed on horseback, and my foot Avas tied up to 
the saddle in a sort of sling. Near evening we were close to the top of 
the dividing ridge. It was cold and chilly, and everybody was tired with 
the severe exertirins of the day. Some jf the emigrants sat down to rest, 
and declared they could go no further. I begged them for God's sake to 
get over the ridge before halting. Some one, however, set fire to a pitchy 
pine tree, and the flames soon ascended to its topmost branches. The 
women and children gathered about this flre to warm themselves. Mean- 
time the oxen were rubbing oif their packs against the trees. The 
weather looked very threatening, and I exhorted them to go on until the 
summit was reached. I foresaw the danger plainly and unmistakably. 
Only the strongest men, however, could go ahead and break the road, and 
it would have taken a determined man to induce the party to leave the 
fire. Had I been well, and been able to push ahead over the ridge, some, 
if not all, would have followed. As it was, all laid down on the snow, 
and from exhaustion were soon asleep. In the night I felt something 
impeding my breath. A heavy weight seemed to be resting upon me. 
Springing up to a sitting posture, I found myself covered with freshly- 
fallen snow. The camp, the cattle, my companions, had all disappeared. 
All I could see was snow everywhei-e. I shouted at the top of my voice. 
Suddenly here and there, all about me, heads popped up through tlie 
snow. The scene was not unlike what one might imagine at the resurrec- 
tion, when people rise up out of the earth. The terror amounted to a 
panic. The mules were lost, the cattle strayed away, and our further 
progress rendered impossible. The rest you probably know. We returned 
to the lake, and prepared as best we could for the winter. I was unable 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 625 

to build a cabin, because of my lameuess, and so erected a soi't of brush 
shed against one side of Breen's cabin. 

"When lieed's relief party left the cabins, Mr. Reed left me a half tea- 
cupful of flour, and about half a poiuid of jerked beef. It was all he 
could give. Mrs. Murphy, who was left with me, because too weak and 
emaciated to walk, had no larger portion. Reed had no animosity against 
me. He found me too weak to move. Tie washed me, combed my hai]-, 
and treated me kindly. Indeed, he had no cause to do otherwise. When 
Reed came with the relief party to the lake, he found his children in ray 
cabin. Some of my portion of the flour brought b}^ Stanton from Sut- 
ter's Fort I gave to Reed's children, and thus saved their lives. When he 
left me he promised to return in two weeks and carry me over the 
mountains. When this party left, I was not able to stand, much less to 
walk. 

"A heavy storm came on in a few days after the last relief party left. 
Mrs. George Donner had remained with her sick husband in their camp, 
six or seven miles away. Mrs. Murphy lived about a week after we were 
left alone. When my provisions gave out I remained four days before I 
could taste human flesh. There was no other resort — it was that or death. 
My wife and child had gone on with the fi.ist relief party. I knew not 
whether they were living or dead. They were penniless and friendless in 
a strange land. For their sakes I must live if not for my own. Mrs. 
Murphy was too weak to revive. The flesh of starved beings contains 
little nutriment. It is like feeding straw to horses. 

"I cannot describe the unutterable repugnance with which I tasted the 
first mouthful of flesh. Thei'e is an instinct in our nature that revolts at 
the thought of touching, much less eating a corpse. It makes my blood 
curdle to think of it ! It has been told that I boasted of my shame — said 
that I enjoyed this horrid food, and that I remarked that human flesh was 
moi'e palatable than California beef. This is a falsehood. It is a horrible 
revolting falsehood. This food was never otherwise than loathesome, in- 
sipid and disgusting. For nearly two months I was alone in that dismal 
cabin. No one knows what occurred but myself — no living being ever be- 
fore was told of the occurrences. Life was a burden. The horrors of onc^ 
day succeeded those of the preceeding. Five of my companions had died 
in my cabin and their stark and ghastly bodies lay there day and night, 
seemingly gazing at me with their glazed and staring eyes. I was too 
weak to move them had I tried. The relief parties had not removed 



626 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

them. These parties had been too hurried, too horror stricken at the 
sight, too fearful lest an hour's delay might cause them to share the same 
fate. I endured a thousand deaths. To have one's suffering prolonged 
inch b}^ inch, to be deserted, forsaken, hopeless; to see that loathsome 
food ever before my eyes, was almost too mucli for human endurance. I 
am conversant with four different languages. I speak and write them with 
e(|ual fluency, yet in all four I do not find words enough to express the 
horror I experienced during those two months, or what I still feel when 
memory reverts to the scene. Suicide would have been a relief, a happi- 
ness, a godsend ! Many a time I had the muzzle of my pistol in my 
mouth and my finger on the triggei', but the faces of my helpless, depend- 
ent wife and child would rise up before me, and my hand \\:ould fall pow- 
erless. I was not the cause of my misfortunes, and God Almighty had 
provided only this one horrible way for me to . ubsist." 

" Did you boil the flesh ?" 

"Yes! But to go into details — to relate the minutiae — is too agoniz- 
ing! I cannot do it! Imagination can supply these. The necessary mu- 
tilation of the bodies of those who had been my friends, rendered the 
ghastliness of my situation more frightful. When I could crawl about 
and my lame foot was partially recovered, I was chopping some wood one 
day and the axe glanced and cut off my heel. The piece of flesh grew 
back in time, but not in its former position, and my foot is maimed to this 
day. 

"A man before he judges me, should be placed in a similar situation ; 
but if he were, it is a thousand to one he would perish. A constitution of 
steel alone could endure the deprivation and misery. At this time I was 
living in the log cabin with the fire-place. One night I was awakened by 
a scratching sound over my head I started u]) in terror, and listened in- 
tently for the noise to be repeated. It came again. It was the wolves 
trjang to get into the cabin to eat me and the dead bodies. 

"At midnight, one cold, bitter night, Mrs. George Donner came to my 
door. It was aljout two weeks after Reed had gone and my loneliness 
was beginning to be imendurable. I Avas most happy to hear the sound 
of a human voice. Her coming was like that of an angel from Heaven. 
But she had not -come to bear me company. Her husband had died in 
her arms. She had remained by his side until death came, and then laid 
him out and hurried away. He died at nightfall, and she had traveled 
over the sno^v alone to my cabin. She was going, alone, across the momi- 



SAD STORY OF THE GRAVES FAMILY. 627 

tains. She was going to start without food or guide. She kept saying, 
'My children! I must see my children!' 

"She feared she would not survive, and told me she had some money 
in her tent. It was too hesivj for her to cany. She said, ' Mr. Keseburg 
I confide this to your care.' She made me promise sacredly that I would 
get the money and take it to her children in case she perished and I sur- 
vived. She declared she would start over the mountains in the morning. 
She said, .'I am bound to go to my children.' She seemed very cold, and 
her clothes were like ice. I think she had got into the creek in coming. 
She said she was very hungry, but refused the only food I could offer. 
She had never eaten the loathsome flesh. 

"She finally laid down, and I spread a feather bed and some blankets 
over her. In the morning she was dead. I think the hunger, the mental 
suffering and the icy chill of the preceediug night caused her death. I 
have often been accused of taking her life. Before my God, I swear this 
is untre ! Do you think a man would be such a miscreant, such a damna- 
ble fiend, such a caricature on humanity, as to kill this lone woman ? 
There were plenty of corpses lying around. He would but add one more 
corpse to the many ! 

"Oh! the days and weeks of horror which I passed in that camp! I 
had no hope of help or of being rescued, until I saw the green grass com- 
ing up by the spring on the hillside, and the wild geese coming to nibble 
it. The birds were coming back to their breeding grounds, and I felt that 
I could kill them for food. I had plenty of guns and ammunition in 
camp. I also had plenty of tobacco and a good meerschaum pipe, and al- 
most the only solace I enjoyed was smoking. In my weak condition it 
took me two or three hours every day to get sufficient wood to keep my 
fire going. 

" Some time after Mrs. Donner's death, I thought I had gained sufifi- 
cient strength to redeem the pledge I had made her before her death. I 
started to go to the camps at Alder Creek to get the money. I had a very 
difiicult journey. The wagons of the Donners were loaded with tobacco, 
powder, caps, shoes, school books, and dry goods. This stock was very 
valuable, and had it reached California, would have been a fortune to the 
Donners. I searched carefully among the bales and bundles of goods, and 
found $531. Part of this sum was silver, part gold. The silver I buried 
at the foot of a pine tree, a little way from the camp. One of the lower 
branches of another tree reached down close to the ground, and appeared 



028 RECORDS OF TJIE OLDEN TIME. 

to point to the spot. I })iit the gold in my j^ocket, and started to return 
to my cabin. I had spent one night at the Donner tents. On my return 
I became lost. 

"When it was nearly dark, in crossing a little flat, the snow suddenly 
gave way under my feet, and I sank down almost to my armpits. By 
means of the crust ow top of the snow, I kept myself suspended by throw- 
ing out my arms. A stream of water flowed underneath the place over 
which I had been walking, and the snow had melted on the underside 
until it was not strong enough to support my weight. I could not touch 
bottom with my feet, and so could form no idea of the depth of the 
stream. By long and careful exertion, I managed to draw myself back- 
ward and up on the snow. I t^.en wcnt around on the hillside, and con- 
tinued my journey. At last, just at dark, completely exhausted and 
almost dead, I cami- in sight of the Graves cabin. I shall never forget my 
joy at sight of that log cabin. I felt that I was no longer lost, and would 
at least have shelter. Some time after dark I reached my own cab-n. My 
clothes were wet by getting in the creek, and the night was so cold that 
my garments were frozen into sheets of ice. I was so weary, and chilled, 
and numbed that I did not build up a fire, or attempt to get anything to 
eat, but rolled myself up in the bed-clothes and tried to get warm. Nearly 
all night I lay there shivering with cold, and when I Anally slept, I slept 
very soundly. I did not wake up until quite late the next morning. 

"To my utter astonishment the camp was in the most inexplicable con- 
fusion. My trunks were broken open, and their contents were scattered 
everywhere. Eveiything about the cabin was torn up and thrown about 
the floor. My wife's jewelry, my cloak, my pistol and ammunition wei'c 
missing. 1 supposed Indians had I'obbed my camp during my absence. 
Suddenly I was startled by the sound of human voices. I hurried up to 
the surface of the snow, and saw white men coming towards the cabin. I 
was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude at the prospect of my deliver- 
ance. I had suffered so nuich, and for so long a time, that I coidd 
scarcely believe my senses. Imagine my astonishment upon theii' arrival 
to be greeted, not with a 'good morning' or a kind word, but with the 
gruff, insolent demand, ' Where is Donner's money?' 

"I told them they ought to give me something to eat, and that^ I 

would talk with them afterward, but no, they insisted that I should tell 

them about Donner's money. I asked them who they were, and where 

hey came from, but they replied by threatening to kill me if I did not 



SAD STORY O^ THE GRAVES FAMiLY. G29 

give up the. money. They threatened to hang or shoot me, and at last I 
told them I had promised Mrs. Donnei' that I would carry her money to 
her children, and I proposed to do so unless shown some authority by 
which they had a better claim. Tliis so exasperated them that they acted 
as though they were going to kill me. 1 offered to let them bind me as 
a pris(^ner, and take me before the Alcalde at Sutter's Fort, and I prom- 
ised that I would tell all I knew about the money. They would listen to 
nothing, however, and finally to save my life, I told them where they 
would find the silvei* buried, and gave them the gold. After I had done 
this, they showed me a document from Alcalde Sinclair by which they 
were to receive a certain proportion of all moneys and propeity which 
they rescued." 

"These men treated me with the greatest unkindness. Mr. Tucker was 
the only one who took my part or befriended me. When they started 
ovei" the mountains, each man carried two bales of goods. They had silks, 
calicos and delaines from tlie Donners, and other articles of great value. 
Each man would carry one bundle a little way, lay it down and come l)ack 
and get the other bundle. In this way they passed over the snow three 
times. I could not keep up with them because I was so weak, but man- 
aged to come up to their camp every night. One day I was dragging my- 
self slowly along behind the party, wlien I came to a place which had 
evidently been used as a camping ground by some of the previous parties. 
Feeling very tired, I thought it would be a good place to make some 
coffee. Kindling a fire^ I filled my coffee-pot with fresh snow and sat 
waiting for it to melt and get hot- Happening to cast my eyes carelessly 
around, I discovered a little piece of calico protruding from the snow. 
Half thoughtlessly, half out of idle curiosity, I caught hold of the cloth, 
and finding it did not come readily, I gave it a strong pull. I had in my 
hands the body of my dead child Ada! She had been burled in the 
snow, which melting down had disclosed a portion of her clothing. I 
tliought I should go frantic! It was the first intimation I had c4 her 
death, and it came with such a shock! 

"Just as we were getting out of the snow, I happened to be sitting in 
canij), alone, one afternoon. The men were hunting, or attending to their 
goods. I was congratidating myself upon my escape from the mountains, 
when I was startled by a snuffiug, growling noise, and looking up, I saw a 
large grizzly bear only a few feet away. I knew I was too weak to at- 
tempt to escape, and so remained where I sat, expecting every moment he 



GoO RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

would devour me. Suddenly there was the report of a gun, and the bear 
fell dead. Mr. Foster had discovered the animal, and slipping up close to 
camp had ^killed it. 

"I have been born under an evil star! Fate, misfortune, bad luck, com- 
pelled me to remain at Donner Lake. If God would decree that I should 
again pass thi'ough such an ordeal, I could not do otherwise than I did. 
My conscience is free from reproach. Yet that camp has been the one 
burden of my life. Wherever I have gone, people have cried, ' Stone 
him!' Even the little children in the streets have mocked me and thi-own 
stones at me as I passed. Only a man conscious of his innocence, and 
clear in the sight of God, would not have succumbed to the terrible things 
which have been said of me — would not have committed suicide ! Morti- 
fication, disgrace, disaster and unheard-of misfortune, have followed and 
overwhelmed me. I often think that the Almighty has singled me out, 
among all the men on the face of the earth, in order to see how much 
hardship, suffering and misery a human being can bear ! 

"Soon after my arrival at the Fort, I took charge of the schooner Sac- 
ramento, and conveyed wheat from Sacramento to San Francisco, in pay- 
ment for Captain Sutter's purchase of his possessions. I worked 
seven months for Sutter, but, although he was kind to me I did not get 
my money. I then went to Sonoma and and worked about the same 
length of time for Gen. Vallejo. I had a good position and good pros- 
pects, but left for the gold mines. Soon afterward I was taken sick, and 
for eight months was an invalid. I then went to Sutter's Fort and started 
a boarding-house. I made money rapidly. After a time I built a house, 
south of the Fort, which cost ten thousand dollars. In 1851 I purchased 
the Lady Adams Hotel, in Sacramento. It was a valuable property, and 
I finally sold it at auction for a large sum of money. This money was to 
be paid next day. The deeds had already passed. That night the terrible 
iire of 1852 occurred, and not only swept away the ^otel, but ruined the 
purdiaser, so that I could not collect one cent. I went back to Sutter's 
Fort and started the Phoenix Brewery. I succeeded, and acquired consid- 
erable property. I finally sold out for fifty thousand dollars. I had 
concluded to take this money, go back to Germany, and live quietly the 
rest of my days. The purchaser went to San Francisco to draw the 
money. The sale was effected eight days be .ore the great flood of 1861-2. 
The flood came, and I lost everything." 

After reaching the settlements himself and wife were reunited and 



Sad story o'f the graves family.- 631 

lived together untilJan. oOth, 1877, when she died. Eleven children were 
born to them, four of whom survive. One is married and lives in Sacramento, 
another is a widow and lives at San Rafael. Two are with their father 
at Brighton, Sacramento county, both hopelessly idiotic. Augusta is 15 
and weighs 205 ; Ruth is 27 and never spoke an intelligible woi-d. They 
are subject to violent epelitic tits and need constant attention. Should 
Bertha fall into the fire she has not sufficient intelligence to withdraw her 
hand from the flames. He is very poor and their shrieks and violence are 
so great that no hired help will attend them. The legislatiu-e will not 
give him aid, they scream so he can not live near others and so he lives 
isolated from all others and has to personally look after and care for thtm. 
He is the saddest, loneliest, most pitiable creature on the face of the earth 
and traces all his misfortunes to the camp at Donner Lake. 

Let the God to whom he appeals be his judge. If guilty of all the 
crimes charged, his subsequent misfortunes and present lof, it would seem, 
ought to atone. 

The story of this dreadful tragedy is nearly finished. Of the ninet}' 
persons composing the party forty-eight survived and with varying inci- 
dents and episodes all reached Sutter's Fort. Twenty-six or twenty-eight 
were living July 30th, 1879. As this history mainly concerns the Graves 
family only theirs will be continued. 

Mary A. Graves married Edward Pile in May, 1847, two months after 
her rescue. He was murdered by a Spaniard the succeeding year, and 
the perpetrator was the first person uanged in California under the laws 
of the United States. In 1851 or 1852 she wedded I. J. Clark to whom 
were born seven children, five of whom sur\dve. Her address is White 
River, Tulare County, Cal. 

Eleanor Graves married William McDonnell in Sept., 1879, and had 
ten children, seven of whom are living. She lives in Knights Valley, 
Sonoma County, and her address is Calistoga. 

Lovina Graves married John Cyrus, June 5th, 1857. They have five 
children and their address is Calistoga. 

Nancy Graves married R. W. Williamson in 1855. They have five 
children, one of whom is teaching school and another is an artist in Vir- 
ginia City. Their address is Los Gatos, Santa Clara County. 

William C. Graves is a blacksmith and lives at Calistoga. 

In the little work from which most of our information is derived the 
subsequent history of Sarah, formerly Mrs. Fosdick, is not given, and we 



632 



EECOEBS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



Jiave been unable to gather it from other sources. The Murphys settled 
about three miles above Marys ville and the town of Marys ville was named 
in honor of their daughter Mary. Simon T. Murphy served in the Union 
army during the war. Wm. M. Foster gave his name to Foster's Bar on 
the Yuba river. He died in 1879. 

The Reeds settled at San Jose, and the Breens at South San Juan. 
The orphan children of Mrs. Donnei- obtained an education, married and 
did well. 

This sketch should not close without some mention of brave old Capt. 
Sutter who furnished the first supplies to the fugitives and aided them 
unstintedly. The first gold in the state was found on his place. He be- 
came wealthy and noted, and finally lost his property and returned to 
Lancastei' County, Pa., where it is said he still lives. 




BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTlEFr. 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 635 



Putnam County. 



HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP. 



Amos T. Purviance. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1823, and removed to Illinois in 1847, loca- 
ting in Hennepin. He learned the piinting trade when young, but after coming to this State worked at farming, 
teac iin,' scho .1 winters. In 1845 he married Mary M. Ong, their union being blessed with two children, Retta and 
Frank O.. hoth born in Putnam County. Is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; was elected 
Siieriff in 1854 and County Clerk in 1857, which office he has since held. Hia pla^e, known as " Hartzella," covers 
the site of the old trading house erected in 1817. It is a natural grove of twenty-two acres, beautifully situated on 
the bank of the Illinois River, one mile above Hennepin, and contains specimens of every native tree in Northern 
Illinois. 

H. C. Pierce. 

H. C. Pierce, farmer, was bom in Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1829, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1832, 
landing in C-ow Meadow. Indians being troublesome at the time, they returned to Pekin, and remained until the 
spring of 1833. when they came to Hennepin Township, and have since remained here. In 1846 he manied Mary 
Lansberry, who was born in Orange county. New York, in 1832. She died in 1874, leaving three children— Charles, 
Joseph H„ and Benjamin F. In 1877 he was married again to Sarah Pierce. Thay are members of the M. E. 
ctiurch, in which he has been steward since 1865. Is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Pierce has a vivid recol- 
lection of the Indians, and the good old times of early life in Putnam couuty. 

Leland Broaddus. 

Mr. Broaddus is a farmer living on sectton 23. He was born in Caroline county, Va., in 1826. In 1836 he, with 
his parents, located in Marshall co., and in 1849 removed to Putnam. In 1851 he married Harriet Crane, who died 
in 1858, leaving two children, Lundsford T. and Hervey E. He married Susan Case, a native of Indiana, and his 
present wife, in 1859, three children being the result of this union. John L., Irving, and Clara. Mr. B. is a member 
of the Bdptist church and a school trustee. He owns 320 acres, mostly under cultivation, with good improve- 
mentp. 

Henry Childs. 

Mr. Childs is a farmer living on section 2, Hennepin Township. He was born in Lorraine, Germany, in 1829, 
and came to this country twenty years later, remaining a short time in New York State. In 1857 he married Mary 
Gashran, who was born in Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland, in 1837, and came to this country in 1856. They 
have five children— James, George H., Charles A., William and Marj- J. Is a member of the Catholic church of 
Hennepin, owns 200 acres of land, with brick dwelling, and good improvements. 

James Shields. 

Mr. Shields is a farmer, living on section 24. He was born in Morgan county, Indiana, February 8, 1825, 
and came to this county along with his fathf r when eight years old. The Shields family is one of the oldest in 
the county, and well known. In 1847 he married Mary Btateler, and to them two children were bom, William 
rienrv, and Catharine, who afterward became Mrs. Hiltabrand. Mr. Shields is a member of the Masonic order, 
and owns 215 acres of land , 120 of which is under cultivation. 

Nelson Shepherd. 

Mr. Shepherd is a retired farmer, living on section 31, who was born in Adams county, OWo, December 
6ch, 1804 He came to Putnam county in 1829, and located on the place on which he still lives. Along with his 
brother, who had previously visited the country, he started from Ripley, Ohio, coming by steamboat to St. 
Louis. No steamers navigated the Illinois then; and transportation being carried on by means of keel boats, pro- 



636 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

pelled by man power, he struck out for Bond county, where he had some friends, who furnished him with a horse, 
upon which he mounted, and, accompanied by a man named McCord, turned northward. 

The first day they encountered a heavy rain, and the second suffered much from thirst. Seeing a cabin, 
they rode up and asked for a drink, to which the proprietor responded by giving them a gourd full dipped from a 
stagnant pool in the yard. They drank but little, but it made them deathly sick. Making for the timber, they lay 
down, McCord going into a heavy sleep. Shepherd presently recovered and strove some time vainly to waken 
McCord. Finally he opened his eyes, looking so ill that S. thought he would die. After some exertion he got him 
on his horse and they rode on. At Jacksonville they separated. 

From here he bad a Frenchman for a companion, with whom he traveled two days, reaching a place called the 
Rapids for breakfast. Enquiring how far it was to the next house he was told ic was thirty miles. A. deer 
path across the prairie was pointed out and his horse being tired he dismounted and drove it before him, reaching 
Jesse Roberts' place at sundown. His brother, who embarked on a keelboat, soon after arrived vnth his wife and 
goods. That winter all lived in a cabin together. 

They all got the ague and suffered greatly. Their provisions gave out, and as they were too sick to go after 
more they had to subsist on potatoes and milk. Soon after he started to return to Ohio, where he married Miss 
Mary Beard, September 8, 1831. She was a native of Lincoln county. North Carolina On their return they traveled 
in wagons, meeting with ma^y mishaps and adventures incident to a new country. Oa his arrival he built a cabin, 
and has resided there ever since, the primitive dwelling giving way to a fine modernized residence, and the bleak 
prairie to a well cultivnted farm. 

They have five children living, and five who were bora to them have passed over the river. The living are 
Lyle, Albert, John B., J. Harvey, and Austin M. Mr. Stiepherd has served his township as supervisor, township 
trustee and road commissioner. Himself and wife have long been members of the Presbyterian church, and hon- 
ored and respected members of society. He has a large farm and his old age is blessed with an abundance of this 
world's goods, 

John Bosst. 

The subject this sketch is a farmer, born in Germany in 1820, and emigrated to this country in 1864, settling 
in Putnam county. His wife was formerly Miss Lucy Trierweiler. She also was born in Germany. They have 
two children, Theodore and Nicholas and own a good farm of 80 acres, well improved. Are members of the Cath- 
olic church, of Hennepin. » 

Peter Schitz. 

Mr. Schitz is a farmer, and was bom in Germany in 1814, emigrating to this c )untry in 1864, and lo- 
cating in Putnam county. His wife's maiden name was Karley, and she likewise came from Germany. Two 
children were born to them, Margaret and Herbert. She died in 1870. Mr. Schitz has since wedded Mary Scharts, a 
member of the Catholic church. 

Anthony E-eavy. 

This gentleman, who is a thrifty farmer living on section 2, was born in this county in 1847. In 1869 he 
married Miss Catherine Mateer, also a native < f the county. They have five children. Frank, George, Edward, 
Caroline and Mary. Both Mr. Reavy ahd his wife are members of the Catholic church. Mr. R. is treasurer ot the 
school board. He owns 605 acres of land, 240 of which is under cultivation, and his residence is one of the most 
comfortable and home-like in the county. 

Frederick Sebold. 

Mr. Sebold is a farmer living on section 14. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1623, and came to the 
United States in 1849, first locating in Butler co., Ohio, whence he moved to this county in 1854. In 1849 he mar- 
ried Christiana Souft, also a native of Bavaria. They have six children -Barbara, Margaret, Conrad, Christi- 
ana, Eliza and Frederick. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic order, was school director 16 years and road com- 
missioner six years. He owns 280 acres, all in good state of cultivation, with very good improvements. 

G. W. Pool. 

This gentleman, now deceased, was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1800, and died in 1857. leaving ten children. 
Henry died in a rebel prison in Cahoba, Alabama. Aaron was also in the army His remaining children were 
George, Belle, Franklin, Sidney, Sarah, Edward, Charles. Lucy. Four children were born to him by a former mar- 
riage-viz., Mary, William, Albert and Charlotte. Mrs. Pool's maiden name was Sophronia Bascons; she w,-is born 
in Courtland county, N Y., and married in 1838. Her estate comprises 380 acres. The farm is carried on by her son. 

David J. Leech. 

Mr. D. J. Leech is a dealer in agricultural implements and farm machinery in Hennepin. He was bom in 
Pennsylvania, but brought up in Oblo, where he lived until twenty-one, when he removed to Illinois, arriving in 
Hennepin in 1849, and went to farming. In this he was successful, and continued to follow it to 1877, when he 
turned It over to his sons and took up his present business. In 1851 he married Miss Sarah \. Corson, also a native 
of Pennsylvania. Four children were bom to them, Mary C, Harvey H., Ella S., and John W. Mi. Leech is an ex- 
tensive dealer in farm machinery, buying hia stock from twenty-three different establishments. His long experi- 
ence as a farmer enables him to know just what is required,.and he seldom makes a mistake. He has done much 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 637 

to introduce the cultivation of sorghum, having raised it for many years and proved its value. He was personally 
acquainted with Shaubena, ard has many ornaments, etc., obtained by himself from the grave of Shaubena's 
father, who was buried on the present site of the town. Mr. Leech's life has beer long and useful, and he is a 
respected member of society. 

L. B. Skeel. 

Mr. Skeel is afarmer. was br>rn in New York state, March 28, 1811. and located in this county in 1830. Oct. 
19, 1819, he married Miss Minerva Payne, a native of Indiana, who died March 27th. 1847. leaving three children- 
Albert M„ Mary E. (Fisher), and Carrie (Cotting). Nov. 25th, 1847, he marriea Miss Flora Morrison, his present wife, 
who was born in Argyle, Scotland, in 1824. Five children have blessed their union,— Nathan. O'ive (FoUey). Wil- 
liam L.. John B', and Flora M. They are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Skeel owns 244 acres of 
land, under perfect cultivation and thoroughly fenced, principally with hedges. His mother died in October, 1879, 
at the advanced age of 91 years. His father built and introduced the first threshing machine in this section, tak- 
ing his material from the logs of an old cabin at Pekin, the only thoroughly seasoned timber procurable. 

Peter Hollericii. 

Mr. Hollerich, a resident of the city of Hennepin, was born in Luxembourg, Germany, in 1846. In 1871 
he came to the United States, and located in Hennepin shortly after his arrival in this country. In 1877 Mr. 
Hollerich married Miss Mary Sontag, a native of Meniota, 111. They have two children, Colonel and William. Mr. 
H. and his wife are members of the Catholic church. 

Edwin K. Spencer. 

This gentleman, a livery proprietor and U. 8. mail contractor, was bom in Duchess county, N, Y., in 
1832. He came West in 1845. lo ating first in Terre Haute, Ind.. but finally in this county. In 1874 he married 
Miss N. Jane Hailey, a native of Missouri. They have one child, Edwin, born in 1877. Mr. Spencer is a member 
of the Masonic order. He has been a mail conractor for many years. Mr. Thomas Hailey. father of Mrs. Spencer, 
moved to Ox Bow in 1829. 

Henrietta Thiel. 

Mrs. Henrietta Thiel, widow, is a successful farmer living on section 18. She was born in Germany, and 
came to this country in 1857, soon aftjr her marriage. Her husband. Frederick Thiel, was also a native of Ger- 
many born in Saxony. He died December 10th, 1877, leaving six children, Frederick, Ludwick, Minnie, Henrietta, 
George and William. Mrs. rhiel's farm embraces 123 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation. She is an esti- 
mable woman, hard- working and iadustrious, and is raising hst children in a manner creditable to herself and 
calculated to tit them for a life of usefulness. 

Joseph Etscheid. 

This gentleman is a farmer living on section 26, Hennepin township, and was born in Prussia in 1831, 
He came to this county in 1856. He was married to Catherine Kolf in 1856. She died July 3i, 1866, leaving two 
children, Margaret and Peter, Afterward he married Mary a pel. He owns 520 acres of land of which 300 are 
under cultivation. Is a member of the Catholic church, road commissoner, etc. He is one of the most successful 
farmers in the township and a hard worker. 

Dr. a. M. Vanderslice. 

The subject of this sketch is a physician and surgeon, likewise a farmer, living on section 32. He was 
born in Dauphin county. Pa., in 1833, obtaining his education in that state and graduating with honors at the 
medical institute of Philadeldhia in 1860. He practiced two years in his native place and then moved to Florid in 
1862, where he has since resided in the active prosecution of his profession. Of late years he gives more attention 
to farming. Before leaving his native place he married Rebecca Roach, who has brought him nine children, Anna 
M., John J., Frank R., Augustus M., James M., W. Hoyle, E. Rauk, Ellen J., and Roy. He owns 180 acres of land, 
highly improved. 

John H. Dininger. 

Mr. Dininger is a highly fuccessful farmer living on Section 36. He was born in Lebanon county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1827, and settled in Putnam county in 1859. In 1850 he married Caroline Zimmerman, also a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, and to them have been born ten children, still living, viz: Emma, Sarah. Ellen, Augustus, 
Kate, Lizzie, John S., Lincoln, Adam and William. He owns a fine farm of one hundred acres, under excellent 
cultivation, with first class improvements. 

Judge Augustus Cassell, 

Augustus Cassell, ex-county judge, is a comfortable farmer and mechanic living on section 1, He was 
born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1813 coming west in 1836. and settling in Putnam county. His wife was 
formerly Misa Mary Bear, to whom he was married November 14 1833, she hein^ also a native of Lebanon. They 
have seven children living, viz: John H., William B., Sarah A., Alson K.. Rutus L., Mary Ellen and Isadore. Both 
himself and wife are respected members of the Methodist church. Mr. Cassell was a cabinet maker by trade, and 
very ingenious in the use of tools. For several years he owned and ran a steam mill, and was once in the mercan- 



638 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tile business at Florid. During the war he sent three sons to the army: one of whom— John H.— ran the Vicks- 
burg blockade, seived as a scout and spy for nine months visiting the rebel camps as a spy. He served three years, and 
then re-enlisted and remained until the close of the war. He was in the Twentieth Illinois cavalry. Mr. Cassel 
was elected county judge in 1872 and again in 1876, and was justice of the peace for twenty-seven years. His life 
has been long, honored and useful. 

Robert Leecii. 

Mr. Leech is a farmer living on spction 19. He was born in Jeffer.=on county, Ohio, in 1814. removed 
with his parents to Pecria in 1832 and to Hennepin one year later. Has ever since resided on his present home- 
stead. John Leech, his father, died m 1839, leaving nine childraa. His mother still lives, and is eightv-six years 
old. Mr. Leech tever married, having dutifull.v remained with his parents, giving all his care to them. He has one 
of the linesi farms in the township, ccntaminj 330 acres, his house occupying a beautiful location, skirted by a 
bell of timber on the north-west;, interspersed with old oaks and other native trees. 

W. S. BOSLEY. 

Mr, Bosley, faimer and postmaster at "Cottage Hill," was born in Uniontown, Fayette county, Pa„ in 
1833, and locateu in Putnam county, .April 5, 1851. October 31 185S. he mirried M'ss Mary D. Nesmith, a native of 
the same county in Pennsylvania as himself. They have seven children, Thomas N., Nannie H., Lizzie M.. Rebecca 
y., Miunie May, James Harry and Carl Edwin. Himself and family are memiters of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
chuich, of which he has hr-en an elder sine? 1860. He is secretary of the Magnolia Township Insurance Company, 
Vice President of the County Musical .issociatiwn, and Road Commissioner. He is an extensive stock dealer, and 
"Cottage Hill" is a delightful residence, complete in all its appurtenances. 

Mrs. Sarah J. Ross. 

This lady, widow of James Ross, was born in Ohio in 1827, and came to Putnam county in 1849. Her husband 
was also born in Ohio, tie came to Putnam couuty in 18J9, aad in 185^ they were marritd. One son was 
bom to them, Frank S. Mr. Ross left four children by a former marriage, one of whom is deceased, and the others 
are named William, John and Grant. Mrs. Ross owns 160 asre.s of laud and, her sono,vns 60, left by his father. 
Mrs. Ross is a member of the Presbyteriaa church and an estitnable member of society. 

Philip Ham. 

Mr. Ham, one of the farmers of this township, is a native of the state of New York, born in 1821, but came to 
this county when only ten years of age. In 1854 ha married Sarah Bear, a native of Peunsylvania, bora in Dauphin 
county, that state, in 1834. They have seven cnitdren, Luella F., Leoria Estella. Anna E., William IS., Clara Bell, 
(deceased^, David and Laura May, Mr. Ham is a member ot the Methodist Episcopal church. His farm embraces 
145 acres of land. 

David B. Moore. 

Mr. David B. Moore is a farmer whose residence is in section 18, though a portion of his farm is in section 
19. He was born in Washington eounoy. Pa., February 7ch, 1831, and located in this county in November, 1853. 
August 28th. 1856, he married Miss Martha Moore, a native of this county, bora June 20, 1836. They have six chil- 
dren, Wilson S., Fannie E., Minnie A., Harry H,, P> rry 0., and Howard. Mr. M. and his wife are members of the 
Presbyterian church of Granville. He has been a school director, and for a number of years trustee of the church 
to which he belongs. His farm comprises ninety acres of good land, well cultivated, and his improvements are ex- 
cellent. • 

Otto Halbleib. 

This gentleman is a thrifty farmer living on section 11. He was born in Baden, Germany, in 1823, .tnd 
came to the United States in 1837, locating in this county. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Hartenbower in Jan- 
uary, 1852. She was born in Wertemberg, Germany, in 1834. They have nine children, viz: Victoria, -Adam, John, 
George, Frank, Clara, Casper, Annie and William. Mr. H ilbieib is school director, and owns three hundred acres 
of land. He has been in the bee business ten years, and has now abjuc two hundred and twenfy-seven hives in his 
apairy and will save about two hundred pounds of honey this year, ^le is a kindhearted, hospitable man, smart 
and energetic. 

John Hufnaole. 

Mr. John Hufnagle, also a member of the farming community of this township, was born in Dauphin 
county. Pa., in 1850, bat with his parents moved vVest in 1833 an I loc-itea in this county. In 1873 he married Miss 
Maggie Sherring, a native of the State of Jh'io. Vhn-/ ha>'e three childien, John E., Winfleld S. and Richard Wal- 
ter. Mrs. Hufnagle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal caurch. 

Joseph Cassel. 

Mr. Cassell is a veteran farmer on section 22. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 
1815, and located in this county in 1837, where he worked at his trade as blacksmith for nine years. He discon- 
tinued this work in 1850 and went to farming, whicn he has continued since. He married Miss Sarah Lynch in 1833. 
She was boru in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and died in 134), leaving five children, viz: Edwin, Esther A. 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 639 

Calvin, Ephraim, Philip A. He was again married to Miss Laura Bosley in 1847. by whom he had four children 
viz: Sarah. Emma ^.. Jennie and Sidney. He is an influential member of the Lutheran church, and was school 
director about twelve years and road master thirteen years. He had three sons in the army. Ephraim veteranized 
and was captured at Altoona. He was twice wounded, and was one of the first on the ramparts in the assault upon 
Vicksburg. 

David Nixon. 

Mr. Nixon is a farmer, born in Scotland in 1816, and emigrated to this country in 1843, locating in 
PhcBnixville, Pa., from whence he removed to Philadelphia, and staid one year, returning again to Phoenixville, 
where he lived until 1849. Disposing of his interests there. He embarked for the West, setthng in Putnam county. 
He was marri>=d in 1838. and to them were bora fifteen children. Seven of them are dead and eight living— viz., 
George, David, James, Eineline, Cass, Nancy and Eliza. Two of his sons, William and Samuel, enlisted in the 
Uaion army, and lost their lives bravely battling for their country, Mr. N. is a member of the Presbyterian church, 
and township trustee. 

James A. Patton. 

Mr. Patton is an extensive farmer, who was born in this county in 1843, oa the place he now occupies, and 
has ever since resided here. la 1854 he married L\ura J. Blaachford, of Joliet, Will county, who has borne him 
three children, William A., Perlie A., and Claudia A. He owns three hundred and thirty-five acres ot land, the 
greater part under a high stale of cultivation, His improvements aie first class, and his home very attractive. 

John Newport. 

Mr. Newport is a f -irmer, living oa section 32; was born in Bione couuty, Ken tucky. in 1832 and located in 
Putnam county in 1839. In 1855 he married Miss O.White, who has borne him twelve children, Lucy, Cirrie, Alonzo, 
Ralph. Seymore, Julia, LaNora, Earl, Andrew, Lillian, James and Nathan. Mr. N. is a member of the Baptist 
church, and has been school director. He owns 160 acres of land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. 

Michael Clamens. 

Ml-. Clamens is a citizen of Florid, bom in Pennsylvania in 1806, and came to Putnam county in 1842, He is 
by trade a cooper, and followed it for fifteen years, when he turned farmer, and for some time run a threshing 
machine. He married 'n 1832 Miss Eliza Winters, and is the father of three children: Mary, Peter and Elizi. His 
wife was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Clamens was for some time postmaster, and is a member of the Dunkard 
church. He owns forty acres adjoining Florid, and four houses in the village, 

Benjamin Sutcliffe. 

Mr. Sutcliffe first looked out upon the world in London, England, in 1835. When seventeen years old he en- 
listed and was sent with his regiment to the Crimea, where he participated in the hard fought battles of Inkerman 
and Alma, and took pare in the memorable siege of Sebastopol. For gallant conduct and distinguished services he 
was personally complimented by Queen Victoria and presented with a medal, which he retains as a family heir- 
loom. When the Indian mutiny broke out he volunteered in the Seventy-sixth Infantry, under marching orders 
for Delhi, in the East Indies, where he hoped to enter upon active service, but a letter from his mother, who had 
preceded him to this country, decided him to emigrate here, and with much reluctance the authorities granted him 
an honorable discharge. He arrived here iu 1858 and in 1854 married Harriet L. Osborn, by whom he has two 
children living —Charles E. and John F., and four are dead. When the war of the rebellion broke out he promptly 
offered his services, enlisting in company K of the One hundred and foarth Illinois volunteer infantry, and was 
appointed ordnance officer of tne Thircy-ninth regiment. Oiviag to poor health he was unable to assume duty, and 
was honorably aischarged. 

Williamson Durley, 

The subject of this sketch is a farmer living on section 14, who was bom in Colwell county, Kentucky, 
in 1810, and came to Sangamon co.. in 1819. where he lived u-.til 1831, when he emigrated to Putnam county, then 
recently organized. An uncle- John Durley, was associated with him, and together they embarked in the mercan- 
tile business, opening out a mile above the to«in. Their customeis were principally Indians, though settlers were 
rapidly coming in. When the village was laid out they secured a lot and began the ereStion of a storehouse, to 
which they removed. In 1837 he purchased his present farm, and in 1844 retired from business and devoted himself 
to improving his real estate. His wife, whom he married in 1834. was Miss E'izabeth VVinters, born in Monroe 
county, Ohio, in 1810. They have eight children, one of whom is a prominent lawyerat Le Mars, Iowa. In politics 
Mr. Durley is a pronounced Rapublican, and has occupied advanced ground in politics, having been a leading mem- 
ber and organizer of the Union League. In pro-slavery times he was an active "' free-soiler." in full sympathy 
with the leaders of the Liberty party, personally aiding in the escape of fugitives. He has been actively engaged 
in public life. For many years he was county commissioner, served as internal revenue assessor from the begin- 
ning of the war up to 1865. He has been an active promoter of the educational interests of the township, serving 
in all capacities; has served as justice of the peace, is oft^n called to administer on estates and settle differences 
between neighbors. During the rebellion he was chosen to fill the township quota of enlistments, in which he was 
assisted by William Allen; is reporter for the Agricultural Bureau at Washington, and his opinions upon farming 



640 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

matters are recognized authorities. In principle and practice Mr. Dur 'ey is strictly temperate and himself and 
wife members of the Congregational church of Hennepin. He owns one of the best farms in Putnam county, and 
takes pride in its management. 

Simon Hedrick. 

Mr, Hedrick is a merchant and farmer of Florid, who was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania in 1823. 
from whence he removed to Putnam county in October, 1850. For ten years he was a farmer, when he embarked 
in the lumber trade, and ran a saw mill for nine vears. Began merchandising in 1871, and has followed it since. 
In 1852 he married Sarah J. &.llen. a native of Penasylvauia. She died in August, 1864. There were bom to them 
three children, who survive, George VV-, Thomas A. and John Wallace. Mr. Hendrick owns eighty acres of land 
adjoining the village of Florid. 

R. A. Radle. 

Mr. Radle is a farmer living on section 26, born in Crawford county. Pa,, in 1837, and emigrated to Illinois in 
1856, Settled in Putnam county, where he began farming in 1862. He married Miss M. k. Patton in 1861. She 
was born and reared in Hennepin township. They have six children, Nettie L., Nina J.. Carl A., Don A., Melissa A., 
and Reuben A. Are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a breeder of short-horn cattle, in which he takes 
much interest, and finds it very profitable. He is extensively engaged in the rubber bucket pump business, and is 
a dealer in pump supplies of all kinds. 

George Taylor. 

A farmer, living in section 24. He wa-s born in Frederick coanty, Va., in 1811; came to this county in 1837, 
and permanently settled here two years later. He worked at his trade— that of a carpenter— for several years, but 
in 1849 turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1841 he married Mrs. Amerilla WygofiE, a native of Ohio, by 
whom he has one child, Salina H. Mrs. Tavlor has five children by a former marriage, Lticy, A. D., Harriet, Thos. 
R. and Hiram G., and one deceased. Mr. Taylor has served his township in the capacity of roadmaster, and is an 
estimable citizen. His home farm comprises 133 acres of land adjoining the village of Florid. 

Asa Cunningham, J. P. 

Mr, Cunningham was born in Virginia in 1812, but was raised in Washington county. Pa., where he learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1835 he came West and located in Magnolia, remaining there until 1862, when 
he was elected Sheriff of Putnam county, and removed to Hennepia, serving the county two terms in this position. 
In 1835 he married Mary Carpenter, a native of Lancastet county, Pa. He has three children, S. H., George M. and 
F. W. Mrs. C. died in 1878. Mr. Canningaa a h-is been Justice of the Peace six years, and was collector four 
years. Both his sous, and William Rankin, his son-in-law, served la the army during the war of the rebellion, the 
latter being killed at the battle of Chattanooga. 

William A. Kays. 

Mr, Kays is a native of Indiana, where he was born in 1828, and came to Knox county in 1835, removing to 
Hennepin in 1867. In 1850 he married Miss Olive Hailey, who was boin in Putnam county. They have eight chil- 
dren, EUeu, Jane, Sarah, James, Alice, William, Olive, and Wesley. He belongs to the Masonic order, and himself 
and wife are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Kays owns a hundred acres of land, is a good farmer, and breeder 
of fine blooded hogs. Three of his brothers served in the army, and one was killed in battle. 

William H. Brock. 

Mr. Brock is a wagon-maker, living in Florid. He was born in Rockingham county, Ya., in 1836, and came to 
Putnam county in 1878. In 1870 he married Catharine Nixon, to whom four children have been given, viz.. Nannie, 
David, Louis, and infant not named. Both himself ana wife are members of the Dunkard church. He is a hard 
working man and good mechanic, owning two houses in town, a large outfit of tools, etc., and does all kinds of re- 
pairing and spring wagon work. 

D. W. Danley. 

Mr. Danley is a^rain and produce dealer in Hennepin, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, 
in 1820, and came to Peoria county in 1850. He engaged here in farming, and after six months removed to Marshall 
county, settling on the 'Reeves" property, whose story is told in this work. He purchased the place from Benja- 
min Lombard. He ran the farm until 1868, and then sold it to other parties. He began the grain trade in Henry 
in 1857, building up a large and extensive business. In 1865 he built one of the finest warehouses on the river, with 
a capacity of 130,000 bushels, which he sold in 1869. In 1868 he built the fine residence now owned by Mr. Wrig.ht. 
He then went to Ohio Station, in Bureau county, and built another warehouse at Bradford, in Stark county, and 
run both houses in connection with C. S. Loomis for two years. In 1873 he returned to Henry, aud has been 
buying grain for Nicholson & Co. up to the present time. While the lock and dam were building Mr. Danley fur- 
nished large quantities of timber for it. In 1847 he married Nancy McCoy, daughter of Col. Joha McCoy, of Wash- 
ington, Pa. She died in 1855. His present wife was Catherine A. Noe, of Elizabeth, N. J., whom he wedded in 
1857. Three childreu are the fruits of this marriage, Eugenie N, born in 1860; Mary L., 1861; and Willis M., 1871. 
He was supervisor of Whitefield and Saratoga townships for six years, and in 1870 was elected supervisor from 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 641 

Henry, which office he held until bis removal from the county in 1878. Mr. Danley has taken a prominent part in 
everything pertaining to public interests, discharging the duties devolving upon him to the entire satisfaction of 
the public. 

Stephen Newbern. 

Mr. Newbern is a native of this county, having been born here in 1846, and married Miss Alvira Inks, a native 
of Pennsylvania, in 18G7. They have two children, Albertus and Franklin. Mr. Newbern is president of the Pro- 
tection Society of the township and cultiv.ites one hundred acres of land. He is a breeder of and dealer in Chester 
White and Poland China hogs, having followed it several years. 

J. M. COWEN. 

Mr. Cowen is a prominent physician and surgeon of the city of Hennepin . He was bom in Zanesville, 
Muskingum county. Ohio, in 1834, was a student in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which institution 
he graduated March 2, 1858, and moved west, locating in Magnolia June 1, 1858, where he engaged in the practice of 
his profession until September. 1862, when he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Seventy- seventh Illinois 
Volunteers, and continued in active service until February, 1865- He served with General Sheridan in the Shenan- 
doah Valley, was for about ten months surgeon in charge of the Twentv-eighth Illinois and Twenty-third Wiscon- 
sin, was almost continuously on detached hospital duty, was in charge of the transfer of the wounded from tem- 
porary ti> permanent hospitals after the battle of Cedar Creek, the occasion of Sheridan's celebrated ride, and was 
in charge of one hundred and twenty-five of the wounded after the battle of Winchester. September 27. 1860, he 
married Miss Amelia A. Dent, daughter of Judge Deat, of this county. She died November 3, 1875, leaving two 
children— Charles C. H. and Robert M. After his return to Magnolia he continued his practice in that place until 
March, 1869, when he moved to Hennepin. Mr. Cowen is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Masonic order, 

Dr. C. M. Duncan. 

This gentleman is a practicing physician and surgeon of Hennepin . He was born in the city of Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, December 17, 1816, graduated from Beech Medical Institute in that city in 1837, and after practicing 
his profession in Philadelphia two years removed to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he also practiced two years. 
He then returned to Philadelphia* In 1842, at Louisville, Kentucky, he married Miss Jane E. Noson, and in 1845 
located in Hennepin. May 24, 1872, his wife died, leaving three children— Aspasia L., Zach. T., and Charles M. In 
1875 he married Miss Vesta A- Turner, a native of Oxford county, Maine. He removed to Fairbury, Livingstone 
county, Illinois, in 1868, but returned to Hennepin in 1870, since which time he has followed his profession success- 
fully, securing an extensive and lucrative practice. 

Joseph B. Albert, J. P. 

Mr. Albert is a Pennsylvanian TDy birth, having been bom in Dauphin county in 1836, and came to Putnam 
comity in 1842. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois volunteers, and 
served until the close of the war. At Lagrange, Tennessee, whila on duty, he met with an injury that incapacitated 
him from further service, and he was honorably discharged May 15, 1865, and arrived home June 1. In 1867 he 
married Eliza Odekirk Davis, a native of Steuben county. New York, to whom one child has been born — Jessie 
Estelle. He has served several terms as school director and filled other public offices. He is proprietor of the Put- 
nam county nurseries, and an extensive grower of trees of all kinds. Mr. Albert is building a fine residence the 
present season. 

Charles O. Turner. ' 

Mr. Turner is a native of Hennepin, living on section 13 He was bom in 1846. and in 1867 married Mattie 
Mowbery, also born in Hennepin, unto whom have been born four children, viz; May, AUie, Roy and Jennie. He 
enlisted in the One hundred and thirty-ninth regiment Illinois volunteers— one hundred dav men - and was mus- 
tered in at Peoria. Mr. Turner is a farmer, and owns besides a portable saw mill, with which he manufactures large 
quantities of lumber. 

Dr. J. F. O'Neal. 

A resident of the village of Florid, and a practicing physician and surgeon. He was born in Juniata county. 
Pa., in 1843, was educated in Pennsylvania and studied medicine there, graduating from the medical institute of 
Cincinnati in 1874. He first located in Henry, where he began the practice of his profession in partnership with 
Dr. Kalb, with whom he had studied before graduating. In the fall of 1874 he removed to Florid, and by indus- 
trious and studious attention to the profession of his choice has built up a large and lucrative practice. He has 
recently erected a very pleasant residence, the best possible evidence that he has come to stay; and as he is an emi- 
nest student and lover of his profession, and withal a pleasant sociable gentleman who improves on acquaintance 
is a valuable acquisition to the community. 

Oakes Turner. 

Mr. Turner lives on sections 13 and 14, and was born in Oxford county, in the state of Maine, in 18D8, removed 
west in 1834 and located at Hennepin. He was an excellent penman and accountant and in 1836 was appointed 
county clerk and circuit clerk in 1838, which office he held by appointment until 1847. In the spring of 1848 he was 
appointed county treasurer to fill the unexpired term of Jos. Catlin who removed from the county, was re-elected 



642 BECORDS OF THE OLDEN" TIMR, 

in 1855 and again in 1857. He served the county in different capacities until he refused to be a candidate any fu"-- 
ther. In 1841 he served as assignee in nearly all the cases of bankruptcy. Since his retiracy he has been ei - 
gaged in farming and owns a fine place of 400 acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. In 1840 
he married Rebecca Butler by whom he has five children, Virginia (Mrs. Leech) Charles O., Mac and James W. In 
1847 he served as a member of the constitutional convention. In ttie summer of 1835 he put up a carding ma- 
chine for Fairfield & Leeper on Little Bureau above Leepertown, and run it that season. It was the second enter- 
prise of the kind in this part of the state. Mr. Turner has been in active business all his life, anl made one of the 
best public officers the county ever had. 

John Leitmann. 

Mr. Lehmann is a farmer living on section 23, and was bom in Germany 1824. He emigrated to Canada in 
1854. and came to this county four years later, or in 1858. His wife was formerly Catherine S'uver, to whom he was 
married in 1859 at Hennepin. Her native country was Germany. Their children are Amelia, Anthony, C'hristo- 
pher, Lena, John, Katie and Minnie. >Ir. Lehmann owns 240 acres of land in a high state of cultivation and his 
buildings are first-class. He is one of the live men of the place and a warm patron of whatever promotes the in- 
terest of the community. 

Josephus Phelps. 

Mr. Phelps is a native of Worcester, Mass., where he was born in 1804. In 1820 he enlisted in the regular 
army and served three years, after which he settled in Putnam county about 1833. la 1840 he married Miss Lvdia 
Clark of Onondago county. New York, and to them were born seven surviving children, Mary, Fabius E., Irene, 
Irvin, Flavius J, and Charles F. « r. Phelps' patriotism was inherited in his sons, two of whom became soldiers 
in the late war. Fabius belonged to the 105th III. volunteers and shared with Sherman the glory of the march to 
the sea. At Atlanta he was taken prisoner and was confined in Audersonville two months. Another son, Arthur, 
wa.s in the lUO day service. Mr. Phelps in the olden time occassionally assisted escaping negroes on their way to 
Canada. He owns and cultivates a small farm on which he resides. 

Joseph Forney. 

A prominent citizen of Florid, engaged in the grocery business. He was born in the State of Ohio in 1850, 
but with his parents came to Bureau county when only two years of age. In 1873 he married Miss Mary O'Neal, 
whose birth-place was in Daupain county, Pa. They have two children, La Roy and Frank. Mr Fi>rney has been 
successfully engaged in business on his own account something over six years, and in Florid since March, 1879. 
He has a new store and .dwelling, carries a lar^e and well-assorted stock of goods, and is prepared to sell on as 
favorable terms as any other dealer in his line. 

William Stehl. 

This gentleman is a blacksmith by trade, carrying on business at Florid, in Putnam county. He was born in 
Prussia, Germany, in 1854, and came to this country in 1872, staying two years in New York, and reaching Putnam 
county in 1874. The year after he married Maggie Hamel, a native of the same locality with himself. They have 
two children, Freddie and Lewis. Mrs. 8. is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Stehl is an expert mechanic, 
and does all kinds of repair work, horse-shoeing and jobbing. He owns a very pleasant home in Florid. 

John Brttmfield. 

Mr. Brnmfield is a farmer, who came from Wayne county, Indiana, where he was born in 1831, coming here 
with his parents when one year old, and has ever since lived in Putnam county. In 18C2 he became a soldier, en- 
listing in Company E, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois volunteers, and serving until mustered out at Chi- 
cago in 1865. Returning from service he married Margaret Markley, born in Missouri, and to them have been born 
three children, viz : Cora, Jessie and Mary. Mrs B. is a member of the M. E. church. They own a fine farm of 
one hundred acres, well improved. Mr. B. is industrious, careful and thrifty. 

Henry Griner, 

Mr. Griner is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Lanca.ster county in 1813, and emigrated to Putnam 
county in 1863, locating in Hennepin township. He married Martha E. Spalmon in 1839, also from Lancaster 
county. She died February 18, 1879 Tne names of their children were Mary E-, Sarah J., Susan, Maria, Rachel, 
Annie and John. 

Asaph Parmalee. 

Mr. Parmaleee is a farmer and was born in Putnam county, in the house in whjch he now resides, in 1851. 
He was married in 1872 to Miss Agnes Thomas, likewise a native of Putnam county. They have one child, Irton, 
born in 1875. Mr. Parmalee is a member of the local protection socie ty and cultivates about one hundred acres of 
land. 

James L. Patterson. 

Mr. Patterson is a farmer and mechanic, living in Florid. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1843, 
coming to Putnam county in 1860. When the rebellion broke out, he promptly offered his services, enlisting in the 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTIMENT. 643 

53 i Illinois VDlunteers. and serving until mustereH out at Springlield at the close of the war. While on forage duty 
at Moscow, Tenn., he wascap'ured by the rebels, bu*^^ made his escape three days later. Again he was captured at 
Jackson Miss .July 12tb, 1^63 and (•oijfii;ed in Libbey prison. Castle Thunder and Belle Isle for four months. 
Came home on a furlough; anri though never having been exchanged, and legally not compelled to serve, he went, 
and at the hard-fought battle before \tlanta was captured while on a charge to recover the body of Gen. Mcl'her- 
son. This time he was sent til kndersonville, wliere be endured a living death for ten months, suffenne all that 
man could and live. He helped construct the great tunnel, and was one of the first who pa.=8ed through. Himself 
and two others had got seveiiiv five miles awav. when they were tracked by b'ood-hounds and captured by Texas 
Hnngers When returned, tuey were Vjucke i and gagged, and the most inhuman tortures inflicted upon them. 
From AriderPonviDe thi y were removed to Macon. Georgia, and from thence to Jacksonville, Florida, and retained 
until after the surrender of Lee A.pri; 9 1865. He married Lorinda Bole, a native of Illinois. He is a member of 
the Andersonville A.:siic'a'ioa of the U. S. 

William Allen. 

Mr. Allen is a farmer and stock raiset , who was horn in Devonshire, England, in 1812 and came to America in 
1832. He first locatfd in Philadelphia, where, after a stay of seven years, he came to Putnam county, reaching 
111', e in May, 1839. In 1838 he married Mary Fairgraves, of EH juburg, Scotland. They have five children living, 
John. Mary, Martha, \nnie J. and Willie. His family are members of the M. E. church. He has been a successful 
stock raiser ai d dealer for twenty years; is a good farmer, and is president of the Buel Institute. Jle has served as 
supervisor of the 'ownship several times. Mr. Allen is also an apiarist, and has about fifty stands of bees. 

Mrs. Flora Zenor. 

M'S. Zenor is widow of the late H. K. Zenor, deceased, who came to Hennepin in 1831, nearly fifty years ago 
xnd em bar ktd in farming, at which he was very successful. Their children are Mary, who became Mrs. Thorn ; 
D.llie, Mrs. ."-eaton; MiJista, Mrs. Shepard; George, Richard, Henry, John and Harley B. The latter is the only one 
now at home. He was born where he now resides, in 18.55, and is a member, as also was his father before him, of 
the I. O, O. F. The homestead embraces 340 acres, under a high state of cultivation, and the parties own two other 
farms up the river. 

William WAur4ii. 

Mr. Waugh deceased, was born in Cumberland county, I'a.. in 1798, and in 1833 married Amelia Frazcr, a 
native of Somerset county, born in 1815. They arrived West in 1839, locating at Peru, and came to Putnam county 
in 1853. Ihev have ei>rht children living— viz.. .Mary, EUen, Kichard, .lane, William, James, Edwin and Armstead. 
Mr. Waugh died in 1878, having lived a long and useful life, and been very successful in his undertakings. They 
have a finely cultivated farm of 300 acres. Four sons, each with families, live at home. 

George McLean. 

Mr. McLean is a f H,rmer living in section 3G. and was born in New York in 1835; came West in 1853, and 
located in McHenry county, removing to Putnam county in 1862. In 1861 he was married to Elizabeth Lincoln, who 
was bf.rn in New York State. They have five children, George W.. Cora J., Charles H., Jennie B. and Elizabeth. 
He owns 2G0 acres of land, one half of which is well improved. Mr. McLean is a member of the Masonic order, 
a skillful farmer, and receives a large income from his labors. 

Mrs. Mattie Brumfield. 

Mrs. Brumfield, widow, was born in Putnam county. She married Mr. Augustus Brumfield in December, 
1869. He was a native of Wayne county, Indiana; went to California in 1850, »nd remained until 1866. when he re- 
turned and located in this county, lie died April 28, 1869. Mrs. Brumfield is a daughter of Mr. William Allen, of 
Hennepin. She is a lady otunassumed delicacy, and is deeply grieved by her great loss in the death of her late 
husband, She owns over 200 acres of land in the neighborhood of Hennepin, the county seat of Putnam 
county . 

Martin Nash. 

Mr. Nash was b'irn in Morgan c<mnty, Illinois in 1830, and came to this county, where (with his parents in 
1835), he has ever since resided here. His father and mother died in 1876 and 1878 respectively. In 1850 Mr. Nash 
married Miss ('harlotte Noble, a native of Ohio, who died in 1872, leaving four children, Charles N., Leonard W., 
Henrietta B. and Nellie, His present wife, 8 tr di J. Mead, he married in 1S74. She is a native of New York city. 
Mr. N. is a successful farmer, and the duties of the house are well cared for by Mrs. N. They are members of the 
Congregational church. 

Thomas W. Siiepard. 

Mr. Shepard was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1812, and when still a boy removed to Indiana. He 
came to Putnam county in 1835, and married Miss ('itherine Ham in 1844. She was born in New York. Seven 
children have been the result of the unioQ, lUchel, James, Thomas. George E., Ella, Richard and Eli Grant. Mr. 
Shepard has always taken an active interest in public schools, having served 14 years as director, and several as road 
commissioner. Ue is a large landholder owuing 333 acres, besides other property; is a member of the Local Pro- 



644 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tective Society, organized for the apprehension of horse-thieves and the protection of property. In early life he 
followed boating, and,after coming to Illinois worked at wagon making; was in the lumber business some time, 
and one year sold goods in Florid; has been extensively engaged in the ice trade, foUowins it seven years; has been 
a farmer thirty-live years, and, in addition to his home farms, owns a section of land in Kaasas and lands in Wis- 
consin. 

W. S. Benedict. 

Mr. Benedict is a successful farmer, who was born in Marion township, Linn county, Iowa, in 1848. and came 
to Putnam county in 1878. In January of that year he married Ada Wilde, who was born in this county in 1854. 
They have one child, Lyman E. They own 264 acres, v-hiuh, under his energetic management, is being put in first- 
class condition. They also have an interest in the unsettled estate of Mr. Benedict, grandfather of Mr. W. S. 
Benedict. 

Jacob Zenoe. 

Mr. Zenor (deceased) was a native of Louisville, Ky., and was born in 1812. He came to this county in 1831 
and up to his death was engaged in farming. May 1st, 1838 he wedded Alvina gkeeis. a native of Onio, and their 
union was blessed with nine children, Lucy E.. Emeline, Charles A., Francis. William E., James H., Nancy A., 
Annie May, and Lewis A. Mr. Zenor died August 16, 1879. The father of Mrs. Zenor (Skeels) was one of the earli- 
est settlers of Hennepin, coming here in 1830. He died in 1841. Her mother lived until Sept.. 1879, dying at the good 
old age of 90. 

Lambeet Winteescheidt. 

Mr. Winterseheidt is a farmer living on section 1, and was born in Prussia in 1820. coming to this country in 
1845. He came to Hennepin in 1847 and mariitd Mary Drea.«eu in 18J8, She was born in Prussia on the river 
Rhine, Dec. 12, 1&Z8. Ihey have had nine children, Elizabeth, William H., Mary J., Wilhelmina. Josephine, Wil- 
liam Augustus, Georgie, and two deceasred. Mr.Winterscheidt possesses all the industry and thrift of his people and 
owns a finely cultivated farm of 214 acres. Has served several terms as school director and filled other offices. 
Before coming to this country he served three years in the Prussian army. 

John Caeothees. 

Mr. Carothers is superintendent of the Putnam county poor house which he manages to the satisfaction of 
those concerned. He was born in Canada in 1825 and moved to Boston, Mass., where he livi-d several years, emi- 
grating to Putnam county in 1866. In 1859 he married Mary Ann Buchanan, of Boston, to whom one child, James 
A., was born. Mr. C. and wife are members of the M. E. church. Mr. C. attends the county farm of thirty acres 
paying a rental of $155 yearly, and furnishes the paupers board at an agreed on price, the county providing suitable 
quarters. 

Jacob J. Ceoissant. 

Mr. Croissant is a farmer and was born in Bureau county in 1849. He moved t') Peru with his parents in 1852 
where he resided until March 1879, when he purchased hv. present farm and moved to Hennepin. Married Miss 
Elizabeth Orth in 1869. Bhe was born in Peunsyivauia. They ave three children, Caroline, Aramina and Annie. 
Mr. C. is a member of the German benevolent societi-, of Peru, of which he was secretary five years, up to March 
1879. He owns 170 acres of land, well improved. He is a ship caulker by trade which he followed part of the time, 
and served several years in a store. 

Aechibald Geeeow. 

Mr. Gerrow was born in county Antrim, Irelan 1, in 1857, from where he emigrated in 1869, coming to Putnam 
county and locating in Hennepin township, where ha remained four years and then moved to Livingston county, 
III, In 1875 he returned to Hennepin and married Missll'-ichel Shepherd. She was born in Florid, Hennepin town- 
ship. They have two children, Eddie and Carrie. Mr. Gerrow farms 60 acres, well improved, and is one of the 
most promising young farmers in this prosperous township. 

William S. Coleman. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Putnam county in 1845, and moved with his parents to California in 
1847, being among the first emigrants to the "sunset lands." They journeyed with ox teams and their trip was 
long and eventful. On the way jilr. C. met with an accident, the c msequences of which have foUoweil him 
through life. The family returned from California ia 1851 and in 1871 he married Marg iretta ll-inch. by whom he 
has two children living, Francis M., and Albertus. Mr. Coleman owna 100 acres of land and his farm is under a 
high state of cultivation. 

Baeneed Caley. 

Mr. Caley is a farmer of Hennepin township and was bm-n in Uauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1840. In 1861 
he enlistea in company C. of the 1st i^ancaster Light Artillery and participated in much of the heavy fighting of 
the peninsula. < -wing to wounds received in action he was discharged at Hairison's Landing July 20th, 1863, and 
returned Dome. Feb. 20th he enlisted in the cavalry tnd became a member of company G. of the 20th Pennsyl- 



BIOGKAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 645 

vania cavalry, serving until the close of the war. When mustered out of the artillery he was orderly sargent 
and his commission had been made out as Lieutenant. He was 1st duty sargent in the cavalry After the war was 
over he married Fannie EUinger in 1867 and turned farmer. She was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. 

Joseph Allen. 

Mr. Allen has been postmaster of Florid twelve years. His native state is Pennsylvania where he was born in 
Dauphin county in 1826. He came to Illinois in 1841, locating in Putnam county. His first job was shaving oak 
shingles at which he worked three years, and then began cooperinjr, following it eight years. Then he tried farm- 
ing, following the plow fifteen years, and next became a merchant. After four years service he sold out and wi'ut 
to butchering and dealing in produce. For some time he worked for Mr. Hedrick in the store. Is a member of the 
Methodist church and of the Local Protection Association of Putnam county. 

John Bunges. 

Mr. Bunges is a farmer, living on section 36, Hennepin township. He was born in Luxemburg. Germany, in 
1828, and came to this country in 1852, locating at Aurora, Illinois, from whence he came to Putnam county in 1866. 
He was married to Susannah Bedesheim (born in Prussia), in 1857, by whom he has four children, \ugnRt, Maggie, 
Mary and Lizzie. They are members of the Catholic church of Hennepin, and own eighty acres of land. 

HuLDAH Boyle. 

Mrs. Boyle is the widow of Burns Boyle, who died in 1860, leaving five children, their names being as follows: 
Albert, Jo.seph, Emery. Isaac and Emily. Isaac lives at home with his mother, and manages their farm of 183 
acies, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He was born in this county in 1857. 

Charles Coleman. 

Mr. Coleman is a farmer, who was bom in Huntington county. New Jersey, in 1817. and emigrated West in 
1814, locating in this county. The gold fever of 1847, that carried so mauy men off, look him to California, where 
he remained four years. He married Jane L. Lane in 1845 the results of the union being five children, William 
S., John K., Richard S., and Charlie and Jennie (twins). Mr. Coleman has been very successful in hia undertak- 
ings, has a pleasant home, and owns 390 acres of land; has seen much of the world, is a close observer and good 
judge of human nature. 

Joel Whitaker. 

Mr, Whitaker is a farmer, living on section 36, in Hennepin township. He was born in Cumberland county. 
New Jersey, in October. 1815, and located in Putnam county with his parents in May. 1835, where he has lived ever 
since. February 2, 1854, Mr. W. married Mrs. Jane Noble (Leech), who bore them seven children, Harriet, Louis, 
Adda, Frank, Lucii.da, Jennie, and Joel Henry. Mr. W. is commissioner of Highways, and treasurer of the school 
board, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist church of Granville. He owns a fine farm of 220 acres, 
with good improvements, and is regarded as one of the solid men of the county. 

William Weeks. 

Mr. Weeks is a stock dealer, and has a meat market in Hennepin. He was born in Devonshire. England, in 
1854, and came to this cou^ntry in 1875, locating in Hennepin, where he commenced business for himself. He was 
married June 6, 1879, to Miss Ida Deyoe (born in Henry, Marshall county. 111.) Himself and wife are members of 
the M. E. church. Mr. W. has for some time been a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge; and by close application 
and thoroughly understanding the wants of the public, has built up a good business, and his market is a popular 
resort for all desiring anything in his line. 

John H. Rauch. 

Mr. Bauch is a farmer, living on section 35. He was born in South. Hanover township, Dauphin county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1847. Came west in 1S66 and located in Putnam county. He married Miss Marian J. Stouffer in 1871. 
She was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Annie L. and Jennie M., and 
two deceased twins. He is school trustee and a member of the local protection society, of which he has been treas- 
urer. He owns ninety-seven acres of land, with good improvements and in a high state of cultivation. 

Benjamin Cook. 

Mr. Cook is a native of Dupage county, having been born in Jolietin 1852, and moved to Livingston county in 
1859. From thence he went to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1875, and came to Putnam in 1878. He married Miss Susan 
Dysart in 1875, a native of Putnam county, and to them have been born two children, Harvey and Burtie* Mr. and 
Mrs. Cook are m2mbers of the Methodist Episcopal church of Hennepin" Mr. C. cultivates 230 acres of land ad- 
joining Hennepin. 

Charles Trierweiler. 

Mr. Trierweiler is a carrisKe painter by trade and an extensive manufacturer of carriages, wagons, etc" He is 
a Prussian by birth, and was bom in the town of Welschbillig, December 26. 1824. He came to the United Sbvtes in 
1847, locating at first in Michigan, whence he removed to Chicago, and after a short stay he started for St. Louis, 
taking steamboat at Peru. Ihe boat on which he embarked stopped awhile at Hennepin, and going ashore he be- 



646 BECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIIME. 

came interpsteH in the intffeetnal atlempts of several men to shoe a wild horse, llemarking he could do the job ho 
was inviied to try his hand, which he did and succeeded. Temptinjr offers were made for him to renif.in. which he 
did. He worked one year for wages and another as partner. In 1850 he began business with John Hughes, and has 
been here ever since. In 1858 he married Susan Kneip, and is tie father of five children, Lizzie, Margaret Mary, 
Annie P and Charles M. Another, Louis, died in ISV'J. Mr. Trierweiler is an ingenious mechanic and good work- 
man, and does a large amount of repairing, 

George W. Ellingki;. 

Mr. Ellinger was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and came west in ]8f)8, locating in Putnam 
county. Was married to Anna Mary llauch in 1868 a natiye of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. When the chII 
went out for "'six hundred thousand more " Mr. Ellinger enlisted in the One hundred and twentieth Pennsylvania 
nine months men, and served until discharged. Enlisted again in the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania for three months, 
and was mustered out; enlisted in the one hundred day service and served bis time, and then enlisted again, and 
was finally mustered out at the close of the war. Was slightly wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he par- 
ticipated in two fights. 

James S. Zeista. 

Mr. Zena is a farmer, living on section 33, in Hennepin township. He was born in J* fferson county, Ken- 
tucky, m 1829, and came to Putnam county with his parents in 1839. He has followed farming all his life, except 
two years spent in California (1850 and 52). on the Central Kailroad two years, and in the blacksmithing business 
three years. In 1^57 he married Miss Maria Leech (born in Ohio and raised in Putnam county). Thfy have five 
children, Francis M., Robert E., Arthur, Charles J., and Katie. Mr. Zena and wifj have been members of the Meth- 
odist church for the past twelve years, and Mr. Z. has faithfully discharged the duties of school trustee for about 
twelve years. 

C. Wood. 

Mr. Wood isaretired farmer, living in Hennepin. He was born in Brownsville, Fayette county. Pa., ia 1820, 
and moved to Warren county, Ohio, with his mother, when he was only two years old, and came to Putnam county 
in 1854. locating in Magnolia township, where he remained until 18G9, when he moved to Hennepin- He was mar- 
ried to Miss Martha Crosley in 1862.. They have only one child, Ida, who was born in 1859. Mr. W. still owns hi.s 
fine farm in Magnolia township, which he rents out. He has been a successful farmer, taking a lively interest in 
everything pertair ing to agriculture, and is now living on ihe income from tiis property. 

Martin Batsman, 

5Ir. Bauman is a manufacturer and dealer in furniture, and a Prussian by birth, having been bora in the 
principality ( f Hesse-Darmstadt November 24 1819. Finding little chance for a man to rise in the old world he de- 
termined to emigrate to the United States, and lauded at New York April 14. 1851 He worked at his trade there 
four and a half years and came to Hennepin in 1856, where he established himself in business and has continued it 
ever since. In 1855 he was married to Miss Anna Ileinhardt. in Columbia county New Yoriv, a citizen of his native 
place, to whom have been boru two children, Mary and Philip. Before coming to this country he served six years 
in the army. 

Alford Monroe. 

Mr. Monroe is a merchant of Hennepin. He was born in New York City in 1815, moved to Putnam county in 
1845. located in the village of Hennepin, and s'arted a grocery store. In 1842 he married Margaret J. Condit, who 
was also a native of New Vcrk City, and three children have blessed their union,— George, Frank L. and Marietta. 
Mr. Monroe belongs to the Society of Quakers, while his wife is of the Universalist denomination. He followed 
steamboating many > ears, was an outspoken anti-slavery man in the exciting times during the operation of the 
Fugitive Slave Law, and refused to let a slave-holder preach the Gospel to his deck hands. 

G. K. S. BuRNEY. 

Mr. Burney is proprietor of the leading confectionery, ojster and ice cream saloon in the place, established in 
1879. He is a son of W- H. G. Burney, a well known printer and editor of marked ability; who died in 1869. Mr. B. 
keeps a large supply of fruits, nuts, oysters, candy, cigars and tobacco, and his rooms for ice cream and oyster par- 
ties are elegantly turnished. 

George F. Stanton. 

Mr. S'anton was born in Fountain City, Wfiyne county. Indiana, in 1856, and came to Hennepin along with 
his parents in 1857, where he received his education and thoroughly qualified himself for his profession. He is a 
son of Dr. Stanton, an old and experienced physician and present treasurer of the coanty. George Stanton has 
been conversant with the drug business since he was fourteen years old, and is a careful, competent prescription 
clerk. At present he is in the employ of Mr. McCook. 

C. p. TOAVLE. 

Mr. Towle is a harness maker by trade and was born in Brunswick--, Rensselaer county. Mew York, in 1828. 
When tvso years old his parents came to Gallati'i county, Illinois, and from thence they went to Hickman, Ken- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPAKTMENT. 647 

tucky. From there they removed to Arkansas in 1850. After some stay at each place, working at his trade, he re- 
turned to Kentucky, and from thence came to Illinois in 18j3. Here he married Miss S- J. Story, of Granville, and 
they began housekeeping. They have seven children, John, Clara, A.da, Mattie, Jennie, Charloin and Walker. Is 
a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. 

Theodore Classon. 

Mr. Classon was born in Prussia in 1S44, and rame to the United States in 18G4, locating on section 12 of Hen- 
nepin township, Concluding it was not good for man to be alane, he married Miss Christina Cleil in 1875. She 
was born in Bavaria, Germany. They have one child, William, born in Hennepin. Mr. C. owns and cultivates one 
hundred acres of land. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic church of Hennepin. 

W. B. Barmore. 

Mr- Parmore is a stock dealer and the proprietor of a meat market in Henaepin. He was horn in New York 
in 1818, and located in Hennepin in 1852. He commenced bu-iines? ia January. 1853, and has continued in business 
since. He married Miss Henrietta V. Anderson, who was a native of N. J. Thev have three children. Watterilla, 
Edward H. and Henry C. He is a member of the I. O. O, F. and a Masnn, and is the longest established butcher in 
Hennepin . 

WiLLiA]\[ Eddy. 

Mr. Eddy is one of the very few men who make merchandising a success He was born in Wilmington. 
Windham county, Vermont, 1831, came to Hennepin in 1844 as a clerk, and established his present business in 
1853. I wo years later, in 1855, he married Elizabeth B. Gasson, a native of Brownsvillj, Fayette county, Penn., to 
whom four childien have been given, William E., Mary L., Alice C. and Hany C Mr. Eddy is a prominent 
member of the I. O O. F. of twentv-tive years standing, having been initiated the linst night of its organization. 
He has the finest store room in the counties of Marshall or I'utnam, and does a heavy trade. He is a pro- 
gressive citizen, and th» man to succeed where others fail, 

G. A. MoCoRMICK. 

Mr. McCormick is in the drug and medicine traie at Hennepin, doing a good business. He was born in Davis 
county, Indiana, in 184G, enlisted in Co. B, 120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, and was discharged in 1861 
through disability. After his discharge he settled iu Indiana for a short time, but came to Illinois in 1866, He 
married Miss Angeretta Simpson in 1870, and in 18T6 she died, leaving three children, Ira, Ida and Edna. 
In 1877 he married Miss Mary Fitzpatrick. He is a member of the I. O- O. F., and an active, energetic and suc- 
cessful business man. 

J. W. Markly. 

Mr. Markly is a native of Hennepin, and first saw light here in August 30, 1855. He received his education at 
Bioomington, and having decided upon his present business, established himself here in 1877. His next move was 
to look about for a helpmeet, and very happily he found one in the person of Jennie Greiner, whom he married in 
1878. He is a liberal dealer and carries a large stoc<i of hardware, stoves, shelf goods, guns, ammunition, etc. He 
is one of the live business men of Hennepin. 

J. H. Hyler. 

Mr. Hyli r was born in the city of New York in 183S. When the war broke out and a call was made for sol- 
diers to put down the rebellion, he enlisted in the Ninth New Jersey Infantry, and served three years and three 
months, participating in some of the hardest battles of the war. At Kingston, N. <*'., he was woanded in the hand. 
He came West in 1804, and located in Hennepin. In 1870 he married Jennie Glass, by whom he had live children, 
Henry, Jennie, Hester, Maggie and Florence. He has been in the saloon and billiard business here since May. 
1879. 

L. T. Leech. 

Mr. Leech is proprietor of the City Hotel of Hennepin jftid was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, January 19. 
1833. He came to Putnam county Sept. 15th, 1849. In 1872 he embarked in the restaurant business and has minis- 
tered to the public ever since. In 1871 he married Elizabeth A. Divis, formerly of Morgan county, Ohio, to whom 
two cuildren have been born, Cnarles K. and A illiam L. By a former marriage he has two daughters, Jennie and 
Kate M. Himself and wife are members of the C.)n8regatic>nal church of Hennepin, Mr. L. keeps a good house 
in which he is ably assisted bv his wife. Mrs. Leech was the daughter of Mrs. Ellis, well remembered among the 
older citizens of Lacoa a-s a milliner and dress-maker. His table is well supplied and it is popular with the travel- 
ing public. 

Wm. H. Lucas. 

Ferryman at Hennepin. Mr, Luca-s was born in Uavis county, Ind-, in 1842, and located in Hennepin in 1861, 
In 1802 he enlisted at Chicago in company U, of the 68th HI. Volunteer Infantry and was mustered out after four 
months service. In 1863 he re-enlisted in company H., 20th HI. Volunteers and served until the close of the war. 
On the 22d of July, 1864, he, with the entire command to which he belonged, about 1700 in all, was captmed at Peach 



648 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Tree Creek, taken to Andersonville, thence to Charleston, thence to Florence, S. C ,where he remained until paroled 
on the 13th of December. April 13th. 1865, he was exchanged, mustered out of service and returned to Indiana. 
In September, 1865, he married Nancy Lester, also a native of Indiana. They have one child living, Minne May, 
and four dead. They are members of the "SI. E. church, Mr. Lucas lost his healtn by long confinement in rebel 
prisoDs, and deserves from the government more substantial recognition than he has received for this irreparable 
loss sustatained iu defense of the country and its flag. 

P. B. Dfrley. 

A native of this county, born in the village of Hennepin in 1839 - He received his education at Wheaton col- 
lege, and during the last twelve years has been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1866 he married Miss Ada 
Unthank. She died in 1876, leaving one child, Ada Kate. July 29th, 1862. Mr. Uurlev enlisted in company E. 124th 
111. Volunteer Infantry and served as quarter master's sergeant during his term of service— three years, being mus- 
tered oat at Chicago at the close of the war. In December, 1875, he received the appointment of postmaster at 
Hennepin, which position he still holds. 

Richard Bentley. 

Mr. Bentley is a barber and hairjdresser in the city of Hennepin, where he was born in 1855 . He has been en- 
gaged in business for himself since 1877 In 1876 he married Carrie Kessling. a native of Harrisbur?, Pa. They 
have two children, Mary and Delia, Mr. Bentleylie a son of William and Cerena Bentley, who came to Hennepin in 
1851 He is an industrious and enterprising young business man. 

L. M. G. Notes. 

Mr. Noyes is a painter residing in Ithe city of Hennepin. He was born in Minott, Maine, in 1820, but in the 
same year his parents moved to Baltimore, Md., where he resided until l^SS, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to 
attend school. In 1838 he went to St. Louis, remained there until 1843, and then located in Hennepin, which has 
sin6e been his home. In 1845 he married Mary E. Brumfield, a native of Wayne county, Ind. They have one child, 
Augustus T. For seventeen years Mr. Noyes was engaged in steamboating on the western and southwestern rivers. 
Mrs. Noyes' with her parents, resided in Putnam county during the Indian wars, and found refuge in the block 
house at Ottawa during those troublesome times. Her father moved to Putnam county and located his farm in 
1833. Her mother is still living. 

August Ney <fe Co. 

Photographers. These gentlemen came to Hennepin and established their present business in 1879, coming 
from Galesburg where they run a similar business. Mr. Ney, the principal operator, has very few equals in hia 
profession, being an artist of rare merit whose work readily commends itself. They possess the only gallery in 
Hennepin, where pictures in the latest styles can be had, and have received a liberal patronage. Prices for cabinet 
size $5 per dozen, and small size $2. 

John Gowdey. 

Mr. Gowdey is a dealer in boots and shoes in Hennepin. He was born in Orange county. New York, in 1816, 
moved to Newark, New Jersey, in 1829, and to Hennepin in 1855. He followed farming for about fifteen years, 
realizing a net profit in that time of about .$15,009 over all expenses. He then in 1870 retired with a comfortable 
income, but like thousands of others he tried his luck on the grain board in Chicago, and lost his il5.000 in a short 
time, not t! rough lack of judgment, but by the trickery of the prof' ssional operators. He took his loss like a phil- 
osopher, and went to work at his trade, at which he has worked steadily since 1871. He married Miss M. V. Russell 
in 1836, who is a native of New Jer.sey. Their children are James H., John B., Sarah E., and Jane A. His oldest 
son, Russell, was killed in the late war in Georgia, after re-enlisting as a veteran, having been in twenty-three bat- 
tles. His two younger sons also served in the army, as well as Mr. Gowdey himself, who enlisted in the First Illi- 
nois Cavalry, July 3, 1861, furnishing his own horse and equipments. He was captured at Lexington, Mo., under 
Colonel Mulligan, and was robbed of all his clothing except his underclothes, in which condition he was sent to 
procure transportation for the sick and wounded after the capture and parole. He met an old negro woman, who 
was very anxious to find one of Price's rebel officers, for whom she had a basket of clean clothes. She asked Mr. 
Gowdy if he knew the officer. He replied, "Oh, of course I do. I will take these clothes to him. How miich do 
you want '' He paid her seventy -five cents, and got a suit of clothes and a good supply of clean linen, worth about 
$40,00. He returned to camp so dressed up that his Colonel did not know him. He was discharged at St. Louis in 
1862. Mr. Gowdey discovered and assisted to capture the burglar Holbrook. an account of which is given in full 
in this work. His family are members ot the M, E. church, is a Good Templar, a man of more than ordinary infor- 
mation, and qualified for a more prominent position in the ranks of humanity. 

Patrick Dore. 

Mr. Dore is a native of County Kerry. Ireland, and came to Hennepin in 1850, having walked from Chicago to 
Peru, and traveled thence by stage. His destination was Peoria, but meeting with a chance for an engagement 
with John Ware, proprietor of the hotel, he engaged at $8.00 per month, which was soon after raised to $10.00, and 
finally to $13.00. Though the wages were small, he was economical and saved his earnings, thereby laying the 
foundation of the very comfortable independence he now enjoys. After leaving there he engaged with Minihan & 




/^.'Vd Ju^CL. /«<^ 



WEN ON A, ILL. 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 651 

Simpson, lumber and grain dealers, with whom he stayed over four years. In 1858 he began business in a small way 
lor himself, first familiarizing himself with its details and the wants of the public, and increasing it as his means 
allowed and the public demanded. His business to-day is second to none in Putnam county, and his great success 
is due to strict integrity, inflexible honesty with the public, square dealing and meeting his obligations promptly. 
His large store and warehouse are filled from cellar to garret with seasonable goods, one floor being devoted exclu- 
sively to the wholesale and retail sale of clothing ; the main floor to dry goods, groceries and notions, and the base- 
ment to boots ana shoes. In the decoration of his stoie Mr, Dore is unexcelled, his fine room setting otf his rich 
goods to great advantage. His stock of clothing is not excelled west of Chicago. He owns 720 acres of land iu th.s 
county, most of it under cultivation; 160 acres in Iowa, and city property in Nebraska. In 1857 he wedded Margaret 
Rooney, and they have four surviving children, John, Thomas, Margaret, and Ellen. Mr. Dore and wife are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church, and he is a respectable, public spirited citizen. 

Andrew C. Noxon. 

Mr. Noxon was boru in New York City in 1840, and came west when thirteen years old, making his home in 
Hennepin. By profession he is a civil engineer, and his services a.s a surveyor ate often in demand. He embarked 
in the drug trade iu 1867, and has built up a fine paying business. In 1875 he was elected surveyor, and has since 
filled the position. He is thoroughly competent, and well up in the theory and practice of civil engineering. 

Samuel H. Smith. 

Mr. Smith is an attornt-y at law and lumber dealer in Hennepin. He was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1835, and 
with his parents came to Putnam county the same year. In 1858 he married Mary J. Schooler, a native of this 
county, and daughter of Hugh N. Schooler , one of the fir.st settlers. They have four children, Collins D., Mary L., 
Collie S. and Hugh N. Mr. 8. was admitted to the bar in 1869, since which time he has been engaged n the practice 
ot his profession. Commenced tne lumber business in 1876. Is a member of the Masonic order. 

M. SCHILZ. 

A manufacturer of boots and shoes and dealer in ready-made clothing, in Hennepin. Was horn in Prussia, 
in 1824, came to the United States in 1850, and located in Hennepin in 1851. He worked at his trade as a journey- 
man until 1853, when he started in business for himself. In 1853 he married Agnes Waggoner, a native of Bavaria. 
They have four children, George, Mary E., Modasta T. and Josephine. Are members of the Catholic church. 

J. G. Bell. 

This gentleman, senior member of the firm of Bell & Son, millers, of Hennepin, was born in Chester county. 
Pa., in 1829. He located in this county in 1856, followed farming one year, and then moved to Ottawa, where he 
engaged in the milling business until the spring of 18T9, when he and his son took the Union Mill of Hennepin, put 
it in thorough repair, and are now successfully running, with a capacity of sixty barrels per day. In 1854 Mr. Bell 
married Mary Henning, a native of Ireland. They have six children, Alfred, Ada, George, Anna, Cora and Jane. 
Mr. B. is a member of the Lutheran church. 

Geo. C. Read. 

Mr. Read was born in the town of Strong, in the State of Maine, in 1838, and came to Putnam county in 
1845. By trade he is a painter, which business he followed up to 1861, when he threw down the brush and took up 
the saber, enlisting in Company E., Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and was detailed as musician, in which capacity be 
served until mustered out. RHurning t > Putn itn c >uaty. he married Lizzie Bowmin in 1870, who was born in 
Virginia, and has two children, Bessie and WiUie. Mr, Read was elected Sheriff in 1876, and still holds the position, 
making an energetic and reliable public officer. 

C. B. Greiner. 

Mr. Greiner was bom in the province of Alsace, France, though his native place now is a component part of 
the great German empire. Wishing to become a citizen of the United States, he embarked for this country in 1852, 
and engaged in business in Hennepin in 1856. In the same year he married Sophia Ehmler, who is a native of 
Prussia, and to them six children have been boru, Annie Charles C, Jennie, Ida, Charlotte and George. He is a 
member of the Lutheran church, and belongs to the Masonic order. 

Adam Deck. 

Mr. Deck is a watchmaker and jeweler, born in Pennsylvania, and brought here by his parents in 1851, He 
was educated here, and likewise learned his trade, establishing himself in business in 1875. Few men are more 
competent to handle and repair fine watches and jewelry. He is conscientious in bu8ines..«>, and personally attends 
to all matters. He carries a large stock of goods, is prompt, energetic, and will win success if any man can. 

W. H. Bently. 

Mr. Bently was born in Bond county. 111., in 1845, and came here in 1850. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. 
H. Twentieth Illinois Volunteers, and served until the end of the war; was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree 
Creek, Georgia, and sent to the hospital. When he recoverad he rejoinea his command at Raleigh, N. C; was 
mustered out at Louisville and paid off at Chicago. After the war he returned to Hennepin, and married Jennie 



652 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Campbell in 1867. She died in January, 1869. He established his present business in March, 1879, and has been 
very successful thus far, proving that good soldiers usually win success in whitever they undertake. It should te 
stated that Mr. Bently enlisted when but eighteen years of age. 

E. Unthank. 

Mr. Unthank is a native of Guilford, North Carolina, where he was born in 1814. He came to Indiana in 1829. 
and to Hennepin in 1855-6 and established himself in business. In 1837 he married Catherine Curtis, born in Ohio. 
They have two children, William C. and Bartlett B. Both are members of the Congregationalist Church of Hen- 
nepia. He is a thorough master of the trade and a cireful workman, making his own harness, saddles, etc. His 
only daughter wedded P. B. Durley, postmaster of Hennepin, and died in 1876. 

H. B. Stockdale. 

Mr. Stockdale was born in Philadelphia in 1852 and comes from a family of more than average abilitv. His 
father was a noted educator and for several years presided over the public schools of Peru. He gave his sons a thor- 
ough business education and through them controls a larger grain business than any firm along the Illinois river, 
having ho'ises at Hennepin, Bureau Junction, Peru, and elsewhere. They own several boats running upon the 
river and canal and have very favorable connections east. While often selling in the Chicago and Peoria markets 
their princpal shipments are to the seaboard and to Europe direct. Mr. Stockdale was m-irried in 1879 to Minnie 
L. Eddy, of Hennepin. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

William H. Casson. 

Mr. Oa.sson is a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Brownsville, Payette county, in l^SS. Since 1848 he has 
been a citizen of Putnam county where he obtained his education. He is a lawyer by profession, having been a<:?- 
mitted to the bar in 1871. Jn 1862 he married Mary McMahon and to them have been born two children, Margactt 
L. and Uobert O. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1864 he was elected circuit clerk and served two terms, 
In 1872 was elected State's attorney for four years and re-elected in 1876. He is a lawyer of acknowledged ability, a 
good counsellor and has a patronage that is constantly increasing. 

Dr. J. H. Seaton. 

A physician and druggist of Hennepin, was born in Indiana in 1836, and educated at the Wabash college. 
A ugust 18th, 1862, he enlisted in the 6th Indiana Cavalry and served until the close of the war, two years of which 
time he occupied the position of hospital steward. In 1866 he married Axdeliu Zenor, a native of this county, 
adopted Hennepin as his permanent location, and started in his present business. They have four children, Nellie, 
Alice, Annie aud Ida. Dr. S. is a member of the 1. O. O. F. is superintendent of schools, and a member of the 
board of town trustees. 

Henry Deck. 

A prosperous merchant of Hennepin. Was born in Burke county. Pa., in 1838, and located in this county in 
1852. He commenced business for himself in 1867. In 1866 he married Annie Ahmler, a native of Germany. They 
have one child, Minnie L. Mrs. Deck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He carries a full stock of 
groceries and queensware aud is one of the successful business men of Hennepin. 

William Smith. 

Mr. Smith, of Smith & McOormick hardware dealers in Hennepin, was bora at Dumtrieshire, Scotland, in 
1832. He came to the United States in 1849 and located in this county in 1858. He followed the avocation of a clerk 
until 1877, when he went into business for himself as a member of the firm of Markley & Smith, which connection 
continued one year, at the expiration of which time he formed a partnership with Mr. McCormick. lu 1863 he en- 
listed in company E. 124th 111. Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war, most of the time as a non- 
commissioned officer. In lb56 Mr. Smith married Caroline A'ire, a native of Pennsylvlnia, though raised in Ohio. 
They have four children. Jennie E. (now a teacher Abingdon), Philip A., Mary B. and Carrie Irene. Mr. S. is a 
member of the M, E. church and Mrs. S. of Congregational church. He is now general dealer in stoves, tinware 
and glass 

Benjamin F. Whitaker. 

Mr. Whitaker is a farmer, living on section 35, and was born in Magnolia township in 1830. His parents are 
numbered among the earliest residents of old Putnam. In 1859 he married Nancy J. Peterson, also a native of 
Putnam. They have four children living, Frances L., Mary E.. Grace A. and Ruth J. Five children have died. Mr. 
Whitaker served one term as assessor. He owns a well improved farm of one hundred acres, with good dwelling, 
etc.. and is comfortably fixed so far as this world goes. His father — Aaron Whitaker, was one of the first settlers 
in the i ounty, c»ming in 1829, and serving in the Black Hawk war. 

Capt. Jeff Durley. 

Captain Durley was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, December 7, 1822, and came to Putnam county in 1844, 
where two years later he married Eleanor Seaton, a native of Kentucky. Her parents died while she was young, 
and she fell to the care of an uncle, who moved to Indiana and subsequently to Illinois. They have five children, 
Leslie, Rosalie. Francis A., Helena and Annie. When the war broke out he was in the far west, but finding his ser- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



653 



vices were demanded he came home, shouldered his musket, and enlisted as a private in the 139th Illinois volun- 
teers. Hewaschoser captain, and his command designated as company B. The 139th was a "short time" regi- 
ment, and the term of enlistment hMviit; expired it was niustered out. Captain Durley next organized company I 
of the 47th regiment and was elected its captain. With this command he served until the close of the war, doing 
good service. They were mustered out at Demopolis. \labama. In 1876 he was chosen circuit clerk, which he still 
retains. Mr Durley is one of the solid men of the township, and is withal genial, obliging and popular. 

James N. Durley. 

Mr. Durley belongs to a family prominent in the history of Putnam county for enterprise and patriotism. He 
was bom in 1837 and in 1864 enlisted in the Forty-seventh Illinois volunteer infantry, was captured at Gay's Land- 
ing on the Alabama River, and was mustered out at the close of the war. His present business was established in 
186). In 1871 he married Lucy Eldy, of Vermont, and thev hnve one child, Mabel, born in 1875. In business he is 
both energetic and conservative, pushing his enterprise, but keeping it well under control. Such men rarely fail. 

A. H. Turner. 

Mr. Turner is a farmer and mechanic of Hennepin. Was born in Oxford county, Maine. January 9, 1810. lie 
went to Aroostook county in 1831 where he had charge of the farm department and issuance of all supplies for the 
contractor of the military road in that county, which position he held three years, when he resigned and came 
west. He located in Putnpm county in 1845, and engaged in farming. He married Ann Law in Sept., 1837. She 
was a native of Frederick, New Brunswick. She died in 1847 leaving five children, Hamblin. Laura Mary Salome, 
Hiid beyail. He married Elizabeth Nash, his present wife, on August 26th, 1848. She was born in Albany, N. Y. 
The frwits of this marriage are Daniel B., Cornelia, Henry, Frank. Lizzie and Warfield. They are members of the 
Preshjterian church. He was coroner one term, overseer of the poor two terms and school director some 24 years. 
He is a natural mecbahic having studied out nearly all the mechanical arts and is proficient in many. 




054 RECORPS OF THE OLDEIST TIME. 



MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP. 



Judge John W. Laughlin. 

A Justice of the Peace at Mount Palatine. He was born in Bond county, IH., in 1820, moved to this county 
with his parents when only ten years of age, and in 1845 marritd Miss Jtine ^ . Keid, who moved with her parents 
to Brown county, 111., when a child. With the exception ot about three years' residence in Versailles, they have 
lived in this coui;ty since their marripge and in Alcuct Palatine twenty-four years. They have four children 
living,— Henry R., Fannie C., Mary E. and Ebert H. Ttiey are members of the Congregational church. Mr. L. 
has been justice of the peace about twelve years, lie has 220 acres of land in his home farm, and also a farm of 
160 acres in La Salle county. 

George Gall. 

Mr. Gall is a farmer, living on section 6, Magnolia township. He was born in Eliuhland county, Ohio, in 1822, 
and located in Putnam county in 1867. In 1847 he married Mary Ward, who was born in the same state. They 
have six children. Thomas !{., Anna B., William McLelland, Mary M., Andrew, and Jessie. Mr. G. and wife are 
members of the M. E. church. He owns seventy-niac acres of laud, mostly under good cultivation, 

T. F. Lash. 

Mr. Lash is a merchant, living in Magnolia. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1846, and located in 
Magnolia in 1865. He has been in the mercantile business since 1876. He was married to Miss Sarah C. 'Vabel in 
1873. Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic order, and is also a member of the Retail Jewelers Associatiim of Illinois. 
He enlisted in the 170th Ohio Volunteers in May, 1864, and was discharged in the fall of the {•ame year. He came 
to Magnolia with less than $10.00, and has now a general stock of g<iods worth about $2 000, besides 160Hcresof 
land in Nebraska and 480 acres in INIiasouri, also his store. He owns a residence, and another house and lot in Mag- 
nolia, and has been a member of the Town B')ard for two years. 

Elzy Downey. 

Mr. Downey is a farmer, living in Magnolia township. He was born in Greenbrier county, Va., in 1810, and 
moved to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1814, thence to LaSalle county, near Ottawa, in 1832, locating in Putnam county 
in 1838. He married Mrs. Nancy Johnson in 1838, who was bora in lloss county, Ohio, in 1814. Mr. D. has one child 
by a former marriage, Robert; and Mrs. Downey one by a former marriage, Sarah J., ( Uowman). They are mem- 
bers ot the Methodist church. Mr. D. is a man of diversified ability ; is engaged in butchering part of the time, 
and has also run a cider mill lor several years past; and was constable for two terms. 

J. H. Taggart. 

Mr. Tagcart is a farmer, living in Marshall county, near Magnolia. He was burn in Belmont county, Ohio, in 
1840, and located in Marshall county in 1863. He married Miss Josephine Murdough the same year, who is a native 
of Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, and is a lady of refinement and good education. They have four chil- 
dren, Lewella 3 , Maud R., Harry M., and Fred S. Mr. Taggart is extensively engaged in stock raising, is an ener- 
getic business man, a deep reader, and well posted on the general topics of the day. 

Mrs, Elizabeth Hiltabrand. 

This lady, widow of George Hiltabrand. one of the pioneer.^ of Putnam county, was born in Caswell county, 
N. C, in 1801. bhe was married in 1824. and in 1829 moved with her husband to the then almost unbroken prairie 
of this section. They located a claim on sectioQ 20, upon which Mrs. H. still resides Mr. Kiltabrand died 
October 20, 1870, leaving ten children, viz.: Jerusha Simeon C, Henry H,. Edward C, Josephus. George W., Emily 
E., Benjamin F., Ella J. and Melissa A. Mrs. H. has iieen a member of the old school Baptist church since she was 
fourteen years of age. Her homestead farm comprises 340 acres ol land. Her post office address in Caledoaia. 

William Hawes. 

Mr. Hawes has the honor of being the earliest living resident of the two counties. He was born S'pt. 23, 1800, 
in Orange county, Va., and with his parents moved to Warren county, Ohio in 1805, two years later to Clinton 
county and thence to Sangamon. 111., where he followed driving team until 1826, when hfi visited the lead mines at 
Galena, passing on horseback through Putnam Co.,and selecting the place he afterward made his home. The next 
year he returned, built a cabin and broke a piece of land and put in a crop of corn. James D. Willis was the next 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 655 

man to locate in the neisrhborhood and Lewis Bailey the third. When tho Indians discovered Hawes' presence they 
warned him to leave, making dire threats of what the consequences would be in case he did not, but he refused to 
desert his properry and wasnotmolestrd. In 1823 he marripd Lucinda Southwick. a native of New York, who came to 
Sangamon county, in 1816. She died July 4th, 1867. In 1868 he married Mrs, Louisa Moffitt and to them were born, 
viz : Andrew, Lillian, Mary. Clifford and Joel. When the Black Hawk war broke out he was chosen captain of a com- 
pany of rangers who did scout duty but saw no real fighting. He has led a long and active life and at the ase of 
eighty is smart and active like a man of forty. In his younger years he was a great traveler, having dug lead in 
Galena, gold in California, and silver in Mexico. He owns nearly two thousand a^res of land in Putnam and Mar- 
shall counties and a half section in Minnesota, most ol it under cultivation Ihn father of Mrs. H. came to Putnam 
couuty in 1848. She married Mr. Moffit in 1861 and he died the following year from wounds received in the army, 

TOWNSEND G. FyFFE. 

This gentleman, formerly a resident of this county, now deceased, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 
1800' He located in Putnam county in 1829. He filled the positions of coiinty commissioner and supervisor several 
termsand was also elected toother important local offices. In 1832 he marrid Zella Boyle, also a native of K-n- 
tucky. They bad nine children, sevtn of whom are living.— .1. D", A,ra. Mary B., Franklin, Martha, Emma and 
Helen. Mrs. Fyffe is still living. J. D. is a member of the Masonic order. 

Joel Hawes. 

Joel Hawes is a farmer residing on section 22, and one of the early settlers of Putnam county. He was born 
in Madison county, Va., August 15, 1796, moved with his parents to Clinton county. 111., in 1805, and thence to 
Putnam county in 1838. In 1824 he married Elizabeth Gibson, a native of Kentucky. Their children are Mary A.. 
Thomas Elizabeth (deceased), William, John, Sarah, Eunice, George and Asa. Mrs. Hawes died in January. 1874. 
He owns 193 acres of land part of which he entered in 1835. A portion of this is located in Kobtrts Tp., Marshall 
county, in section 3, range 1. west of the third principal meridian. In 1861 he marrii d Mrs. Maud Gustav Otto, 
by whom he has five children, James Helen, William, Maud iind Grace, 

Henry C. Morris. 

Mr. Morris is a farmer living on section 6, Magnolia township. He was born in Union Town, Fayette 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. and came to Putnam in 1845. 1q 1849 he married Eliz4,bcth McLaughlin, born in 
West Newton, Wes moreland county, I'a., and to them h ive biea given two children, Hervy K. and Fannie L. ; are 
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He is a firm friend to education, and has served as director for 
thirty years; was also supervisor of his towQ<ship, road director, etc. He has a well cultivated farm of 167 acres, 
and 36 acres of timber, good dwe'ling and pleasant surioundinsjs. 

S. C. MORRELL. 

Mr. Morreil, merchant, was born la Caledonia county, Vt., in 1833, and located in Hennepin in the fall of 
1837; came to Magnolia in 1841, and engiged in the msrcmtile business in 185V. He married Mary Baker in 1)^51, 
who was born in Vermont. I'hey have three children living, Ella L„ Rlary F. and Josephine. Mr. Morrill is a 
member of the M. E. church. He was township collector in 1864-5. He carries a full stock of goods suitable to his 
trade. 

George 8. Park. 

Mr. Park is a farmer, whose homestead is on section 25 and 26, and was born in Windham county, Vermont. 
October 28, 1811. He came west in 1832 on a tour of investigation. He visited Missouri and Illinois and selected for 
his future home the neighborhood in which he now resides. He taught school in Sangamon county for a while and 
returned to Vermont in the fall of the same year. His father soon after came west and located near Pekin, while 
the son preferred his first selected location, in what is now Magnolia township. He purchased a claim of 160 acres 
from Cornelius Hunt for jSOO which is part of his present homestead. He and his father then entered 8()() acres 
more in the same neighborhood. He attended the Illinois College at Jacksonville two years, where he was a class 
mate of the late governor of Illinois — Richard Yates. Being obliged to leave college in consequence of poor 
health, he went to Texas in 1835, and while there the war for independence began, so young Park 
volunteered in the army of General Houston. By treachery on the part of the Mexicans his division of 250 men 
were obliged to capitulate to the army of Santa Anna, ami were disarmed. The prisoners were to have been em- 
barbed on a ship for Galveston, but while <m the march to the vessel they discovered preparatitms for their 
slaughter by their captors. Young Park suggested an attack on their guards, but before he could get any con- 
certed action of his men. the guard drew up and fired on the disarmed prisoners. He saw tbeir move- 
ments, and fell upon his face, the murderous volley passing over him. The next instant he was cm his 
feet and flying for the river. It was a race for life; the treacherous guards loaded ami fir. d again and again, thp 
bullets flying thick and fast, but fortunately never hit him. When he thought himself safe and on the verge of 
freedom, he found himself confronted by a line of sentries along the river bank, but did not stop, and when within 
a few feet of the river two Mexicans crossed muskets in front of him. He then turned to one side and made for a 
single sentry, whose gun he turned aside and jumped into the river, bullets flying round him. lie 
floated down some distance until he got under the bank, when he rested and recovered breath. He then 
ran along the shore under the protection of the friendly bank until he got out of range, when he again took to the 
river and swam to the other side. He saw three of his comrades running for life the same course he had come, closely 



656 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

pursued by the Mexicans. He started acroass the prairie in the direction of Gen. Houston's armv, which was about 
seventy miles distant. He was soon intercepted by mounted scouts sent out to capture such as might have escaped, 
but being on the alert he saw them and hid himself in a hole concealed by long buffalo grws s > the horsemen could 
not ride over him. They came close to hira several times but give up the hunt at night, when he started for his 
headquarters, which he reached safely. Texas gained her independence, the Houston troops soon disbanded, and 
young Park returned north, or rather to Missouri, where he located land. He married Miss Mary L Holmes, July 
12, 1^55. She was born and educated in New York city. They have one child, a very accomplished young lady. Miss 
Ella, who was born in Missouri 1857. Mr. Park located about ten miles above Kansas (Uty, in Missouri, and was the 
founder of Psrkville, Platte county. Mo. He has donated a large tract of land and a suitable building, worth $35,- 
000. for the purpose of a college, in which young people of both sexes can receive a practical education— boys in 
the art of husbandry, and girls in the dutirsof perfect housekeepers, in addition tt» other necessary branches of 
education. Mr. Park has always been a consistent Republican, though not an Abolitionist. He (nainfained, while 
editor and proprietor of his oaper, that the people of Kansas bad the right to say whether they would have a free or 
slave state: and for boldly and fearlessly advocating those principles, he whs mobbed, his press thrown in the river 
and his life threatened. In fact, he had to barricade himself in bis house, determined to defend himself to the 
last against any odds rather than be driven from his home, having been guilty of no crime. He provided himself 
with firearms and laid in a good store of ammunition, with a keg of powder ready to blow up the building had the 
mob of border rnflfians succeeded in breaking in. determined to die in the ruins rather than abandon his home. 
When they could not persuade him bv thrfats or otherwise to leave, they told h.s young wife that as they had 
passed resolutions in their "Blue Lodges" that he must leive on account of his Republican principles, they would 
be ruined if they did not carry out the resolution, and if he would promise to leave in two, three or six weeks, all 
would be satisfactory ; but if not, that blood would surely be shed, as there were several hundred men waiting only 
for the signal to attack him. The reply of his brave young wife was that Mr. Park and she were going to Texas in 
the winter, but she was not in the habit of letting strangers and enemies set the day she should go; that she would 
go with Mr. Park, and that he would go when he was ready. This was the end. He afterwards sued the ringleaders 
«if the mob who destroyed his press and type, and they settled with him satisfactorily. He held his ground, show- 
ing the grit of a Napaleon, and was afterwards elected to the Senate. He moved to Magnolia in 1873, where he ban 
the finest residence in the county, with 480 acres in his home farm; also 2,000 acres in LaSalle and other counties in 
this State, and large tracts in Missouri, Kansas and Texas. 

Lewis I. Beck. 

Mr. Beck is a farmer on section 15 his post-office being Clear Creek, He was born in Muskingum county 
Ohio, in 18l8, and located in this county in April, 1831. Nov. 18, 1841, he married Cynthia A. Winters, who was born 
in Miami county, Ohio. They have seven children living, Harrison W., Lewis M., Stella A., Mary I., Lenora, Harry 
E. and William K. Harrison W. served three years during the war of the rebellion iu the 124th 111. Volunteers and 
afterwards located in Butler county, Kansas, serving one term in the legislature from that county. Mr. Beck owns 
140 acres of land in his homestead farm. 

J. A. Ellis. 

Mr. Ellis is a farmer, residing in Magnolia township. He first gazed upon the wonders of this world in Green 
county, Ohio, in 1842. He lo( ated in this county in 1854. He marrried Miss Ura Hardesty in 1848. She is a native 
of Brown county, Ohio. They have eight children living, Nancy, Cornelia, Elma. Newton, Robert. Hattie. Sadie 
and Irene. They have three children dead. Mr. and Mrs. E. are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, 

John Van Horn. 

Mr. Van Horn is a farmer, residing on sections 35 and 36. He was born in Butler connty, Ohio, in 1808, and 
located in Putnam county in the fall of 1841. He married Mary Hib.b8 in 1832. She was born in Pennsylvania. 
They have eight children living, Isnac, Sarah .J., Samantha, Samuel. Joseph, Mfiry A., .Julia and Cynthia. He was 
i-chool trastee several terms, and was an able and efficient officer. He owns two hundred and fifty acres of land, 
all improved except eighty acres of timber. He is a thrifty farmer and has a very beautiful residence, immediately 
adjoining the village of Magnolia, and is considered a first class farmer. 

Ephraim Smith. 

Mr. Smith is a farmer living on section 33, Magnolia township. He was born in North Carolina in 1805. His 
parents came to Sanaamon county in 1815. He came to this county in 1830, and located on his present farm in 1831. 
He married Harriet Thurman in 1810, who was born in New York State. She died July 19, 1858, leaving six 
children, Irvin O , Ellen A., Franklin, Lnma. M., Harriet M. and James C, In March, 1859, he married Mrs. 
Jemima Kays (Reed) bv whom he has two children, Katie R. and Eva M. He has been school director several 
timi s owns 320 acres of land in Putnam couity, ani alio 320 in Clark county, Iowa. 

Andrew B. Gurnea. 

Mr. Gurnea was born in Mayfield, Montgomery county. New York, March i5th 1815, and moved to Michigan 
where in 1841 he married Cornelia Wallace, who was born in Orange county, N. Y. They have four children, Mar- 
garet A., (Mrs. Stainbrook) Nancy J.. James C. and Harriet E. Mr. Gurnea comes from Quaker ancestors, and is 
perhaps indebted to them for a certain sturdy honesty, born of a desire to observe so far as man 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. (J57 

can the golden rule of doing unto others as we would they should do unto us. kt a time when abolitionists were 
looked upan as little better than horse thieves he voted for Jamts G. Biruey for president, and rightly regards it 
as ihe noblest act of his life. The confidence reposed in him by the community is shown in the official trnsts con- 
fided to his care. In 1859 he was elected justice of the peace and has held it ever since. He has been a notary 
public 16 years, township clerk 10 years and assistant postmaster 18 years. He has been agent of the Hartford fire 
insurance company 13 years and in all these positions acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of all parties in- 
cluding his own conscience. 

H. C. Mills. 

Mr. Mills was born in Magnolia township March 21st, 1849, and received his education at the State Normal 
school and Lincoln University. His father, Capt. Ely K. Mills, was a well known steamboat captain who along 
with Capt. Pnce owned the boats he ruu and died many years aga. Mr. Mills chose farming for a profession and 
in 1877 married Hester Badgley, of Auglaize county, Ohio. He owns a very nice farm of 220 acres under cultivation 
and 18 a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. 

Campbell Shields. / 

,.nH .]!,'' !!!'^''*' T^"'" '^ Morgan county, Indiana, and came to this county with his parents in 1833, was raised 
andeducatea on a farm, and through h.so^n exertions ha, made him.elf wealthy and the owner of one of the 

^ e,?hrhMH °r ""ZK '''if ""' '"'"''^'' '''''' "^"^^' ^''^'^ '" "'''^"^'^^ '^^^'y^ -h" became the mother 
of eight children Laura K, Franklin P., Clara A ., Jennette E , Bernard M.. Sarah E., James W. and A.amintaB 
Mrs. 8 died Apnl 16. 1876 In 1878 he married Rebbeca P. Smith to whom one child ha« been given. Harry CM 
Shields IS a member of the Masonic order and among his friends liberal, hospitable and social. He has served his 
township as supervisor, assessor etc., besides filling several minor offices. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 386 

Edward Phillips. 

A farmer residing in section 34. his post-office being Magnolia. He was born in Chester county. Pa., in 1834 
and located in this county la 1842 with his Uncle George. October 8. 1857 he mar.ied Mary Jane Smith, who wa^ 

P Mawh 7 n "''"%' ^\V!- '^'^"^ ''^'' ^^"^* ''^"•^'^'^- •^"'^^ H.. Elizabeth J., Olara A., .ary E.. Cha^" 
E . Martha A George T., and Maud. Mr. Phillips owns and operates a water-power saw and grist mill, with ampl e 
tacilit.es tor domg the custom work of the surrounding country, and can manufacture any description of lumber 
required for ordinary purposes . He owns 240 acres of improved land. 

John H. Phillips. 

Residence, section 34, Postoffice, Magnolia. 

William A. Smith. 

Mr Smith is a farmer bom in Grant county, Indiana, in 1829, and settled on Oxbow prairie in 1851, His wife 
who died in 1872, w.s Margaret Tronewhom he wedded in 1860 and who bore »^im three children. Alvah H., Willie 
IJ.and Maggie P. In 1876 he was married tr> Mrs .Annie Williams, by whom he has one child. Bertha E. He owns 
50 acres of land and cultivates 136 acres besides. 

Calvin Shields. 

Mr. Calvin shields is a farmer living on section 26, of Magnolia township. He is a native of Indiana, having 
been born m Morgan county in 1829. but removed here with his parents in 1833. In 1844 he married Rachel Ger 
man. born in Ohio. They have eight children living named as follows; Ann, Ellen. John, Douglas. Marehal. Rachel 
nenry and Robert, He has baen supervisor two terms and held other minor offices. His homestead embraces 4'>5 
acres and he owns 1000 acres elsewhere in this state. He is energetic, pushing and clear headed. 

Mrs. Kahel Kays. 

Mrs. Kays is the widow of Henry Kays who died in February. 1877. She was born in Kentucky, in 1820 and 
came to Indiana with het parents when four years old. Mr. Kayes was one of the most successful farmere in the 
county and owned at the time of his death 887 acres of land. They had six children living.-Jane (Mrs. Bobbit) 
Marcus v.. Columbus. John A. , Emery, Clara E., and three are dead. Mr. Kays was supervisor of his township tw(. 
terms and was a man of more than usual ability. Before his death he gave each of his children 80 acres of land. 
His family are members of the M. E. church. 

Amos Wilson. 

The subject of this sketch lives on section 23, and was bom in Chester county, Pa., in I794,and is now eighty-six 
years old. In 1824 he settled in New Castle, Delaware, and in the fall of 1826 moved to Belmont county, Ohio, 
where he lived until the spring of 1851, when he located in Putnam county, Illinois. He was married to Hannah 
Brown, born in c;hester county. Pa., in 1818. by whom he had fiva children. Joshua R. Margaret. David. Tliomas 
and Hannah. Mrs.W. died in 1826. In 1828 he wedded Anna Morris, of Columbiana county. Ohio, who brought 
bim nine children. Rebecca, Elizabeth, Morris A., Mary. Amos B., Olive, and three who have gone to another 



658 RECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

world. Himself and family are members of the Society of Friends. Hi^ home farm embraces 440 acres, and be- 
sides he owns 320 acres in La Salle county, and the same in Saline county, Kansas. With a single exception he is 
the oldest citizen in the two counties. Mr. Wilson is a self made man, and owes his success to his own exertions, 
through the aid of the Great Master above. 

Oliver Smith. 

* Mr. Smith is a farmer, living on section 15, who was horn in WashinsrtoQ county. Pa., in 1841 and came West 
with his parents the succeeding year. In 1878 he married Iluldah R, Mills, a native of this county. They have one 
child, William Eddy. Mrs. S is s member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Smith owns tif ly-nine acres of improved 
land in this county, in addition to which he cultivates a rented farm. lie also owns 160 acres of land in Kansas. 

Mrs. Lydia Griffith, 

This lady, widow of the late George Griffit i, was born in Adams county. Pa., in 1816. In 1842 she came with 
her parents, Samuel and Susannah Comley. to this county, and the succeeding year was married to Mr. Griffith, 
who died in 1867, leaving three children,— Hiram, Frank and Isabel— and three by a former marriage— Isaac, Mar- 
tha J. and S/irah. Mr. G. located in this couaty in 1836. Mrs. Griffith owns one hundred acres of excellent land, 
with very line improvements. Herself and family are njember.s of the Society of Friends. 

Abner Boyle. 

Mr. Boyle is a farmei living on section 22. His Post Office is at Clear Creek ; was born in Bedford county, 
Va., in 1808. He mi)ved to Madison county, Kentucky, with his parents in 181U, and to Todd county in 1815. He 
moved to Putnam county. 111., in 1821:1, and located in Magnolia. He married Matilda Wilson in 1831. who was 
born iu Kentucky. They have iive children, VVTliam A. Caroline (Griffith), Edwird H., A. T. and Virginia. He 
was the lirst postmaster in Putnam county, which was located at Magnolia. He has served as assessor and super- 
visor. He owns his home farm lao acres of improved land, 60 acres of timber, and 600 acres in La Salle county, 

Thomas Flowers. 

Mr. Flowers is a farmer in Magnolia township, whose post office is at Clear Creek. He was born in Washing- 
ton county. Pa., and came to Putnam county in 1844, disembarking ac Hall's Landing. He married Phebe Hartley 
in 1842. also a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children, Elizabeth (Mrs. Price), Martha, Emma 
(Price). Mrs. Flowers died in 1850, and he was married the second time, in 1852, to Phebe Conly, who was bom in 
adamg county. Pa., in 1815. Both are members of the Society of Friends. Previous to settling here Mr. Flowers 
lived nfteen years in LaSalle county, where he was school director and held other offices. 

Walter Trone. 

Mr. Trone lives on Oxbow Prairie, where he settled in 18.54. He was born in York county. Pa., July 19, 1831, 
and in 1861 married Malvina Huber, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio. They have five children, and two adopted. 
The names of the five are Charles W., John L., Sarah A., Grant O., and William H.; their adopted children are 
Mary J. Quinn, and Mary E. Moore. All are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Trone owns 240 acresof well im- 
proved land, and deserves the blessings the Father of All has given him. 

Carver Tomlinson. 

Mr. Tomlinson is an old citizen of Putnam county, coming here in 1852. He was born in Philadelphia in 
1816, and when three years old accompanied his parents to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he obtained his education 
and in turn became a teacher In 1844 he moved to Washington county. Pa., where he married Mary A. John, a 
native of that county. To them six children have been given now living, viz., Josephine, Mary, Josiah, Isaac, 
Alice E. and Willis. He has served as school treasurer twelve years, was a teacher many years, and always took a 
a deep interest in educational matters. He is well informed in the political and religious literature of the day, 
does his own thinking, and stands high in the estimation of the community. He owns 228 acres of land in Mag- 
nolia township. 

Eliza W. Smith. 

This lady, .widow of Mr. Jesse Smith, resides on her farm^n Section 13, her postoffice being Clear Creek. She 
was born in Adams county, Pa., in 1809, came west with her mother and brother in 1837, locating in Putnam county, 
and in 1845 was married to Mr. Smith. In 1869 her husband died, leaving two children by a former marriage, 
Henry R. and Oliver, and three deceased. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Society of Friends, is a pleasant, matronly 
old lady, young looking and active for one of her age She owns one hundred acres of well improved land. 

William Wheeler Holmes. 

Mr. Holmes was born in Herkimer county. New York, in 1805, but spent the most of his life in New York city 
While here he was engaged in mercantile enterprises that took him over all parts of the Union, and enabled him to 
make the acqaintance of most of the leading men. He has a vast store of information, and is an entertaining and 
instructive talker. In 1853 he came to Magnolia, and his pleasant residence, one mile west of town, has since been 
his home. In 1829 he wedded Julia P. Vivoort, who died in 1848, leaving him eight children, viz., Mary L., William 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 659 

B PerceliaV. Vernon. Julia R., Lawson 0., Geo. N. and Grace. In 1857 Mr. Holmes wedded Mrs, Mary Murphy, by 
which marriage he has four children, Charlotte, Maraaret, Emma and Oliver. Mrs. Holmes had one son, John Murphy 
by a former marriage. One of Mr. Holmes' sons learned the printing business with the late William Trench, and 
an of his children have shown marked ability in their various avocations. 

Joshua Poling. ^ . „ . ^ ,^ 

A farmer residing on section 34. His postoffice address is Magnolia. Mr. Poling was born in Fairfield county. 
Ohio, in 1828. and located in this county in 1854. In the year 1856 he was married to Miss Sarah Himt, a native of 
Putnam county, who was born in 1831. They have five children. John W., Phillip, Clara Be 1, Mary E and 
Willis. Mr. Poling's homestead consists of seventy acres of lanH, all improved. George Hollenback, Mra. Pohng s 
uncle, lived in Kendall county at the beginning of the Black Hawk war, and with others was warned off by Shab- 
bona but did not leave until the enemy appeared. He hid his money in the ground outside his cabin when he left, 
but after going a short distanne returned for it, when the Indians discoverd and pursued him. He escaped by 
taking to the swamp, spent one night in a tree top, and finally secured safety and shelter under the roof of a fnend. 
lie soon returned and found his house in ashes, but his money was all right where he had hidden it. 

Dr. Larned Davis. . ^ ,, • ,q,i ^ 

This gentleman, postmaster at Palatine and a merchant, was bom in Franklin county. Mass.. in 1811, and 
located in this county in 1841, Sept 5th, 1833, he married Mary Parmenter. who was also born in Massachusetts, in 
1814 She died July 29th. 1848. leaving five children, one of whom has since died. The living are John, JjB'igtit, 
Otis and Mary. April 5th, 1859, Mr. Davis married Keziah Loughlin a native of Brown county, Ohio. He has been 
in the mercantile business and occupied the position of postmaster since 1859. He owns 80 acres of land adjoming 
Palatine, beside his residence and business property. Mrs. D. is a member of the Congregational church. 

John Hawes. 

Mr. Hawes is a farmer, born in Clinton county. Ohio, who, along with his parents, came to Putnam county in 
1838 and located in this township. His wife was formerly EUa Z. Kellai , bom in Fayette county. Penn. whom he 
married in 1862. They have three children, John E , Mary L. and Lizzie H. Mrs. Hawes died March 18th, 1879. She 
was a very estimable woman and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Although a comparatively 
young man Mr. Hawes has been fortunate beyond the majority of persons, owning 300 acres of fine farming land in 
this coxmty and Marshall, and a beautiful residence near Magnolia. 

Joshua S. Mills. 

Mr. Mills is one of the wealthiest real estate owners in Putnam county, and a very successful farmer. He was 
bom in Washington county. Pa., in 1821 and came to Putnam county in 1842. In 1850 he married Hannah S. Hoyle, 
born in Ohio, and to them have been given Mary L., S. F., Edith Ann and Kuth E. They belong to the Society of 
Friends . Mr. Mills owns 910 acres under cultivation and 110 acres of timber. His home is one of the pleasantest 
in a township noted for its fine residences, and his farm shows what inteUigent management can effect in a country 
like Illinois. 

Moses Dugan. 

The subject of this sketch is a farmer, located on section 5, Magnolia township, though his postoffice address 
is Hennepin. Mr. Dugan was born in Chester county. Pa..in 1820. With his parents he located when a child in Har- 
rison county. Ohio, where he resided until 1836, when he took up his residence in this county. He owns 29D acres of 
land in Putnam, and 80 acres in La Salle county, and his farm is one of the neatest in the c3unty. j^ 

Dennis Springer. 

A farmer located in section 4, his postoffice address being Cottage Hill. Mr. Springer was born in Fayette 
county. Pa., in 1852. settled in Putnam county in 1875, and the same year married Miss Sarah A. Dininger, whois 
also a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children. Drusilla H. and Carrie May. Mr. S. owns 95 acres of J*fl?i 
in a good state of cultivation. 

William P. Hoyle. 

Kesidence in section 4. PostofBce, Mount Palatine. Mr. Hoyle was bom in this township'July 4th. 1849. In 
1874 he married Miss Alvira Hoyle. a native of Ohio, bom July 15. 1851. They have three children. Elizabeth J., 
Sarah W. and J. Warren. Mrs. Hoyle is a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. William Hoyle, father of the 
subject of this sketch, came to Putnam county in 1832. and was one of the organizers of the Friends' church at C.ear 
Creek. He died in 1875. Mr. Hoyle owns 600 acres of improved land, and is one of the school directors .of his 
district. 

Abel Mills. 

Mr. Mills is a farmer, bom in Pennsylvania in 1829 snd came to Illinois when eleven years old. He was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Bosley in 1850. She died in 1865 leaving seven children, two of whom have since folio wed h^ r to 
the grave. The living are Martha, Milton, Huldah R.. Oliver P. and VVilliam L. In 1866 Mr. M. was married Rrfa >■ 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Amos Wilson, bom in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1835. They have five children, CI -.,1 



660 HECOUDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

W., Clarence, Albert L., Amos P., and Le K<iy A, The> are men.brrs of the Society of Friends. Mr MiJis has held 
several minor olEces and is president of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Companv* He owns a fine farm of 
IfiO acres acres with first-class improvements- 

Mason Wilson. 

Mr, Wilson was born and has alwa\s lived in this township, his existence dati'-g ha ik to 1844. His wife was 
formerly Laura E. Bell and her native place was Belmont county, Ohio. They have two children, James F, and 
Blanche E. His father. Bird Wilson, csme to this county in 1831 and died in 1872 He was a sold hunter in Cali- 
fornia in early times, having made the trip across the plains in 185'J- Mr. Wilson has a very plesant home on a farm 
of 80 acres 

John Swaney. 

Postmaster, Clear Creek, Magnolia township, Illinois. 

William S. Schmid. 

Mr. Schmid is a merchant, residing and doing business in Mount Palatine, lie was born in Switzerland, in 
1838, came to the United States in 1855, and located in Peru , 111. In 1866 he marriid Mrs. Phrbara Kleinsmitz, a 
native of Bavaiia. She tas one ihild by a former marriage, Mary R. Kleinsmitz, born September 24, I860. Mr. 
S. is a Lutheran, while his wife and daughter belong to the Catholic church. August 9, 1861, Mr. Schmid enlisted 
in Co. K, 11th HI., Vol. Inf., as a corporal, and served under General Grant until 17th October, 1865 He carries a 
general stock of goods suitable to his trade. 

Henry Dose. 

Mr. Dose is a farmer, living in Palatine. He was born in Alsace, France, in 1823, came to this country in 
1847, and located in Putnam county in 1867. He married Mjss C\itherine Erricii, a native of Bavaria, Germany, 
their unicm beiny bles.sed with seven children,— Christiana, Philip, Theodore, Lawrence, Mary, Theresa, and Mich- 
ael. They are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Dose owns 157 acres of land, all improved. 

James Gr. Laugiilin. 

Mr, Laughlin is a farmer, living at Mount Palatine, who was born in Bond county. 111., October 6, 1824, and 
with his parents came to Putnam county in 1830, He married Julia Smith, born in Herkimer county New York, in 
1850, lived a while in Orange county, and came to Illinois in 1847. They have eight children -Marion E., Charles 
Emmett, Antoinette, John li,, James A., Jennie, Samuel F. and Chester tl., and one (Mabel' deceased. They are 
members of the Concrregalional church. He owns an improved farm of 160 acres, and other land, and is one (.f 
the leaaing citizens of the place. 

Adam Matern. 

A farmer, living on section 12, post office. Mount Palatine. Mr. Matem was born in Ravaria, Germany . in 
1826. He came to this country in 1844. and located in this county, on section 13, range 2. In 18)4 he married Miss 
'J heresa Amiann, also a native of Bavaria, by whom he has seven children,— Michael, Elizabeth. Joseph, Barnard, 
Theresa, Wiiliam and Henry, and three deceased. They are members of the Catholic church. Mr. M. has served 
the community in the capacity of a school director for a number of yearn. He owns 265 acres of improved land, 
with good buildings. 

Young A. Glenn. 

Mr. Glenn is a farmer, born in McLean county, in this State, in 1828. His father was an early settler here, 
coming in 1822, Mr. Glenn, 8r., was well known, and Stood high in the community. He raised several sous, who 
settled in the vicinity, and made themselves comfortably independent. The subject of this sketch was married in 
1854 to Elizabeth German, born in Ohio in 1832. They have four children living, viz., Isaac D., Cordelia B., Clara 
E., Ann E., and Young SLc-rman. H^ takes a marked interest in schools and educational matters, having been a 
school director since twenty-two years of age. Although unable to perform manual labor, he is one of the 
most successful fariuers in the county, owning 365 acres of improved land in the very garden of Illinois. He is ex- 
tensively engaged in stock raising, owning a fine herd of blooded cattle. 

Jacob Maulfair. 

The subject of this notice is a farmer living on section 5. whose post office address is Florid. He was born in 
Lebanon county. Pennsylvania, in 1834. came to Putnam county iu 1856, and in 1"<69 married Mary A. Chance, a 
native of Putnam. They have four children — Seltzer. Early, Chauncy and Jacob. He is a large land-holder and 
good farmer, owning 280 acres of improved land in Putnam, and 120 acres elsewhere. He is a good farmer, indus- 
trious and prosperous. 

Edwin Gaylord, M. D. 

Dr. Gaylord was born in Tioga county. Pa., February 5, 1834. and completed his education at Judson College, 
Mount Palatine. Choosing the medical profession, he qualified himself for practice by a severe course of study, 
attending lectures at the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and at Rush College, Chicago, where 
he graduated at the age of twenty-one. Three years he devoted to practice at Kewanee, and then entered the Med- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 661 

ical College of Tennessee, where he received a diDloma. He was promoted a surgeon in the army, and served until 
he resigned. He comes from an old family, and traces his lineage in a direct line back to 1630. He is the youngest 
son of the late Aaron Gaylord of Mar-hall c<»nntv, and grandson of Lemuel Gavlord, a soldier of the Revolution, 
whose honored remains rest in Cumberland cemetery, on Sandy Creek. Marshall county. Here likewise rests his 
father, who was born in 1792, and died in 1834. The doctor is wedded to his profession, and well read up in the 
medical literature of the day. He is both progressive and successful in business. 

William T^ewburn. 

Th's gentleman is a farmer living in section 4. Postxjffice, Hennepin. Mr. Newburn was bom in Warren 
county, Ohio, in 1824 and located in this county when eighteen years of age. In 1852 he married Leah Hailey, who 
was born in Lancaster county Pa., in 1828. They have seven childror, Samuel H., John W. Mary E„ Amy, Martha 
\., Irene and William. Mr. N. has served in the district in which he resides in the capacity of a school director for 
several years. He owns 200 acres of improved land, with good residence and other buildings. 

John McNabb. 

Mr. McNabb. as his name indicates, is a Scotchman by birth, born in 1809. and came to the United States in 
1826. He tirst landed in the state of New York where he enlisted in the regular service and served against the In- 
dians in Florida, under Gen. Scott, where he was disabled and discharged from the service with a pension. He 
came to I'ntnam county in 1838 and married Margaret Morrison in that year, a country woman of his, by whom he 
has had six children, David, Robert, James, John, Orella and James. He owns 160 acres of land and attends the 
Congregational church. 

Willia:\i Hawes, Jr. 

Mr. Hawes was boin Clinton county, Ohio, in 1833. and came to Putnam county with his parents when five 
>ears old. 'n 1858 he married Ellen Klisbee, bom in Lacon, by whom he has one child, now Mrs Roberts. Mrs, 
Hawes ided in 1864. In 1865 he wai nirriel agaiu to Miry J. Troue, of York county. Pa. Mr. Hawes has 
served his township two terms as supervisor, has been a school director seven years, and is now serving as a mem- 
ber of the town council and President of the Board. He owns two farms, embracing 360 acres, with a fine residence 
and grounds adjoining town. 

S. T. England. 

Mr. England is a farmer, living on section 2. in Mount Palatine. He was bom in Washington county. Pa., in 
1835. and located in Putnam county in 1865. In 1860 he married Miss Therasa Larimer, who was bom in Westmore- 
land county. Pa. I hey have ioxa children living— Laura, James, Emma and George. The family atten^ ser- 
vices at the Friends church, Mr. E. is very pleasantly situated, and his farm of one hundred acres is valuable. 

David Swaney. 

Mr. Swaney is a farmer, residing on section 9, postoffice. Clear Creek. He was born in Dauphin county. Pa., 
in 1827. and came to this county with his uncle in 1840. In 1853 he married Mary A'. Hoyle. a native of Belmont 
county, Ohio, their children bting three in number, Joseph H., Willis H. and Clarence C. Mr. S owns 440 acres of 
land, all improved. He furnished a substitute during the war. Mrs. Swaney is a member of the Society of 
Friends. 

L. Studyvin. 

Mr. Studyvin lives on section 8, and his postoffice is at Hennepin. He was bom in Fayette county, Ohio, in 

1825, and came to Putnam county when a child of seven in 1832. fn 1856 he wedded Abbie Mullens, born in Preble 
county, Ohi'>. They have seven children, Calvin Jr., Inez M., Samuel W., Clara A.. William E., Isaac A,, and Mag- 
gie A. He owns 177 acres of well improved land, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Fred Wolf. 

Mr. Wolf is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was born in 1841, and came to the United States in 1848. 
He landed first in Putnam county, then removed to LaSalle, and finally returned to Putnam in 1865, where he has 
since resided. In 1863 he wedded Clara Mardin, born in Putnam county, by whom he has seven children, George, 
Einma, Edward, Clara, Louis, Fred*, and Martin Thev are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Wolf is a first- 
class farmer and a hard worker, owning 200 acres of well improved land in Putnam, and 100 in La Salle county. 

James Anderson. 

Mr. Anderson was born in Delaware county Pennsylvania in 1828, moved with his parents to Ohio in 1829, and 
fromthonce to Putnam county. He married Mary B. McCabe, of Trenton, New Jersey, in 1852, who was born in 

1826. They have two children living— Ann E. and Philip B. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the M, E. church. 
He owns eighty acres of land under excellent cultivation, with good improvements, and was one of the first to see 
and appreciate the advantages of using drain tile. 

Michael Wolf. 

The subject of this sketch came from the " Fatherland," having been born in Bavaria in 1832, and emigrated 
to this country in 1848, first locating in LaSalle county. He married Eva M.Herrmine in 1854. She was bom in 



662 . RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TBIE. 

Germany. They have six children— four sons and two daughters, viz,, Theodore F. Jacob, Theresa, Frank. Peter, 
and Lizzie, and belong to the Catholic faith. Mr. Wolf is energetic and pushing, a good mannger, hard working 
and industrious. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 240 acres, a good brick dwelling house and first class im- 
provements. 

Isaac S. Ham. 

Mr. Ham is a farmer residing on section 17. Postoflfice, Ox Bow. 3.e was bom in Kennebec, Maine, in 1807, 
moved with his parents to New York in 1811, thence to Adams county, Ohio, in 1819, where Mr. II. remained until 
1845. when he moved to this county, located on his present homestead, and built a water mill, which he has run up 
to thfe last year, cutting about two million feet of lumber. In 1849 he married Miss Maria Cynthia Murch, a native 
of Gourtland county. New York, born in 1828. They have three children living, -Mary E., Harry C. and Wayne F. 
They attend the M. E. church, in the Sabbath school of which Mrs. llam has been a teacher many years. She is a 
lady of refinement and intelligence, and a most pleasant neighbor. Mr. Ham is a millwright, and has built several 
mills in other sections of this state and in Kentucky. He owns 122 acres of improved land, and has a very pleasant 
residence, romantically situated in the timber on Clear Creek, near Caledonia. 

Edward Jakes. 

Mr. Jakes is a farmer, whose postofiBce address is Ox Bow, although he resides on section 13, Hennepin town- 
ship. He was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1817, came to this country in 1835. and after a brief sojourn in 
New York state, enlisted in the Fourth Infantry, regular army, under Col. Zach. Taylor, and served three years in 
the war against the Seminole, Creek and Cherokee Indians in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee . He was discharged 
at Paducah. Ky., in 1838, and in 1843 married, in that state. Mrs. Margaret Dunbar (Young). She was a native of 
Ohio, and had three children by a former marriage,— Clarissa, Elizabeth and Olarinda. Mr. .Takes owns 180 acres of 
land in a good state of cultivation. 

Newton J. Mathis. 

Mr. Mathis is a farmer living on section 30. Postoffice, Ox Bow. He was bom in Champaign county, Ohio, 
November 22, 1837, located in Patnam county in 1842, and in 1858 married Miss Mary J. Seybold. She was born in 
Warren county. 111., October 14, 1839. They have three children living,— William Leslie, Edward A. and James N. 
They are members of the M. E. church, and he isamenaberof the board of school directors in his district. He 
has 225 acres of land, with good improvements. 




BIOGEAPIIICAL DEPARTMENT. 663 



GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP. 



Joseph Reinhardt. 

Mr. Eeinhardt is an adopted American citizen, born in Hesse Cassell, Germany, in 1828, and coming to this 
country in 1852 and locating on the place where be has since resided. He visited his native country in 1859. return- 
ing the following year, more than ever satsified with his choice of a home. In 1852 he married Bertha Brenneman, 
a countrywoman of his, and to them have been bom five children, viz., Adolph in 1853, Emma in 1855, Mary in 1857, 
Helen in 1859, and Lena in 1861. Jfr. Rheinhardt represented his district in the 27th General Assembly, and proved 
himself a safe, sagacious and popular legislator. Mr. Rheinhardt is a large farmer, owning 770 acres of land under 
excellent cultivation, and is a man of unusual intelligence and refinement. He is a representative man of a large 
class of German citizens in this county. 

Luther D. Gukn. 

Mr. Gunn was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, "^on July 28, 1814, and came to Putnam county in June. 
1836. He is a carpenter t»y trade, and the first year worked in Hennepin, after which he went into the country, 
and located at Granville in 1839. In 1840 he married Miss E . Collins, one of the early settlers of the county, whose 
recollections of the deprivations and discomfoi-ts of the pioneers are full of interest. Her native town was Gran- 
ville, New York. They have eleven children living and three deceased— Joel C , Amos D.. Fannie, Lucy, EvaC, 
Sarah, Mary A., Ellen L., Henry D., Nellie L., and Clara C. Are members of the Congregationalist church of Gran- 
ville. Mr. Gunn owns 200 acres of land, and the finest residences in the county. 

Robert W. Moore. 

Mr. Moore is one of the first settlers in the county. He was bom in Brown county, Ohio, October 3, 1803, moved 
with his parents to Bond county. 111., in 1819. and in 1829 located in Putnam (then Tazewell) county, where he has 
since followed farming. His residence is on section 8, PostofRce, Granville- March 28, 1830. he married Miss Fannie 
Leeper, daughter of J udge Leeper, of Jacksonville, 111. She died March 10, 1842, leaving six children,— Elizabeth, 
John A., James H., Martha, Mary A. and Sarah. John died in 1860, and Sarah in 1868. In 1846 be married Miss 
Nancy McClung. The only child by this marriage, Francis E., was born in April, 1848, and died June 4, 1850. They 
are members of the Granville Presbyterian cburcii, of which Mr. M. has been an elder fifty-one years, being one of 
the twenty-two original members. In 1824 the synod of the Presbyterian church for the States of Indiana, Illinois 
and Missouri met at Shoal Creek, traveling on horseback, and the attendance was so great and the country so 
sparsely settled that adequate accommodations could not be provided . Mr, Moore owns 453 acres of land. 

Hiram Coley. 

Ml. Colby is a farmer residing in Granville. He was born in Gennessee county. New York, in 1825, came West 
in 1855, located iu this township and followed his trade of carpenter until 1870, since which time he has devoted 
himself exclusively to farming. In 1851 he married Miss Sophia E, Clark, a native of the same place as himself. 
She died in 1876, leaving four children,— Newton H., Emma J., Archie L„ and L. Isabel. In 1878 Mr. Colby married 
Mrs. G. A. Goldsmith (Wykoff), a native of Knox county. 111. They are members of the Congregational church. 
Mr. Colby served his community as supervisor two years, and has been a member of the board of school directors 
some fourteen 5 ears. He owns 430 acres of land, all under cultivation, with good improvements. 

William W. Shepherd. 

Mr. Shepherd lives on section 8 in Granville township, and was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1832. He em- 
igrated to Winnebago county, in this State, in 1856, and settled in Putnam county in 1859. He married Mary A. 
Moore in 1860, bom and reared in this county. They have had four children born to them,— Etta M. L. Verner, 
Harry L. and Sarah. Are members of the Congregationalist church in Granville. Mr. Shepherd owns eighty acres 
of well cultivated land, which he farms in person. ? 

Thomas Ware. 

A farmer, residing in Granville. He was born in Franklin county, Ma.ss., in 1806, came West in 1833, and 
with his brother Ralph located in this township and commenced farming, which avocation he has successfully fol- 
lowed to the present time. In 1833 he married in Worcester, Mass., :\Iiss Nancy L, Shepherd, also a native of that 
state. She died in 1846, leaving five children, two of whom have since died, Thomas S., Nancy L. (Mrs. Farwell), 
and Charles K. are still living. May 6, 1847, Mr. Ware married Miss Mary A. Stewart, a native of Bond county, 111., 



664 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

his present wife. The children by this mairiage are William S., Mary A., Sarah E., Henry M., James W., Joseph 
E., Lucy E., and Justia P. They are members of the Congregational church, and consistent and energetic workers 
in the cause of temperance. Two sons-in-law of Mr, Ware and his son Charles K., served in the army during the 
war of the rebelliorf, two of them being wounded. As one of the first settlers of the township Mr Ware was prom- 
inently identified with the establishment of schools and churches, and was an active and cheerful worker in pro- 
viding suitable accommodations for these indispensable adjuncts of civilization. lie owns 375 acres of land, all 
under cultivation save the timber, and his improvements are pleasant and substantial. 

Bazdale Isii. 

The father of Mr. Ish was a soldier in the war of 1812, and at its close he settled in Wayne county, Indiana, 
where the subject of this sketch was born in 1820. Two years later he removed to the vicinity of Peoria, and in 
1829 came to what is now Putnam county, and selecting as a homestead thf> plice his son occupies to-day. Here he 
giew to manhood, and his remembrancps of those pioneer days are well worth commemorating. In 1848 he married 
Miss Lucia Servis, born in Meigs county. Ohio, who has brought him six children, with names as follows: George, 
Francis, Alice, Herman, Lyman, and Irene. Mr. Ish has served the people in various public capacities, and hia 
industry and enterprise has been rewarded, with a comfort^ible independence. He owns 214 acres of valuable land, 
has a comfortable house and pleasant surroundings, and is a genial, hospitable gentleman. 

J. F. Shepherd. 

Mr. Shepherd is an old resident of Granville, coming here in 1834. He was born in Norton, Mass., in 1824, 
coming here with his father, who purchased from government the present site of Granville, at $1 25 per acre. When 
sixteen years of age Mr. Shepherd began farming, and September I6th, 1849, consummated the most important 
event of his life by marrying Miss Juliette Kichardson, in Peoria— a native of Muskingum county, Ohio. They 
have four children living,--Levi L., Eliza (Mrs. Penfield), Daniel, Franklin L. and Eva; and two deceased, Lucy 
and Juliette' Are members of the Baptist Church, of which Mr. 8, is trustee, Mr, and Mrs. Shepherd are always 
found on the right side in any movement whose object is to benefit mankind. They take a deep interest in Sabbath 
school ana temperance work, and are outspoken in the condemnation of wrong, 'i hey have achieved a comfortable 
independence, and in their pleasant home, surrounded by books and papers, enjoying the companionship of friends 
and children, their days go happily by, and their lives are 

'' Free from woes that vex the poor. 

And griefs that haunt the rich man's door."' 

Andrew C. Moore. 

Mr. Moore is a native of this county, and born on the place he now occupies— something that can be said of 
very few Americans. His father came from Brown county, Ohio where he was born ia 1798, moved to Illinois in 
1819, and to this county in 1832. He died here January 24, 1880. Mr. Moore was married in 1865 to Marj C. Haw- 
kins, who was born in Washington county. New York, and they have three children— Elma C, Olive and John A. 
Are members of the Pre&byterian church of Union Grove. 

J. D. HULLHSTGER, 

Mr. Hulliuger is a farmer, born in Champaign county, Ohio, who emigrated with liis parents to La Salle 
county in 1833 and came to Putnam in 1840. He married Sarah B Church, a native of Stamford, N, Y .in 1846. 
She died in 1874 leaving seven children, Caleb B., Frank W., Mary F., Charles S., Henry H., Phebe G, and John 
D. Mr. H. takes a deep interest in education, giving his children all the benefits to be derived therefrom, and 
serving as school director sixteen years. He owns 200 acres of well improved land, takes pride in fin» cattle and 
fat hogs and has filled various minor offices. His father died in 1836 and his mother two years later. 

Fred T. Beers. 

Granville, Putnam County, Illinois, 

David Fessler. 

Mr. Fessler is a native of the Keystone state (Pa.) where he was born in Lebanon county in 1833. and ten years 
later moved to Indiana. He came to Putnam county in 1867. Three years previous he married Carrie Bear, of 
Lancaster county. Pa" They have six children, William Clara, Mattie, Theodore, Harris and Harvey. He is a 
member of the A. F. and A. M., and owns seventy acres of well improved land. 

W, B. Newport. 

Mr. Newport was born in Boone county, Kentucky, in 1828 and came to Putnam county, with his parents in 
1836, returning the same fall for the purpose of completing his education. He remained there until 1840 In 1859, 
he married Sarah Pipes who died in 1876, leaving three surviving children, Virginia, Laura and Henrietta. Mr, 
N. is well informed on all topics of the day, is well read up politically, and asks no man what he shall believe or how 
he shall vote. He owns 160 acres of land under good cultivation and is a model American farmer. 

S. H. MUMMA. 

Mr. Mumma was born of German parentage in Dauphin county. Pa., in 1838 and came to Granville in 1863. 
Three years before he married Anna A, Vanderslice, a towns woman of himself. In 1875 he embarked in the mer- 



biogiia:?hical department. 



065 



cantile business and is the leading tradesman of th- place, cariying a very complete a-ssortment of well selected 
goods. He is the father of ten sons and daughters, viz; James V , Harry L., Willie D., Cxracie E-. barren 8.. Her- 
bfrt \ MaryE Charlie L., RicharJ and Fannie. Are members of the Congregational church, pf Granville He is 
to^.n8hip collector and member of the council, has held other minor offices, and stands well in the com- 
munity ■ 

Christian Bruder. ^^ ^ ^^ ^^ ♦^a*. 

Mr. Bruder is a blacksTiith living in Granville. He was born in Germnny m 1828, came to the United States 
in 1852 and located m Granville. He has followed his trade continuously since c.ming here. In 1872 he married 
Barbara Mea also a native of Germany. By this marriage Mr. Bruder has three children, Leonard, Lna and 
Fritz, and two by a former marriage, Mary and Theodore. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran chu-ch. 
He owns 240 acres of land in Livingston county and his residence, shop and one block in Granville. 

E. C. Smith. ^ ^^ 

Mr. Smith is a tea.i.ster residing iti Granville. He was born in Frederick. Md.. in 1820, removed to Jefferson 
connty, Ohio, in 1852, but remained there only a short time, ciming to H-nnepin the same year. In 181S he mar- 
ried Sarah J.Uavis, a native of Ohio . They have three children living, William F., \mos P. 8nd Oscar. Mr. 
Smith has filled the position of strpet commissioner, and has been three years a constable, an office he still ho ds. 
He owns ahouse and three lots in GianviUe In 1832 he enlisted in company E. 4th 111. Cavalry, and served to the 
close of the war. He was captured by the rebel General Forbes in 1862 and paroled on the field . He particiiated 
in all the actions in which his regiment was engaged during the war. 

Al ANSON WhiTAKER. 

Mr Whita..er is a retired farmer living in Granville, and is one of the pioneers of Putnam cou ity. He was 
bominCumherlandcountv.N. J.. March 21th, 1810 and in 18S5 started "overland" for the far distant west, arriv- 
ing at Hennepin after a journey of four weeks. May 28. 1839. he married Maria J. Taggart, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania She died in 1845. leaving tw children. Emma, bora January 17, 1840, and Oti^ N.. born July 31, 1844, the 
latter of whom died July 28, 1845. Juae 19, 1851, Mr. Whitaker married Hannah Boxandale, his present wife, a 
nat.ve of Lancastershire, England. They have two chil Iren, viary K.. born Septemher 15. 1852, and Sarah C., bom 
March 2, 1857. Mr Whitaker and wife are members of th? Baptist churc^i, of which he has been 30 years a d=!acon. 
He has also been treasurer of the school fund fifteen years. He owns valuable property in the village. 

Joel W. Eames. . 

Mr. Eames is a farmer residing on section 35, postoffice, Granville. He was bom m Whitmgham, Windham 
county Vermont, September G 1814. and came west with his mother and sisters in 1839, locating in Granville. In 
1873 he Mrs. Elizabeth Hoffenickle (nee Vanderslice), a native of Pennsylvania, He has four children by a former 
marriage, Charlie H,. George B., Mary E. and Juison T. Mr. Eames and wife are members of th^ Congregational 
thurch! ' He owns 340 acres of land, all under cultivativation, with good improvements. 

William Dunn. 

This gentleman is a resident of Granville, and is engaged in the manufacture of carriages. He was boin in 
Greenwich, Washington county N Y.. in 1828 In 1854 he came to Putnam county, remained one vearand returned 
to New York. In 1863 he located here permanently, since which time he has been engaged in his present business. 
In 1868 he married Sarah M. McFarland. a native of Salem, N. Y. Mrs. Dunn is a member of the Congregational 
church Mr. Dunn belongs to the Masoaic order. He has been a member of the town council for several years 
during the last two 'i ears occupying the position of president of that body. He owns a comfortable residence and 
shop. In 1864 he enlisted in the 139th HI. Volunteer Infantry and served until the expiration of his term of enlist- 
ment. Was also deputy sheriff ia Washington countv, N. Y., before coming to this county. 

Robert McS.^qth. ^ .^^ ^. 

Mr. McSmith is a blacksmith by trade, born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1834 and came with his parents to 
Putnam county the same year. He married Isalb.ih Ring in 1868, who was born in Louisiana and brought up in 
Ne.v York- ihev have two children, Charles G. and Mamie Belle. They are members of the Presbyterian church 
and Mr McSmith is a member of the town council. Is also a member of the A. F. and A. M Mr. McS. entered the 
three months service in 1861, served tour months and re-anli.ted in the 104th [11. Volunteers in 1863 as regimental 
blacksmith, but was taken sick and upon recovery detailed for hospiUl duty. At the trial ot Bowles Milhgan and 
others for treason Deserved as messenger and private detective and performed valuable service. On one ot his 
adventures the train on which he embarked was run into and ai; but himself and attendant killed. Be was mus- 
tered out ot service in 1865. 

Eli V. Raley. „ . ^ u- 

Mr. Raley is a farmer and stock dealer, living on section 9 of Granville township. He was Dorn in Washing- 
ton county. Pa., in 1823, and came to Illinois in 1840. When the discovery of gold in California was heralded over 
the land, he joined a party of explorers, and with suitable outfit journeyed across the plains. They endured severe 
hardships, lost much of their stock, but finally made Southern California, and remained several years in the coun- 



^S(j HECOtlDS OF THE OLDEK TIME. 

try, meeting with varied success. His love of adventure satified, he returned to the States, content to become a 
tiller of the soil.and settled in Putnam county. In|1855 he married Miss Frances A. Murphy , bom in Jefferson county 
Ohio, who became the mother of five children— Charles R., Arvilla K.. Harry E., Howard B. and Franklin Hyatt. 
Mr. Raley is a Democrat in sentiment, and has represented his district in the General Assembly, wheie he proved 
himself a clear-headed, intelligent Representative, opposed to class legislation and monopolies, and ready to lend 
his influence and vote for whatever was promotive of the public good. He has served his township as supervisor, 
and in other capacities is a promoter of peace, and stands high in the communitj'. His farm and surroundings are 
among the pleasantest in the county, and iodicates bo'.h wealth and culture. He owns 220 acres in Granville, and 
considerable land in Kansas, attends personally to the details of business, and buys and sells large quantities of 
cattle, hogs, etc. 

Theodore Holly, 

Mr. Holly is a farmer and drain tile manufacturer, whose residence is in Granville township, and his post- 
office Peru. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1845, came to this county in 1849 with his parents, and married 
MissjBerthaBrenneman in 1869. They have five children, Julius D., Willie, Eliza H., Laura H. and Clara M. Seeing 
the great advanuige of thorough draining, and finding by experiment his farm was underlaid with clay of remark- 
able tenacity and adaptability he embarked in the business of manufacturing, ana turns out a large amount 
yearly, acknowledged to be without an equal ia the vicinity. He manufactures and keeps on hand in large quan- 
tities the following sizes at these orices: 

2yj inch per M f 11 00 

3 " '• •' 14 00 

3M " " " 18 00 

4 2100 

5 30 00 

6 " " " 45 00 

Silas Hurin. 

Mr. Hurin was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1822, and died in 1877. He was married in 1850 and came to 
Putnam county in 1863. His wife's maiden name was Mary Lane, her native place is Brown county, Ohio, where 
she was born in 1827. They had eight children born to them, Albert, Martha B., Charles L, Jeremiah T.. William 
W., Purdy M., Jennie N. and Ida L. Are members of the M, E. church, Mr. N. held various minor offices and 
was well thought of in the community. Mr. H. owns 130 acres under good cultivation. 

James A. Harper. 

Mr. Harper is yet a young man but a large farmer and extensive grower of fine stock. He was bom in Gran- 
ville township in 1852 and in 1879 married Mary Darley, likewise born in Hennepin township. He owns 320 acres 
ot fine tillable land, and is a son of James and Nancy Harper, who came here in 1832 and began improving the 
place where they afterward lived. His father died when his son was but a few months old and his mother in 1852, 
He is one of the most prosperous young men in Putnam county, 

Moses A. Elliott. 

Mr. Elliott was born in Hubbardton county, Mass., in 1811, moved with his parents to New Hampshire, and 
tuence to Vermont where fie lived until 1834 when he came to Lorrain county, Ohio, He lived there thirty-three 
years, rearing a large family. He was married Sept, 17, 1853 to Louisa Holton, who became the mother of five ci il- 
dren. Joseph b., Alonzo B., Hannah A., Fred G. and John E. In 1867 Mr. Elliott came to Putnam county where 
he has since resided. He owns a very pleasant farm of 240 acres. 

Adam Kunkel. 

Mr. Kunkel is a farmer on section 33, and his postoffice address is Granville. He was born in Germany in 
1812 and came to America in 1856. gHe married Anna Mary Stouss in 1838 and to them have been given five children, 
John Mary, Peter, Tracy and Henry. They are members ot the Catholic church. Mr. Kunkel is a large farmer 
and owns 300 acres of tillable, pasture and timber land. His home is very pleasant and finely situated. 

Julius Brenneman. 

Mr. Brenneman represents a well known family, often met in the annals of Putnam county. He was born in 
Germany but came here with his parents when three years old and was reared and educated in this county. In 
1875 he married Emma Reinhardt, bom in this county, and to them has been born one child. Myra, in 1877. He is a 
farmer by profession and is enterprising and industrious. 

C. C. Penniman. 

Mr. Pennunan was bom in Bellows Falh. Vermont, in 1832, and was among the first to offer his services to his 
country in the dark days of 1861, enlisting in the Ninth Vermont Volunteers, Company K. He saw service in the 
Shenandoah Valley, and was captured by the rebels at the disgraceful surrender of Harper's Ferry by Colonel 
Miles, where 11,500 brave men liiddown their arms. He was first sent to Annapolis, Md.. and then to Chicago, 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 6G7 

where he remained until exchanged. May 6th, 1863, he moved with his command to Little Rock, Arkansas. His 
regiment was the first to enter Richmond at the capture of that city. At the close of the war he settled in Putnam 
county, where he pays special attention to the breeding of fine horses. 

MoNS. Olson. 

Mr. Olson was born in Denmark, in 1840, and came to this country in 1857, locating in LaSalle county, where 
he still lives, and is engaged in farming. His residence is on section 6, Eden township, LaSalle county, but his 
postoffice is Granville. In 1876 he married Mary Leech, a native of Putnam county, by whom he has two chilrlrpn, 
Jennie Zu and Harry L. They are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Olson enlisted in Co. D, 104th Illinois Inf. 
in 1862, and served until the close of the war. He was captured at Hartaville, Tenn.. in 1862, and paroled on the 
field ; was wounded at Petrie Creek, Ga., in 1864, and at Bentonville, N. C, in 1865. He owns eighty-three acres of 
land all under cultivation, with good improvements, 

Samuel Brown. 

Mr. Brown is a retired farmer, living in Granville, who was born in Lexington, Ky,, in 1799. He removed to 
this county in 1835, and engaged in farming. In 1821 he married Lavina Akers, of Shelbyville, Ky., who died in 
1845. leaving eleven children, viz., Martha, William M., Sarah, Mary, Anna, Nancy, Lavina, Prudence J., Louisa, 
Achsa, and Albert. Albert died in. the army from wounds received in the battle of Franklin; William M. from dis- 
ease contracted in the service, and his son Marion was killed in action. Besides his two sons, three grandsons lost 
their lives in defense of their country. Who can show such a record ? All of the remaining children but one are 
married, 

James Dunn. 

Mr, Dunn is a mechanic, and was born in Washington county, New York, in 1825. He came to Illinois in 
1855, working in Granville at the carpenter and joiner business two years, and then embarked in the manufacture 
and sale of carriages, continuing it until 1870, He married Lydia L, Whiting, in 1858, and to them one child, 
Charles H. was born in 1866. AH are members of the temperance organization , and active workers and promoters of 
the cause. He owns two fine farms of 160 acres each, under cultivation, also his residence in town and other 
property. 

Frank Whiting, Attorney at Law. 

Mr. Whiting is a farmer and lawyer, born in Lockport, New York, in 1836. removed with his parents to Mich- 
igan in ]838, and to Putnam county in 1853. He married Caro'ine Packiagham in 1856, born in Granville. In 1861 
he was a soldier in the rebellion, enlisting in the 20th Illinois Volunteers, and was elected Lieutenant. He served 
until discharged through disability, occasioned by disease contracted on duty. He has five children, Fred. H., 
Mary L., Lincoln E„ Lucy A. and Cornelia J, He has filled various oifices, has a lucrative practice, and is regarded 
as a safe advisor and a rising man. 

Enoch F. Hinman. 

Mr. Hinman is a native of Massachusetts, where he was born in 1813, and came to Illinois in 1849. In 1844 he 
married Paulina Ingersoll, born in New York. The fruits of this union were Geo. E., Albert F,, Marshall, Ella and 
Lansing. Mr. H. had one son by a former marriage, who was killed in battle at the seige of Vicksburg the night 
preceding the surrender Albert F. married Maggie Batten in 1877, born in Canada. They have one child- Harry. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman are members of the Congregational church, and have long resided in the neighborhood . 

James Hannino. 

A native of Ireland, born in County Antrim in 1826. In 1845 he immigrated with his parents and other mem- 
bers of the family to this country, locating first in Chester county. Pa., whence he came to Putnam county in 
1849, returned to Pennsylvania, and located here permanently in 1855. He is a farmer, residing on section 22, and 
OAus 300 acres of land all under cultivation, with good improvements, beside an additional tract of forty acres, 
which he recently purchased. He is one of the most enterprising farmers in the county. 

Jeremiah Clemens. 

A farmer residing on section 16. PostoflSce, Florid- He was born in Lebanon county, Pa„ in 1819, located in 
Rockingham county, Va., in 1835, where he married Elizabeth Brock, a native of that county, in 1843; in 1*^54 moved 
to Madison county, Ind., and thence to this county in 1865. Tbey have eleven children living— George W., B. 
Franklin, John E., Samuel P., Sarah E., Jacob P., Mary A,, William H„ Charles A„ Rebecca A. and Jeremiah, and 
one dead. Mrs. Clemens is a member of the German Baptist church. He has been a school diregtor several terms. 
Owns 214 acres of improved land, and 464 acres of land in Roy county, Missouri. 

Peter Dahl. 

Mr. Dahl is a Dane bv birth : having been bom in Denmark in 1838, He left hia native country in 1861 and 
located in Granville in that year. His wife was formerly Mary Blake, bom in Granville, They have three chil- 
dren—Nettie T,, Mary L., Percy E., and are members of the Baptist church, of which he is one of the trustees, like- 
wise a member of the town council three years. During the war he enlisted in the lC4th 111. Volunteers and was 
discharged through disability in 1863, J. P, Dahl, a brother of the above, was bom in 1822, came to the United 



66^ llECOtlDS OF THE OLDEN MME. 

/ 
States in 1866 and to Granville in 1879. He married Abigail H. Davis in 1868. They have one child, Adda J. He 
was formerly a shipwiightand sailed in a Danish ship to Australia, where he followed mining several years and 
then made several voyages between Boston and China in an American vessel. Was shipwrecked on his last voyage 
and went to Vermont where he bought a saw mill, sold it in 1879 and with his brother went to keeping bees in Gran- 
ville. They deal in Italian bees, hives and pure honey, at wholesale and retail. 

John Foley. 

A farmer, residing on section 20. Postoflfice, Granville. He was born in Alleghaney county, Pa., in 1819, in 
1845 married Rachel Burnside, a native of the same county, and in 1851 immigrated to this county. They have 
eight children living— Mary D., James B., Henry M., William C, Mattie H., Annie M., Elmer E. and Edward F. 
They are all members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Foley has been an elder for the last 21 years. He 
has also been school director some fiteen years, and road commissioner six years. He owns 267 acres of land . 

John F. Kuhne. 

Farmer, Granville, Putnam County, 111. 

John I. Peterson. 

A farmer, living on section 28. Postoflfice, Hennepin. He was born in Putnam county in 1839, being a son of 
thejate Isaac Peterson, one of the pioneers of the county, who died in 1875. In 1864 Mr. Peterson married Jane 
Elizabetb Waugh, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children— Nellie A., William A., Armelia L. and 
Frank 1. He has occupied the position of road commissioner for the last three years. Owns in partnership with 
his brother 360 acres of improved land and 19U acres of pasture and timber land. 

William B. Sill. 

Mr. Sill is a farmer living on secfien 17 Postoflfice. Granville he was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1838, 
came to lUninois in 1852, locating in La Salle county and thenca moved to Granville in I860. In 1864 he went to 
Montana, engaged in mining four years, followed stock raising about eight years und in 1&76 returned to Gran- 
ville. In 1874 he married Mattie A. Harper, a native of this county, They have one child, Minnie Montana. 
Mrs. Sill died in 1879. Mr. Bill is a member of the I. O. O. F. He owns a fiaely cultivated farm with first-class im- 
provements. 

B. H. Smith. 

Farmer, born in New London, Conn., in 1803, he resided in his native state and in Herkimer and Orleans 
counties. New York, until 1847, when he came west and located in Magnolia township. In 1829 he married Philena 
Morton, who was born in South Deerfield, Mass., in 1811. They have had eight children, of whom there are now 
living Julia. (L lUghlin), Charles E., Edward, Sarah A. (Warlaw), Chester M. and Augusta. They celebrated their 
golden wedding in:1879and have twenty-live grand children living. Mr. Smith was for several years commissioner 
of highways and a member of the board of school directors. He also served as commissioner of highways while a 
resident of New York. He has been a member of the Masonic order tor fifty years. Owns 360 acres of land. 

William Livingston. 

Florid, IllinoiB. 

George Packinham. 

Granville, Illinois. , 

Christian Opper. 

Mr. Opper, comes from the province of Hesse Cassell in Germany when he was bom in 1838. He emigrated 
to this country in 1855, locating in Granville began his present business which he has followed for twenty -five years. 
In 1858 he married Elizabeth Schneider, a countrywoman of his, and together they have five children living, Helen 
E., Emma A., Henry W . Mary A. and Bertha. Are members of the Congregational church. Mr, Opper is a hard 
worker and a good mechanic. 

Henry and Jason L. Hawkins. 

These individuals are farmers on Section 9, and their postoflfice address is Granville. They were born in Ver- 
mont and settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1855 and in this county in 1862. J. L. Hawkins married Lydia 
Harkness in 1867, born in New York. They have one child. Himself and father are in the creamery business and 
agents for Cooley's creamery. They make a very supericr article of butter and are demonstrating that our rich prai- 
ries are just the places for dairying. 

Stephen Harrison. 

Mr. Harrison is a native of Dauphin county Pa., which seems to have furnished a liberal proportian of the citi- 
zens of Putnam county. He was born in 1824, came to the state in 1837, locating in Putnam county which has 
since been his home. In 1850 he married Mary E. Dunleavy, a man well known in the early history of the county . 
They have ten children— Ellen F„ MaryCCharles D. , Clara E., Jas. D., Olive N., Richard H., HattieV.,Qracie F. and 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 669 

Stephen R, Are members of the Congregational church in Granville in which Mr. Harrison has served as deacon for 
many years. He owns 368 acres in his home farm under thorough cultivation and 124 at Union Grove. Mr, Harri- 
son's fine resideuce is very pleasantly located and the country surrounding is singularly beautiful. 

John Holly. 

Mr. Holly lives on section 33, in Granville township. He was born in Germany in 1822 and emigrated along 
wjtti his parents to this country in 1832, living in Butler county, Ohio, until 1840, when he came to Putnam county. 
In 1855 he mrrried Eliza Noffzinger, a countrywoman of his who bore him seven children, Emma, Helen, Albert, 
Theodore, Ida, Charles aud William. He has served several years as school director, and owns a finely cultivated 
farm of 110 acres. He is an intelligent and enterprising German American. 

John Moore. 

Mr. Moore was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1809, came to Bond county. 111., in 1819 and to Putnam county 
in 1830 He was one of the first settlers in the county and lives upon the farm he located fifty years ago. He 
owns 240 acres of land UTider good cultivation. Alexander Miore, a brother of the above,, likewise was bom in 
Ohio in 1815 and came to Illinois in 1831. He married Marv Bowman in 1879, bom in Washington county, Pa. 
I hey are members of the Presbyterian church. He owns 180 acres of land. Andrew Moore, father of the above, was 
born in Pennsylvania, moved to Putnam county in 1832 and acd died in 1845, leaving nine children. 

Michael Skowena. 

The subject of this sketch lives on section 35, and was bom in Germany in 1844 and came to the United States 
1868. He first located in La Salle county and remained there eight years after which he settled in Putnam. In 1867 
he married Effie Novolk, born in Poland. The> have four children. John, Joseph, Martin and Frank. Are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church in La Salle. He owns one hundred acres under cultivation and in timber, and has very 
good improvements upon it. 

C. W. Dysart. 

Mr. Dysart was bom on the place he now occupies in 1847, his father being one of earliest setUers of Putnam 
county. His wife was formerly Mary E. HaywOod, a native of Massachusetts. To them were bom four children, 
Hannah J.. Archibald H., Lucy M and Joseph W. They are communicants of the Presbyterian church, of which 
Mr. D. is an influential member, being trustee and elder. He owns two hundred acres of land under good culti- 
vation . 

Henry Schneider. 

Mr. Schneider is a Prussian by birth, from whence he emigrated in 1857, when thirty-one years old. His wife 
was a fellow countrywomen with himself, to whom he was married in 1859. They have two children, John and 
Katie, and are members of t e Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Schneider is a teacher in the Sabbath school, and 
takes a deep interest in church and educational matters. He owns a good farm of 80 acres, and is an unusually in- 
telligent aud well read German American farmer. 

David L. Packingham. 

The father of Mr. Packingham came to Putnam county in 1834, and shared in all the hardships attendant up- 
on settling a new country. The subject of the present sketch was born in 1850, and in 1879 married Myrtle Fuller, 
born in Sansfield, Massachusetts, in 1861. He owns a well cultivated farm of 120 acres. 

James C. Packingham. 

Mr. Packingham lives on section 16, and was bom in Granville township. His wife was formerly Miss Grade 
Penniman, and her native place Vermont. They were married in 1872, and two children bless the union, Frank F. 
and Lucy May. He owns 120 acres of finely cultivated land, and is thrifty, energetic and successful. 

Tallman Selley. 

The subject of this sketch is a farmer, bom in Oneida county. New York, in 1844. When the war broke out 
he was living in this state, and was one of the first to offer his services, going out in the 13th 111. Vol., and partici- 
pating in all the haid fought battles in which it was engaged. When his term of service expired he went into the 
Board of Trade Battery. Chicago, and served until the close of the war. Receiving his discharge, he returned to 
Illinois, and settled in Granville, where he married Cornelia Ham and turned farmer. They are members of the 
Presbyterian church. Mr. 8. cultivates 140 acres of land, and proves that good soldiers make good neighbors and 
generally succeed in their undertakings. 

John Pierce Blake. 

The subject of this sketch was bom in Warwick, Franklin county, Mass., July 2, 1803. He attended the ordin- 
ary schools of the place, and after two years of preparation at the academy in Mendon, N. H., he entered Amherst 
College, but severe attention to studies ruined his health and compelled him to leave after three years study. He 
chose surveying as a pofession ani removed west at an early day, and was appointed trustee of school lands by the 
circuit court of Putnam county in 1833. He was also elected trustee of Granville township school lunds, which po- 



670 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

sition he held until 1877. Was commissioned judge of probate court in 1833, was appointed deputy surveyor in 1836, 
and served either as official or deputy surveyor up to 1867, and was actively engaged in the business 31 years, until 
obliged by increasing infirmities to discontinue his labors. Has been twice married, his first wife being Zilpah At- 
wood, whom he wedded June 11, 1833. She was born in Warwick, Mass. They had eight children, John A., Aaaon 
A., (^killed in the Confederate army in East Tennessee), Mary A., (Mrs. Dahl) Edward E., Theodore D., Ellen 0., 
Amelia and Jeannette. Mrs. Blake died March 8, 1845. In 1847 he married Mary Smith, his present wife, born in 
Lancaster county. Pa., 1823. They have five children, Karsey S., a graduate of Oberlin College, and now a teacher 
in a school for boys in New York ; Martha D.. a graduate of the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia ; Orella, 
a graduate of Wheaton College ; EUea C. and Theda Pierce. Mr. Blake has been a prominent member of society 
in church and school for many years, has been actively connected with Sabbath schools all his life, and having per- 
formed his full duty is ready to lay aside the harness when his Master calls. He gave his children the benefits of a 
thorough education and provided for them in other ways. Few men can show a more honorable record than he. 

Beechek W. Newport. 

A farmer, born in this township, in 1825, on the farm he now occupies, in sec^on 32 Postoffice. Bennepin. In 
1875 he married Nettie Gunn, also a native of the township. They have two children.— Mary Irene and Lsander 
Collins. Mrs. Newport is a member of the Congregational church, fle owns 200 acres of land, all under caltiva- 
tion. His father was one of the first settlers in this county. 

Price Purviance. 

This gentleman was bom in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 5, 1830, and when fifteen years oE age came with 
his parents to this county. They located on section 33, Granville township, and the claim and dwelling are still oc-. 
cupied by the subject of this sketch. His parents were James and Margaret Purviance, the former of whom was 
born at Red Stone, Pa., and died in 1877. Mrs. Purviance, who is still living with her son on the old homestead, is a 
native of Maryland Mr. Purviance is a member of the school board and clerk of that body. His postoffice ad- 
dress is Hennepin. 

P. S. RoBiisrsoN. 

Mr. Eobinson was born in Bond county, Illinois, in 1830 and cams here with with his parents in 1831. The 
county was a desert then and roaming bands of Indians peopled the river bottoms. In 1852, Mr. Robinson having 
arrived at man's estate, married Sarah Weeks, born in Ctldwell county, Ky., Tdey hav^ ten children, Henry, Lee, 
Frances W., Robertus S,. Mary A., Helen M., John W„ Charles M., Joseph E.. Silas M, and William L. Mr. Robin- 
son is a large farmer, owning 280 acres of land under cultivation. 

Thomas C. Thorn. 

Mr. Thorn is a tinsmith by trade and carries on the business in connection with the sale of groceries at his 
store in Granville. He was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1835 and came west in 1855. In 1857 he maarried 
Mary E, Zenor, of Hennepin, and to them eight children have been born, John, George, Laura, Elizabeth, Willie. 
Absalom, Flora and Harley. Mr. Thorn has long filled the office of town clerk, has served as justice of the peace, 
member of the town council and director of schools. He is a good citizen, well informed upon matters of public 
importance and comfortably supplied with this world's goods. 

D. L. Child. 

Mr. Child (deceased) was born in Windsor, Vt., in 1818. He came to Putnam Co. in 1836, and purchased the place 
where he afterward lived in in 1841. Two years previous he married Margaret L. Dysart, born in York county. Pa., 
in 1813, and there was born to Lhem six children, ^usan E., Clarinda, Lucinda, \. P., Kate L. and David W..the lat- 
ter no longer living. A. P. married Miss Henshaw, a native of Athens county, Ohio, in 1872, and has three children, 
William L., A. B. and Edwin H. Mr. Child was a leading man in the community, served as justice of the peace 
many years, and held five offices at the time of his death. He presided at the Ramsay inquest when the latter was 
hung by a mob, as detailed elsewhere. He served several terms as supervisor, and was a very popular auctioneer, in 
which capacity his son promises to excel him. 




BIOGRAPHICAL DEPAETIMEKT. 671 



SENACHWINE TOWNSHIP. 



Aakon Jeffers. 

Mr. Jefifers was bora in Chester county, Pa., in 1836, and is a son of Isaiah and Elizabeth Jeffers. He came to 
Michigan in 1857, and enlisted in the Iflth Michigan Vol. Inft., served nearly three years, and was honorably dis- 
charged at the close of the war. March 6. 1863, he was captured at Thompson's Station, and paroled the following 
month from Libby prison. Re-entering the service after exchanga, he took part in the iiarht at Resaca, Ga., a*^^ Cass- 
ville, at Burnt Hickory, and at Peach Tree Creek, where Hood was so severely whipped, the captured Johunies re- 
porting he had but "one good killing left." After this he followed Sherman ''to the sea," and thence to Goldsboro. 
N. C., Richmond, Washington, and finally home. In 1865 he carae to Chillicothe, 111., where he lived until 1869, 
when he went to Iowa, and returning went into the service of the T. P. & W. at Peoria, where he lived until coming 
to Putnam county. He married Celia Ann Thompson and has one child, born in 1875. (Since the above was writ- 
ten Mr. J. has died.) 

Henry Hunter. 

Mr. Hunter was bom in Cortland county, New York, June 4. 1815, and was a son of Edward and Rhoda Tuttle 
Hunter. His father came from Vermont and was of Scotch descent, while his mother claimed a German ancestry. 
Was married Jan. 1. 1840, to Henrietta Turrell, daughter of \bel B. and Susan M. Turrell, of Tompkins county. New 
York. They have two sons and one daughter living —Mrs. Mary B. Orr, of Mahaska, Iowa, and Henry E. and Wm. 
A., living at home. Their eldest son. Stephen Hunter, enlisted in the 113th Reg., serving under Gen. Sherman, and 
died of smallpox March 7, 1864, at Camp Butler. Springfild, III. Mr. H. came west in 1856, and the following spring 
purchased the farm where he now resides. In 1859 went to Pike's Peak and tried mining, returning in December of 
the same year. In 1860 he went again, and after a few months experience returned and resumed farming. During 
the rebellion he served his township as supervisor, and sent 34 substitutes to the field. Is a member of the M. E. 
church, and held the position of elder therein since 1853, 

Chauncey D. Hawkins. 

Was born in Wallingford, Rutland county, Vt.. March 31, 1829. Son of Isaac B. and Betsey Hawkins, who 
moved to St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1832, where they lived about twelve years, thence moved to Buffalo. N. 
Y., at which time Chauncey commenced his trade of carpenter and joiner. In the summer of 1847 moved to Lake 
county, Illinois, and lived there six years. Thence to Clintonville, and in I860 came to this town, where he still re- 
sides, carrying on his vocation of carpenter ana joiner. Was married in June, 1849, to Christina Soule, daughter of 
William and Angeline Soule, of Antioch, Lake county. 111. Has five children, Amanda, Rosemer, Nettie, William 
and Minnie. Amanda married Charles Grubbs, and Rosemer George Griswold. Both live in this township. Mr. 
Hawkins belongs to the Masonic order, aad is a member of the Henry Lodge, 119, A. F. & A. M. 

Norman I. Peters. 

Mr. Peters was bom in Calo, Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1839. Son of Norman and Mary E. Peters. Lived there 
until 15 years of age. Came to this state, town and county in 1854. In 1862 he enlisted in the 113th III. Vol. Infantry. 
Served about three years in the army of the Tennessee under General Sherman. Was discharged at Memphis in 
1865 at the close of the war. Since then he resided eight years in Bureau county, carrying on a farm of 160 acres. 
Removed to Iowa, and returned to Senachwine three years ago, where he has resided, doing a general merchaadizing. 
Mr. Peters contemplates moving to Caledonia, this county, and will engage in mercantile pursuits as here. He mar- 
ried in 1866 Susan L. Merritt, of Bureau county. Has six children,- Flora A.. Jo.seph N., Eber F., Hulda J., Edith 
and Ira. 

Clara E. Morgan. 

Mrs. Morgan was a daughter of Ebenezer Cook and Leonora Comes, of Herkimer, Oneida county. New York, 
and granddaughter of Ebenezer Cook, of Augusta, Oneida county, born January 21, 1818, and came to Hennepin in 
1836. At the age of eighteen she was united in marriage to Thomas Moraan, of Hennepin, formerly of New York, 
the wedding being long noted for the large party assembled, the elaborateness of the display, the number and 
value of the bridal presents and the richness of the toilettes. ISIr. Morgan was a carpenter in early life, but in 1838 
began farming in Senachwine township, where he resided until his death in 1868. Eight children were given them— 
six died in infancy and two survive— Helen Josephine, born in 1840, and Dwight Ellston in 1846. Both reside in 



672 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Senachwine village. Mr. D. E. Morgan wedded Sarah Whitney, daughter of Brooks W^hitney, of Henry, and has 
had seven children— Fred, Thomas, Clara Esther, Nellie Leonora, Charles Dwight. Frank Brooks, Lewis Cook, and 
Geo. Byron. Nellie Leonora died when eight years old. W, E. Cook, of Lacon, whose portrait is given elsewhere, 
was a brother of Mrs. Morgan. Another brother, James Watson, died in Henry in 1859; William Francis in 1852, of 
cholera. HobartC. Bacon was killed at a steamboat explosion in 1856. Another half brother died Nov. 3, 1858. A 
sister, Mrs. Captain L. N. Packard, lives in Oregon. Mrs. Morgan is very pleasantly situated in Senachwine village, 
where she is honored with the position of post mistress, which she holds to the entire satisfaction of the Depart- 
ment. Her life has been a busy one, and she has ably conducted her business affairs. 

Thomas M. Purcell. 

Mr. Purcell was born in Medina, Orleans county, N. Y., April 8, 1858. Son of Morgan and Ellen Purcell. His 
grandfather, Thomas Purcell and wife Mary, as also his maternal grandfather. Michael and Elizabeth Whalen, came 
from Tipperary county, Ireland. Came to this township in 1861. Has resideded here ever since in the occupation 
of farming, as also ha-s his father, Morgan Purcell. Has five brothers and sisters, as follows: Mary, Libbie, Ellen, 
John M. and Joanna, all of whom are now living with Mrs. Ellen Purcell, their mother. Mr. Purcell, senior, died 
in 1871. 

Edward L. Cook. 

Mr. Cook was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1825. Was a son of Barnabas and Lydia Cook. Was married 
in 1847 to Letitia 8. Trask, of New York, and have three children living,— Martin W., Fred C, Walter E. Until 1818 
was engaged in farming in Chautauqua couaty, N. Y. Then was engaged for four years in lumbering on the Western 
Reserve of Ohio. Returning to his old homestead, resumed his former vocation as farmer until 1860, when he 
moved west to his present home in Senachwine, Was among the first in building up the village. Entered the mer- 
cantile business and remained in it until 1865. Occupied various positions, as express agent, insurance agent, etc., 
until 1871, when he was appointed postmaster. Has been justice of the peace, notary, etc. 

Henry D. Winship. 

Mr. Winship was born in Princeton, Bureau county. 111., May 19, 1&37. He was a son of Ralph and Lucetta 
Cooley, formerly of New HartforJ, New York. At ninetesn years of age he left home for Minnesota, and entered a 
lumber camp; afterward engaged in Governmeni; surveying. In 1861 he raised 8 company of volunteers in Liv- 
ingston county, and entered the service uader Colonel Hovey, ia the 33d Illinois Infantry; participated in all the 
battles of the Western Department, under Generals Steel and Curtis; in 1864 was promoted to a Captain in the 
Army of the Tennessee, 23d Army Corps, under General Schofield; was transferred to the Army of the Jamts; 
served in the seiges of Petei'sburg and Richmond, thence to Texas under General Sheridan; was honorably dis- 
charged March 6, 1866, having served four years and eleven months. He was married on J uly 4, 1860, to Clara S. 
Cox, of Manlius, Bureau county. They have four children— Clarence, Lee, James M. and Sidney. Mr. W. followed 
farming and engineering for several years subsequent to the war, and during the last two years has been manufac- 
turing tile and brick. 

John Frank Mokler. 

Mr. Mokler was born in the city of Boston, in 1834, being a son of James and Margaret Bailey Mokler. He 
was educated at the Catholic College tor the priesthood, in Worcester, Mass. After leaving college he learned tha 
carriage ironing trade in Sudbury street, Boston, came west in 1857. and located at Aurora, 111.: thence to Wilming- 
ton; thence to Oxbow, Putnam county, where he resided thirteen years; thence to Whitefield Corners. Marshall 
county; thence came to Senachwine, where he has resided four years. Mr. Mokler retains his old tastes for literary 
pursuits, and spends his leisure iu reading and writing. Under the nom de plume of " Sampson," in the Henry Re- 
publican, will be fo"nd many racy articles from his pan. Is correspondent under other nons de plume. Was mar- 
ried in the year 1857 to Elvina Biedleman, daughter of Dr. R. B Biedleman, formerly of Henry, 111. Has ten chil- 
dren, five boys and five girls,— Mary E., Herbert R., Alfred J., Charles A., Wilson, Elvina i'rancis, Harriet B., Vic- 
tor. Clara, baby. 

Don C. Smith. 

Mr. Smith was born in Onondaga county. New York, in 1820 and is a son of William M. and Hannah Smith. 
He learned the ship carpenter's trade for a profession and in 1843 sailed a vessel on the lakes, of which he was part 
owner. In 1815 he sailed for Liverpool as ship captain, in 1846 was at Hayti during the Spanish insurrection, visited 
most of the West India Islands, following the sea for 12 years. Came to Chicago in 1847 and to Bureau county in 
1858 where he lived sixteen years. He enlisted in the G6th Regiment and served until disabled by a gun shot wound 
when he was mustered out. In 1859 he married Margaret E. Cox, and moved to Senatchwine in 1875. They have 
one son . 

James Alfred Wooley. 

Mr. Wooley was born May 6, 1811, in Chesterfield, England. In 1832 left home, and while on his voyage to 
this country was wrecked on the Fayal Islands. Reaching New York, he went directly to Albany, where he was 
employed in Dr. Nott's foundry. Found employment in various places; thence proceeded to Philadelphia, where 
be resided nearly six years, following his usual vocation. He came to the State of Illinois in 1842, and located in 
Senachwine township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres directly from the Government; afterward two 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEiPARTMENl!'. G73 

eighty-acre farms, one of which he sold, and built a store at Senaehwine. He was married in 1836 to Martha Ann 
Williams, daughter of Thomas and Frances Hunter Williams, of Philadelphia. Mr, Wooley has six children living 
as follows: Susanah, William F.,Kate James Alfred. Fanny and Priscella A.ngeline. William resides in Iowa; and 
James A., a physician, in Occident, Sonoma county, C'al. As an occulist Mr. Wooley has had much practice and 
experience, and has been most successful in his treatment. 

John Clayton Rolley. 

Mr. Rolley was born in Manchester Englaod, in 1819, and was a son of Charles Hanson and Ma-^garet Clayton 
of the same place. In the spring of 1843 he came to America, and to Hopewell toWQship, Marshall county, 111. Ih 
1851 he became a grain buyer, shipping the first full cargo of wheat from the town of Henry to Chicago, and pre- 
vious to that time, in 1848, loaded the first boat ttiat came south from LaSalle at Hall's Landing. From time to 
time he has been engaged in the grain trade and occupying various places of trust. In 1849 married Belinda Jane, 
daughter of William and Effie Bowman, of Magnolia, this county. They have four children, three sons and one 
daughter— Charles William, who resides in Missouri; Clayton Eugene, Wichita, Kansas: Mary Jane, Henry, this 
State; Tulasco Harrison, also of Henry. Mrs. Rolley died in the year 1863. 

Samuel H. Condit. 

Mr. Condit was born in New York city in 1831. and was a son of Courtland and Mary L. Teneich Oondit. Mr. 
Condit, senior, was a merchant, dealing in groceries, on the corner of Broom and Bowery streets. Making atrip 
into lUino's and as far as Madison county in 1834, with the intention of locating, returned home and with his 
family came back in 1835, where he remained one year; thence moved to Putnam county in the autumn of 1S36, and 
pursued farming until he died in August, 1870. Mr. Samuel H. Condit remained on the farm with his father until 
he was married in 1855 to Rachael A Bacon, daughter of Samuel C. and Deborah A. Morgan, of New York State. 
IV^r. Condit has nine children -Martin L., Ann A., Pluma C., Charles R.. Emma E., Minnie E., Belle M.. Samuel C. 
B. and William B. Mr. Condit has held several offices of the town, as supervisor, town clerk, and at the present 
time is justice of the peace. It is due to Mr. Bacon, father of Mrs Condit, to state that as an old citizen of this 
place, from 1837 to 1869, he was largely interested not only as a landholder, but as a man who was identified in the 
welfare and prosperity of the place. He now resides in Austin, Minnesota. 

William Wheeler. 

Mr. Wheeler was bom in Licking county, Ohio, February 24. 1842. He is the son of Ira and Susan Lee Wheeler, 
who came from New York state in 1832 and settled in Ohio, where they lived until 1848, when they moved to Fulton 
county, ill., lived there until 1863, and moved thence to Putnam county. In 1864 he married Malvina Read, 
daagh'er of Philip and Tryphena Davis Read, formerly from Fall River, Mass. They have four children— Charles 
W., Chettie T., Lizzie M. and Olio. Mr. Wheeler owns one of the best farms iu the county, embracing 320 acres 
and the Samuel Bacon place, lie purchased it about six years ago. 

Adam B. Henkins. 

Mr. Henkins was born in Green county, Pa., in 1826, and was a son of Elijah and Elizabeth Brown Hen- 
kins. He came to Hlinois in 1852, with his family, consisting of Rawley, Andrew P., Elijah, Chiistina, Catherine, 
Susan, Margaret. Elizabeth, Martha Jane, Mary and Amanda. Adam and Elijah reside in this township, and 
Rawley in Missouri. Mr. H. owns about 500 acres of land in this township He was married in I860 to Sarah 
Jane Dawson, daughter of Mercer and Cassandra Dawson, of Monongahela county, Ya. They have six children— 
Jahu, Commodore F., Jacob S., Adam, Miles W. and Susan L. All are at home or at school. 

Hiram Stickel. 

Mr. Stickel was bom July 6, 1822, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah Neili 
Stickel. who came to Illinois in the fall of 1834 and located in Bureau county. In 1849 Mr. Stickel married Sarah 
J, Bracken, daughter of Adison and Mary Bracken. They have six children, all living -Adison Marion, Marietta, 
Albert, Cyrus II., William and Lina. Marietta married William Brown, and is a resident of Dallas county, Iowa. 
November last Mr. Stickel moved to Princeton, Bureau county, for the purpose of giving his children the benefit of 
the best schools there. He has served as school director for many years; has also been supervisor, road commis- 
sioner, etc. He owns 1080 acres of land in this state and 560 acres located in the state of Iowa, and deals largely in 
cattle. 

James R. Taliaferro. 

7 he subject of this sketch is probably the oldest resident living in the township. He was born in Claremont 
county, Ohio. Oct. 10. 1810 and was a son of Richard and Rebecca Riddle Taliaferro, both from Virginia. He lived 
in Ohio until 18 years of age and then worked his way on a keel boat to New Orleans where he lived three years. 
Returning north he settled in Peoria county where an elder brother had preceeded him and was the first to settle 
where Rome now is. Jn 1833 he married Charlotte Cleaveland, a daughter of Resolve and Betsey Cleaveland, of 
Peoria county, and to them was born eight children, but two of whom survive— Mrs. Isabel Worley, of McLean 
county, and Mrs. Alice J. White, at present living at the old home. Mr. T. ha=! been a leading citiz3n in his town- 
ship and county and has a very extensive acquaintance. He was well acquainted with the Reeves gang and chiefly 
instrumental iu bringing them to justice. When Cam Reeves and Allison were wanted by the authorities, and 



674 



HECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



none dare make their arrest Ve'followed them to Pekin alone, caught them ten miles below and compelled them to 
return. He was known to bo a dead shot with the pistol' was cool in action and quick in execution and utterly 
fearless of consequences, which these men well knew and when he overtook them and made known his business 
they surrendered, though he had not even a warrant to back up his authority. When the gang was finally broken 
up and driven away ho was present counselling and assisting. Mr. Taliaferro settled upon his place in 1834. In 
the rear of his r« sidenec upon a picturesque bluff covered with pre-historic remains is the grave of the noted Indian 
Seuachwine, whose name is given to the township. The place wa^ long a favorite resort for the Indians and in the 
winter of 1384 5 Shaubena and a portion of his tribe were camped here. Mr. T. has a pleasant home and a kindly 
greeting for all who have claims upon his friendship, and though he has reached the age allotted to man by the 
psalmist, he is still hale and hearty and bids to live for many years. 

Ira Barniiart. 

Mr. Barnhart was born in Marshall county. January 11th, 1836, and was a son of Peter and Ann Hines Barn- 
hart, who were among the early settlers of the township. March 29, 1865, he married iSarah Frances Sheldon, 
daughter of A. M. and Mary J. Brightman Sheldon, who were from old New England stock. Mr- Sheldon, a car- 
penter by trade, was a native of Providence, and Mrs. Sheldon of Fall River, Mass. They came West and located 
three miles south of Tiskilwa, Bureau county, pursue farming as an occupation, and own about five hundred 
acres of land. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have been born four children, two of whom are living, Hattie and 
Charles Alberi. The deceased are Henry and Jennie Maud. 

James Nevin Derr. 

Ttie subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster, Pa-, June 22 1853, in a house then owned by James Buch- 
anan. His parents are natives of Pennsylvania, and his mother is a great-granddaughter of Gen. Jos. Reed, of 
Revolutionary fame. His father, the Rev, J. H. Uerr. is a minister in the Reformed church of N- A.., at present 
preaching at VVilliamsport, Pa. Mr. Derr served about two and a half years in the regular army, and is a graduate 
of the Artillery School of U. S. A., at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Since his discharge from the army in 1874, he was en- 
gaged in teaching in the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio until 1877, when he came to this State, in which he is still 
engaged as teacher in the public schools. He was married December 29, 1875, to Julia A. Howarth, daughter of 
Thomas and Caroline Howarth, of East Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio. The other members of the family are two 
daughters— Julia Hays, and Mabel. 

John Galvin. 

Mr, Galvin was born in Medford, Mass., June 12th, 1836. He is a son of William and Ellen Charlton Galvin, 
of Longford county, Ireland, who had eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz. : William, Ellen, Julia, Peter, 
Thomas, Margaret and John, William, who resides in Ottawa, 111., served three years in the army in Coggswell's 
Battery, was wounded, and honorably discharged; Ellen married John Burke, and resides in Ottawa, 111. : Julia 
married Dennis Walsh; the others live at home with their parents. John Galvin when a boy five years old moved 
with his father to the city of Boston, where they lived about eight years. In June of 1849 they came to Illinois and 
located in Chicago, where the father carried on the manufacture of gentlemen's silk hats; remained there about a 
year and a half, and thence removed to Ottawa, III., where he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. Here 
John learned the blacksmith trade, which he carried on after locating in Senachwine in 1859 until 1875, when he 
commenced farming on section 13. In February, 1879, he moved to his present farm, where he owns 260 acres. Dec. 
1, 1860. he married, in Ottawa, 111., Margaret Murphy, daughter of Thomas and Margaret McCristal, of Irish descent. 
They have five children— Virginia G., Thomas F., Mary L., Margaret, and John Charlton, all living at home. Three 
brothers of Mrs. Galvin served in the late war— John in the 6Jth reg't, Thomas in U. S. Grant's reg't of sappers and 
miners, and Michael in the 6fh Wisconsin battery. The latter died in Huntsville, Ala. 

Charles Dodd. 

Mr. Dodd was born in Shenandoah county, Va., August 20, 1823; son of William and Mary Stump Dodd. In 
1834 he moved to Warren county, Ohio, and came to Illinois in February, 1857, wnere he engaged in farming, which 
he pursued for fourteen years; then embarked in the grain, produce and general merchandizing business. Has 
held the offices of school trustee and school director. In September, la57, he married Emily Perkins, daughter of 
Jesse and Amy Perkins, of Kentucky, pioneer settlers of Leeper township. Bureau county, at that time embraced in 
Putnam county, Mrs. Perkins still survives, in a fair degree of health, at the advanced age of 78 years, and lives 
with her son Alvin, of this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Dodd have been born six children, four of which are living, 
Cyrena, Kachol, Alice, Mary E. and Henrietta. C>rena, now Mrs. Albert Stickel, resides in this township. Mrs. 
Dodd died January 7, 1871. At the present time Mr. Dodd is out of business, except that of negotiating loans and 
trading in Western lands. 

O. p. Carroll. 

This gentleman was bom at Sheffield, Bureau county, Feb. 23, 1845. Moved to Aunawan, Henry county, 
about the year 1850. Lived on a farm in that county until 1861, and at that time engaged in the grocery business at 
Ar.nawan, in which business he continued until the spring of 1863, when he again engaged in farming until March, 
1867. and then engaged in tne lumber business with his brother, C. W. Carroll, at Chillicothe. Peoria county. Mar- 
ried Miss Clarissa P. Buttemore, of Annawan, Oct. 26, 1868. In February, 1872, sold out his lumber interests and 
engaged in the grain business at Green River, 111. At that place his wife died, June 15, 1873, Was appointed agent 




0m^^^£rtJ 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 677 

for the C. R. I. & P. R, R Co. at Green River; Nov, 1, 1873. Married Miss Jennie M. Overmyer, of Henn' county, 
Dec, 26. 1875. In February, 1876, resigned his position as R. R. agent at Green River, and was appointed at Putnam 
Station, Putnam county. Here he engaged in the grain and R. R. business. October 1, 1876, was reappointed agent 
at Green River, and since that date has been engaged in the grain and R. R. business at Putnam and Green River 
Stations. Is serving his second term as supervisor of the town of Senachwine, and at the present time is school di- 
rector of district No. 4, township No. 14. Has one child— Lottai 

Thomas Real. 

Mr. Real was born in Limerick county, Ireland. Oct. 23, 1833. Son of Thomas and Winifred McGrath Real, 
who came to this country January 1, 1850; landed at New Orleans and came directly to this county and township, 
where they still reside. To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living, as follows; John, Michael, 
Thomas, Patrick and Philip. John resides in Livingston county, Michael in Bureau county, Patrick in Fillmore 
county. Neb., and Philip in San Francisco, Cal. James Joseph was killed in the battle of Shiloh under the Confed- 
erate flag, while his brother Michael, under the stars and stripes, commanded a company of Union soldiers in the 
Irish Legion, 90th I. R., and led them in the same battle. Martin, another brother, died at Philo, Champaign Co., 
this state. In 1857 Thomas mairied Bridget Griffin, daughter of John and Elizabeth Prout Griffin, who came from 
Tipperary, Ireland, in 1852, and located in Marshall county, this state. His homestead consists of 80 acres in sec. 25 
in this township, and he owns 80 acres in sec. 34. Has been living upon his farm since 1860. Has served as collector 
of taxes. Has an adopted daughter, Lizzie Griffin Real, seven years of age. 

Jeremiah Drake. 

Mr.prake was born in Clinton county, Ohio, October 15, 1838. Son of Drury and Lydia Purguson Drake, who 
had born to them six children, four sons and two daughters, four of whom survive, namely: William, of Hennepin, 
Caleb, of Davenport, Iowa, Emily Haaelton, of Cass county, Iowa, and Jeremiah, who resides in Senachwine. Jas. 
P. Drake, a brother of the above, enlisted in 1861 in the 45th Reg. 111. Vol., and died of fever in Alabama. William 
and Caleb served throughout the war, and were mustered out at the close. October 25, 1860, Jeremiah married Miss 
Cirena Perkins' Has three children living,— William M., [da May and Lillie Lu. He came west in 1845 with his 
parents and located m Bureau county, and in 1863 moved to Putnam county. Is a member of the Christian church 
of Senachwine. 

James Giltner. 

Mr. Giltner is the son of Andrew and Susannah Giltner, and was born in Clark county, Indiana, December, 
1825. In 1849 moved from there to Marshall county, and came to Senachwine, Putnam county, in 1852. Is a very 
prospering farmer. In 1851 he married Henrietta Rommal, daughter of Henry and Susannah Rommal, of Saxony, 
Germany. To them were born five children.— Sarah E., Henrietta, Abraham L., Anna Eurena and Mary Jane. 
Sarah E. married Samuel Case and resides in Bureau county, and Henrietta married Henry Downey and resides in 
Senachwine. The bank of Holland holds in trust an accumulated fortune of f 140,000.000 belonging to the heirs of 
the family. It came through an ancestor who died intestate, and evidence is being collected to substantiate the 
claims of the present heirs. 

Chas. W. Read. 

Mr. Read was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1827, and was a son of Philip and Tryphena Davis Read. Mr. 
Read, senior, was a native of Dartmouth, Mass., and Mrs. Read of Fall River. Half a century ago Mr, and Jlrs. 
Read left their old homes in Massachusetts and went west as far as Herkimer county. New York. Leaving that 
State they came to Illinois and located in Putnam county, and followed farming until Mr. R.'s death in 1843. Mrs. 
Read still survives in excellent health to enjoy the prosperity that has come to her and her children. Four are now 
living, namely: Mrs. Winship, Mrs. Wheeler, Roaelia and the subject of this biography. In 1852 m company with 
Mr. Winship and other acquaintances left Princeton with an ox team, crossed the plains and the Rockj' Mountains 
for California, and returned home in the autumn of 1855, having spent nearly three years: was engaged in mining, 
and had fair success in his operations. Has held the offices of collector several times, assessor, constable, and is a 
member of the Christian church, Senachwine. 

William Hunter Williams. 

Mr. Williams lives on section 19, township 14 west, range 10 east, Putnam county. 111. The ancestors of the 
subject of this sketch were John Williams, a native of Wales, and Ann Williams, his wife, a native of Plymouth, 
England, resided previoas to the war of the American Revolution, in the colony of New Jersey. During the war 
their domioil was burned by the British army, causing a separation of the family, and at which time it is supposed 
their family record was lost or destroyed. Their son Thomas Williams was bound for a number of years to a farmer, 
after which he moved to the city of Philadelphia, Pa., where he learned the business of house painter, and on May 
2, 1807, he married Frances Hunter, daughter of William and Frances Hunter, of Philadelphia, of which union was 
born on the 15th day of January, 1811, William Hunter Williams, the subject of this sketch. When he was about 
seven years old his father removed with his family to the city of Baltimore, Md., where on the 17th day of October, 
1822, his father died, leaving a widow and four children, who returned to Philadelphia, where William H. attended 
the public schools of the city until about fourteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to William Ford to learn 
the business of silver-plating. In the month of May, 1837. in consequence of the financial convulsion of the country 
he sought to improve hia circumstances by removing to what was then called the Western States. Accordingly in 



678 



EEcotit>s oi" 1?Hi: oLben ^iMe. 



the fore part of June, 1837, he reached the village of Hartford, Dearborn county, in the south-eastern portion of 
the State of Indiana. In the month of August of that >ear he made a prospecting tour on foot to Indianapolis, 
and thence west to the eastern part of Illinois, where his further progress west was arrested by fever and ague (his 
objective point beine Alton, 111.), and caused him to endeavor to retrace his steps to Hartford, Ind., which was ac- 
complished with great effort during some time in the mouta of September. 

In the year 1838 he gained his first experience as a farmer joined with the disadvantage of a relapwe of the 
ague and fever, having rented seven acres of land and raised a crop of corn, and in the latter part of the summer 
of that year took a position as clerk in a country general store. Late in the autumn of 1838 he was engaged as 
clerk and hand on a flatboat to take a cargo of flour and pork to the lower Mississippi Kiver, having accomplished 
which he, in the spring of 1839, returned to Hirtford, End., making a detour to visit his brother, who had preceded 
him to Putnam connty. 111., upon which occasion he concluded to settle permanently in Illinois Keturning to 
Hartford, he was offered ^ situation on a store-boat, and continued in the boating business until some time in Sep- 
tember, 1839, and on ur about the 2l8t of September started on horseback from Hartford to go to Marshall county, 
111., arriving Oct. 1, 1839. On the first of May, 1813, he entered eighty acres of land and received the Government 
patent for the same, under the administration of President John Tyler, and on the 25th day of December. 1856, pur- 
chased eighty acres adjoining from Samuel C. Bacon. On the 29th day of June, 1843, he was married to Miss Theo- 
dosia Holmes Lyon, daughter of Abijah Lyon anU Comfort Holmes Lyon, natives of Westchester county. New York, 
who removed from the city of Nev^ York to Marshall county, III., in the spring of 1839. Mr. Williams has nine chil- 
dren as follows: Frances H., William A., Martha, Mary, John Howard, Emma E., James Albert, Theodosia Ann and 
David Herbert. Frances H., now Mrs. Samuel A- Wilson of Adin, Modoc county. Cal.; Marthanow Mrs. Charles M. 
Hobbs, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mary now Mrs. O. H. Lincoln, of Marengo, McHenry county. 111. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lincoln are now professional teachers. Emma E., now wife of Rev. W. B. Berry, lives at Barry, Pike county, HI ; 
William A. resides in the town of Belvidere, Thayer county, Neb ; John H. lives at home engaged in farming; Jas. 
A. is teaching in Bureau county. 111.; Theodosia A. is in Council Bluffs, lawa, and D. Herbert at home attending 
Bchool, Mr. and Mrs. Williams commenced housekeeping on the first purchase of land in the spring of the year 
1844, passing through all the experiences of a pioneer farmer incident to that period of the history of the State of 
Illinois. In 1847 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace of Senachwine precinct holds the same office at 
the present time, and lives on his original location, was county judge for a period of six years, succeeding Joel W. 
Hopkins in that office, Mr. Hopkins being elected a member of the State Legislature; was postmaster at the village 
of Senachwine nearly tea years: was town clerk a number of years; was township treasurer of schools nearly thirty 
years; served one year in the office of town collector. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Henry Society of 
the Ifcw Jerusalem or Swedenborgian church for over twenty years. The judge, as he is familiarly called, is now 
69 years of age. His wife is 59 years. Ihey with their large family of children enjoy a remarkable degree of health. 

Alvin Perkins. 

Mr. Perkins was bnrn October 22, 1834, and was a son of Jesse and Amy Garton Perkins, who came from the 
State of Kentucky, and located in Bureau county in the year 1833. Six surviving children were born to them, 
namely: Elijah, Madison, Matilda, Jesse, Oirena and Alvin. Elijah and Jesse reside in Cass county, Iowa. Matilda 
married William Wherry, and lives in Green county, Iowa. Cirena and Mrs. Jeremiah Drake live in Senachwine, 
and Madison in Page county, Iowa. Alvin maiTied Mias Lj'dia Hamilton, daughter of James and Elizabeth Long 
Hamilton, of Ohio, in the year 1856. Has seven children living — Edward, Jennie, Carrie, Austin, Alvin Grant and 
baby boy. In the year 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, where he remained until August, when he returned home. In 
1864 he went to Austin, Nevada, worked in the mines about one year, then visited California, and returned home 
via the Isthmus. In 1867 he sold out in Bureau county, moved to Pottawatomie county, Iowa, remained there one 
year. and moved to Putnam county. He owns 315 acres of fine land. 

John F. M. Parker. 

Was a son of Ezekiel Parker and Margaret Ann Engle, formerly from Green Briar county, Virginia, and was 
born in Amity, Knox county, Ohio. In 1839 they moved to Effingham county. 111., where tney resided for about 
seven years. Mr. Parker died in 1846 leaving six children, three sons and three daughters, the latter having since 
died. Samuel resides in Chicago, S. S. in Libbey, Oscella county, la., and the subject of this sketch in Putnam 
county. 111. Mr. Parker resided prior t« his residence in Senachwine, with his mother in Fulton county and in 
Beardstown, Cass county. 111. Came to Senachwine July 13, 1857 and commenced life there as a clerk, school 
teacher and deputy postmaster. During his residence in this township he aided in founding and building |the 
Christian church. He is still connected with the church as pastor, and laboring at the same time as the evangelist 
of the Bureau and Putnam county Christian Co-operation society. Aug. 6, 1863 he married Marv A. Wherry, 
daughter of Elder John Wherry and Malinda Perkins, of Putnam county, from which marriage six children were 
born, namely: William S., Emma L., James E., Mary V., Walter C. and Ajina Maud. 

James M. Winship. 

Mr. Winship was born in Lewis county. New York, October 2, 18'25. He is a son of Ralph and Lucetta Cooley 
Winship, who came to Princeton, Bureau county, in June, 1835. James M. moved from Princeton to this township 
in March, 1868. and has resided here ever since. In 1850 he married Mary Ann Read, daughter of Philip and Try- 
phena Read, of Senachwine. They have five children,— J. Orrin, Cora Eva (now Mrs, Martin L- Condit, of this town- 
ship), Orville W., Walter E. and Jessie M. In 1852 Mr. Winship left Princeton, crossed the plains and Rocky moun- 
tains with an ox team, visited California, remained there one year, and returned hame in the spring of 1853. He 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPAETMENT. 679 

owns a fine farm of 192 acre^, and is engaged in the manufacture of drain tile and brick. He has been supervisor of 
the town for two successive years, and school director for many years. Is a member of the Christian church. lie 
has a vivid recollection of his frequent trips to Chicago at an early day, with grain and pork, bringing back lumber 
at $800 per M for the building of the court house in Princeton. In 1876 he made an extended tour through the east, 
visiting Philadelphia during the Centennial exhibition, Washington, Mt. Vernon, New York city, and old friends in 
Oneida county, New York. 

Abraham W. Hoagland. 

^T. Hoagland was bora in Readington, Huntington county, New Jersey, son of Dr. C. C. and Gertrude La 
Bagh Hoagland, who had eight children— Francis E., Anna M., John E., A. W, Lucy R., Nellie W., Hattie R., 
and Henry M. Frark resides in Council Bluffs, la., Anna M., now Mrs. James H. Smith, and John in Jackson 
county, Kansas, and Lucy R. in Yuma county, Arizona, and is a teacher. The other children live at home vrith 
their mother. Dr. Hoagland died in March, 1868, in Iowa where he was employed as state agent of the American 
Bible Society. He was a man of great energy in every vocation ol life. Was state superintendent of schools in 
New Jersey. Was editor of a weekly journal published in the town of Hennepin. Abraham W, enlisted in Co. 
I., 47th Regiment 111. Volunteers in the last year of the war, and was mustered out in December, 1865, at Springfield, 
III. His brother, Frank, enlisted in July, 1861, under General Rosecrans, served during the war, was in [all the 
engagements of his regiment and for a short time was prisoner ot war. His brother John, enlisted at Maroa, Macon 
county, this state, and entered the army in the department under General Grant, All came home about the same 
time, having served their country faithfully and honorably. Abraham carries on the farm of 120 acres. Has 
served as school director. 

Geo. E. Sparling. 

Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois 

John Sparling. 

Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois. 

George Sparling. 

Senachwine, Putnam County, Illinois. 

John M. Williams. 

Mr. Williams was born August 28. 1844, and is a son of John and Melinda Morgan Williams, well known citi- 
zens of Senachwine township. He enlisted January 26. 1865, as a private in company A„ 148th Regiment 111. Volun- 
uateers was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and in August received his discharge at the close of the war. 
In 1872 made a tour through the west, visiting Dakota,Nebra8ka, Kansas and Missouri with the intention of locatir g 
but returned and May 25 1876, married Eliza J. Downey, daughter of Francis and Jane Welch Downey, of this 
township, Hds one child, Carrie E. In 1872 was the active agent, as well as a prime mover together with other 
citizens of Senachwine, in making a saving to the county of ten thousand dollars by stopping the issue of bonds for 
that amount which otherwise would have been issued in favor of the Kankakee and Illinois River railroad. Mr. 
Williams is a farmer by vocation and shells corn for grain men and others. Has been constable for four years, col- 
lector for one year and school director six years, and is also an ingenious mechanic and inventor, having secured 
patents on an invention that promises to become valuable. 

William Barnhart. 

Mr Barnhart was born in Hamilton county,Ohio, June 25th, 1829,and is a son of Peter and Ann Hines Barnhart 
who came to the state in 1831 and located at first near Lacon, then called Columbia. At that time there were but 
few white Battlers in those parts. While hunting one day he discovered two dead Indians sitting side by side up- 
right within a small fenced inclosare. tie lived there about three years. During the Black Hawk war he served as 
captain, for which he received a patent of 160 acres of land from the government. His occupation was that of a 
farmer, although possessed of the genius of doing all things with facility At one time he owned about a thous- 
and acres of land in Senachwine township. Had nine children— seven so as and two daughters— Martha, now Mrs. 
Hoselton, of Adams county. Iowa, James, of Clinton county. Iowa, John, of Senachwine, Wesley, deceased, Ira and 
Asa. twins; Ira resides in Senachwine, and Asa in Colorado. Mary Elizabeth died January 26, 1864. Mrs. Barnhart 
died December 23, 1879, aged 82. Mr. WiHiam Barnhart grew up, followed the occupation of his father and resides 
on the old homestead. He made a prospecting tour to the Rocky Mountains and was one of the so-called "fifty 
niners." He enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in the llSlh Regiment of lU.Volunteers, assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, 
served three years and was mustered out in Memphis, Tenn., at the close of the war. Was married Oct., 1878, to 
Marth* Jacobs, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Scott Jacobs, of Mendota, 111. Has two children— Clara May Um- 
ponhour and Frank Koestner. 

John Williams. 

Section 31, Senachwine, Putnam county Born in Philadelphia, Pa., May 16th, 1813, Son of Thomas and 
Frances Hunter Williams. Thomas served in the war of 1812. His father, John Williams, was a citizen of New 
Jersey, was taken prisoner by the British and died while in prison ani wa» buried in what is now known as Wash- 
ington Square. William Hunter, father of Frances, was in the Revolutionary war and at the battle of German- 



680 



EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



town under Washington. In 1824 Mr. John Williams, then a lad of eleven years of age, shook hands with La Fayette 
in the old Independence Hall. Having learned the bricklaying business was employed in the year 1836 in building 
Girard college. During the autumn and winter he made a circuitous route from Philadelphia to New York City, 
New Orleans up the Mississippi to Bt- Louis and thence to Hennepin. Putnam county, In 1843 pre-empted a claim 
of 160 acres of land in tp 10,N.W.,section 3,and the ensuing spring, 1844, came to the farm they now reside on. Was 
married Oct. 22. 1843, to Melinda Morgan, daughter of Alanson and Melinda Peters Mo-gan, Warren, Li' hfield 
county, Conn., formerly from Hebron, Mass. Have eight children, John M,, Thomas, Irvin S., Melinda, Frances, 
George, Addline and Martha Ann. John M. reside^i in this county. Frances, now Mrs. Lorenzo Brunt, lives in 
this county. The other children live at home with their parents, Mr Williams is a man of advanc3d opinions 
upon all questions relating to the welfare of the human familv and does his own own thinking. He has been a 
leading anti-slavery man and in the days of the "underground railroad" often assisted fugitives on their way to 
freedom. He was an active instigator and assistant in driving the Reeves gang from the country. He is a good 
talker, clear headed and genial hearted, a warm friend to those worth^i of it and a hater of shams. 




BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMEliT. 681 



Marshall County. 



LACON TOWNSHIP. 



James B. Martin. 

Mr. Martin, president of the First National Bank of Lacon, was bom in Wayne county, TU.. in 1824. His 
life demonstrates how a poor boy achieved wealth and distinction solely through his individual exertions, without 
the help or aid of relatives or influence. His early life was full of hardships and his education such a.s could be 
picked up in the poorest country schools. For several years he followed breaking prairie, and with the first money 
earned entered some land which he sold at an advance, and then entered more. His investments were carefully 
made and uniformly successful. He opened a good farm in Bennington township which he sold in 1857, and com- 
ing to Lacon embarked in the livery business, and went to loaning money. In 1849 he married Minerva Hedrick, 
who died in 1857, leaving three children— Frank, Lizzie and Clara. In 1858 he was married to A.nn J. Norris, by 
whom he has five sons and daughters,— Herbert, Edwin C., Ada L., Florence and Chester H. He was one of the 
organizers of the First National Bank, and has held various ofSces of trust in city and tow nship. 

Wm. M. Pyle. 

Mr. Pyle is a watchmaker and jeweler in Lacon. He was bom in the city of Richmond, Wayne county, Tnd-, 
in 1843, moved to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1870, and located in Lacon in 1877. He was educated in the city of his birth, and 
there also received rudimentary instruction in the buiness in which he has made himself proficient by experience 
and. the exercise of the unusual degree of mechanical ingenuity with which he is endowed. In 1860 he married 
Matilda Robinson, a native of Greensburg, Ind. They have five children,— Wm. H., Charles R., Maud, Blanch, and 
Olive. He is a member of the Masonic order. Served three years as quartermaster of the 40th Ind. Vol. Inf. during 
the war of the rebellion. He is a nephew of Samuel E. Perkins, Judge of the Superior Court of Indiana, and Mrs, 
Pyle is a sister of Hon. Milton 8. Robinson, late member of Congress from the Sixth District of Indiana. 

Dr. Isaac H. Keeder, Physician and Surgeon. 

Dr. Reeder was bom in Dayton. Ohio, in 1824, and moved with his parents to Marshall county in 18:54, settling 
in Lacon, or Columbia, as the village was then called. He was educated in Lacon, was a student at Rush Medical 
College in Chigago, and graduated from that institution in 1852, commencing the practice of his profession in Lacon 
the same year, and has continued steadily in practice to the present time with the exception of three years spent in 
the army during the war of the rebellion, during which time he served as surgeon of the 10th HI. Vol. Inf. In 1850 
married Catherine D. Lucas, a native of Bloomington. They have one child living. Flora E.. and one deceased. 
Dr. Reeder and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the state and local medical 
societies. 

Rev. Father John F. Power. 

Pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic), in Lacon. Mr. Power was bom in the city of 
New York, in 1850, and two years later his parents moved to Illinois, locating in Chicago. He studied theology in 
Mount St. Marys college, Emmettsbnrg, Md., and was ordained for the priesthood by the late Bishop Foley, of 
Chicago, April 12th, 1875. He was first stationed at Beardstown, where he remained one year, was for a short time 
in charge of the parish in Bloomington, and in June, 1877, was placed in charge of the parish at this place, where he 
has since remained. He has established a school here in connection with the church, with Sisters of Charity as 
teachers, where children of Catholic parents can receive a thorough preparatory education in accordance with the 
doctrines of their church, and by his consistent piety and zealous efforts in behalf of the temporal as well as spirit- 
ual welfare of the communicants of his church, has endeared himself to those of his own faith and won the respect 
and esteem of the entire community, irrespective of religious affiliations. 

Richard Gell. 

This gentleman, member of the firm of Stire&Gell, merchants and clothiers of Lacon, is a native of England 



682 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

born in Huntingdonshire in 1818. Before coming to this country he received the business training of a ten years 
experience in the grocery business in the city of Ixmdon. In 1851 he came to the United States, and located 
in Lacon, remaining here about seven years. He then moved on a farm in Steuben township, where he remained 
one year, lived in La Prairie five years, and then returned to Lacon, being connected with Fisher's flouring mill 
about four years. At the expiration of this connection he formed a partnership with Felix Kahn in the clothing 
business in Sparland which lasted seven ^ears, when he again returned to Lacon and formed his present business 
partnership with Mr. Stire. October 18, 1846, he married, in London, England, Mary A. Wood a native of that 
city. They have one child living, Maria Nancy (now Mrs. Martin residing in Tazewell county;, and have lost 
one child by death. They are members of the Baptist church. A few years ago Mr. Gell visited his old home in 
the city of London, and has consequently three times crossed the broad Atlantic. He is an estimable citizen, a man 
of sturdy integrity, honest, upright and straightforward in all his dealings, and enjoys in a high degree the confii- 
denceand esteem of his fellows. 

Geo. W, Tayloe. 

Mr. Taylor is a conductor on the Western Division of the C, A. & St. L. Railroad, and resides in Lacon. He 
was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1819. In 1872 he married Sarah J. Farrayman, a native of Ohio, and together 
they located in Washington, Tazewell county, from which place they subsequently moved to Lacon. They have 
one child, Archie, born November 25, 1874. Mr. Taylor has been connected with the C. A. & St. L. Eailroad since 
he was a boy. He is a member of the Railway Conductors' Mutual Aid and Benefit Society of the United States 
and Canada. 

Fred. Peters. 

Mr. Peters is a barber and hairdresser located and carrying on business on Main street in Lacon. He was 
bom in Prussia, in 1843, where he remained until 23 years of age, when he came to the United States and located 
first in Springfield, 111., moving thence to Lacon in 1875, and commenced in business for himself the same year. In 
1871 be married Malinda French, a native of Missouri, by whom he has four children,— Emma, Charlie, Mary and 
Frederick. Mr. Peters is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Co. H, 7th Reg't 111. N. G. 

William Gapen. 

Mr. Gapen is a resident of Lacon engaged in the manufacture of saddles and harness. He was born in Scioto 
county, Ohio, in 1833, but was raised in Lacon, his parents moving here when he was but one year old. In 1857 he 
married Elizabeth Boyles, a native of Adams county, Ohio. They have six children,— Charles. Mollie, Sallie, Wil- 
liam, Emma Dell and Frank. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; has been in business for himself since April, 1866. 

John Hoffrichter. 

A resident of Lacon, a stock dealer by occupation and proprietor of a meat market. Mr. Hoffrichter wras 
born in Prussia in 1829, came to the United States in 1854, and in 1859 located in Lacon. The same year of his set- 
tlement here he married Margaret Krach, a resident of St, Louis, born in Bavaria. They have four children, — 
Louisa E.. Clara M., Anna T. and Bertha E. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. H. belongs to the 
Masonic order and the I. O. O. F. He has been in business in the same location since 1859. 

Carrie C. Gage. 

Mrs. Gage was bom in North Wolfboro, N. H., and is a daughter of Aaron and Mary (Bickford) Roberts, 
The family came originally from England, and in the days of the colonies settled at Dover and became farmers. 
Mr. Roberts, senior, was born and labored on a farm when a boy, afterward removing to this place, where he died 
after a long and busy life. He followed merchandising here, amassing a large property, which was equitably 
divided among his descendants. Here his children were bom and grown up. the sons assisting in the store and 
gaining a thorough knowledge of the business. Five sons and daughters wers bom to them, viz., Susan Abigail 
(Mrs. Blake), Alonzo and Porter D., living in Ch^c^go, Mary B. G. (deceased), and Carrie C, the subject of this 
sketch. She married in 1854, Fred. Gage, and moved immediately to Kenosha, Wis., where they lived two years, 
and went to Manitowoc, where he engagea in business. Here he made the acquaintance of Phineas Stevens, and in 
1860, along with him and A. and P. D. Roberts, removed to Lacon. and under the firm of Stevens, Gage, Roberts & 
Co. embarked in merchandising, the lumber and grain trade. They did a very extensive business for a number of 
years, and were quite successful. Mr. Gage retired from the firm about 1870, and purchasing a large farm west of 
Lacon, turned his attention to improving it. He also opened an exchange and loan oflSce in Sparland. He Lad a 
first class aptitude for business, his investments were always safe, and he accumulated a large property. His mar- 
ried life was happy, and to them two children were born— a son that died in infancy, and a daughter -Maria The- 
resa, born March 6, 1873. 

John Grieves. 

Mr. Grieves comes from Selkirk, Scotland, where he was bom in 1826, and obtained his education in the 
schools of the place. He was early put to work in the mills and obtained a thorough knowledge of the woolen 
manufacture in all its details. He set out to master the details and fit himself for something better than a mere 
laborer, and succeeded . Finding there was little opportunity to rise in the profession in the overcrowded manu- 
facturing cities of the old world, hedetermired to emigrate, and came to the United States in 1848. finding employ- 
ment in Lawrence, Mass. In 1851 he was offered the superintendency of a new mill at New Edinborough, Canada, 



'biOORAJPttiCAL DEPARTMENT. 68S 

remained till 1858, when he went to Utica in charge of a department in the celebrated Globe Mills. From there he 
went to West Troy and assumed charge of James Roy it Co.'s Shawl Mills, About this time the Laoon Woolen 
Manufacturing Co. was organized, in which Mr. Grieves became a stockholder, furnished the plans for the mill 
and purchased most of the machinery. He was its first superintendent, and continued there until about 1870. when 
he went to Beloit, Wis., and to Peoria in 1872, returning to Lacon in 1876, and assumed his present situation as su- 
perintendent and manager of the Lacon Woolen Manuf. Co. In 1848 he married Elizabeth Heart, and to them 
were given, Georgd Isabella, Jessie, John, Oliver and Christine. He has two children by a former marriage— Eliza- 
beth and Mary. Two daughters are married and live in Peoria, and one- Jessie, who was a very promising young 
lady, is buried in the Lacon cemetery. 

Clarissa Iliff. 

Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois. 

Frank D. Shafer. 

Mr. Shafer is a farmer living on section 13, who was born in Knox county, Ohio. His father settled in 
Hopewell township in 1846. living in the old homestead, three miles above Lacon. until the close of his life. He was 
a Jacksonan Democrat, inflexibly honest and wedded to his opinion. His son Frank came to Lacon in 1846, and 
wedded Amelia Cain, daughter of James Cain, of Richland. He has a productive farm and a fine residence beau- 
tifully situated in a natural grove and surrounded with fruits, etc. They have four children, Mary E., James V., 
Henry B,, aud Benjamin F, He is a good farmer and stock raiser, loves a good horse, and when business permits 
enjoys himself in hunting, etc., but don't neglect business tor any pleasure. 

GrEORGE AuTH. 

Mr. Auth is a w uchmaker and a jeweler located and doing business in Lacon. He was bom in the city of 
Fulda Hesse, Germany, in 1824, where he received a thorough classical education. He spent several years in trav- 
eling in France, -Switzerland andEnglaod, and came to this country in 1852 and visited nearly all the states in the 
Union as a professor of languages. He is an accomplished artist in his trade, having been brought up to that 
art of delicate manipulation by his father, who was a finished artisan of wide celebrity in his native land. Mr, 
Auth has added largely to his rich store of knowledge acauired in early life by close observation during his varied 
travels, his finished education greatly facilitating his efforts in that direction. 

Edward Welch. 

Mr. Welch is a locomotive engineer whose residence is in Lacon. He was born in Essex county. New York, 
in 1843, In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 118th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, serving in the armies of the 
Potomac and the James under Gen. Butler. At the battle of Fair Oaks, Oct. 24th, 1864. he was captured, confined in 
the celebrated Libby Prison of excrable memory two weeks, and in Saulsbury, S, C, until March 2, 1865, when he 
was paroled and released, sent to Annapolis, Md , and thence to New York, wh'-re he lay sick several weeks and was 
finally mustered out at Plattsburg, N. Y., in June. 1865. December 15th. 1864, he was comnaissioned a lieutenant. 
In 1872 he married Helen Logan, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. They have three children, Clarence, Elward and Edith 

E . Mr. Welch is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to the brotherhood locomotive engineers. 

F. C. Gale, Physician and Surgeon. 

Dr. Gale was bom in Windham county, Vermont, in 1840 and comes from an old family that has given many 
eminent men to the country. His father was a farmer, and gave him a good education, after which he studied 
medicine, and after receiving his diploma entered the United States navy as assistant surgeon, in 1861. serving 
on board the U. S- steamer Potowska, engaged in tne blockade of southern ports and the pursuit of rebel cruisers, also 
in which capacity he visited the different West India Islands, the Caribbean 3ea. crossed the Vtlantic and entered the 
Mediterranean Sea, visiting most of the consular states on the way. He was in the expedition of Com. Goldsboro 
that captured Hilton Head, and the Carolina coast, also in Burnside's expedition, and in a great storm off Hatteras. 
Saw several vessels with all on board go down. The service was exciting and laborious, now chasing rebel armed 
cruisers, now capturing peaceful traders, and again having sharp encounters with rebel batteries and iron dads. Oc- 
casionally they would chase a noted rebel cruiser like the Florida, the Sumpter, the Nashville, and four times he was 
wounded, but never seriously. At the close of the war he was mustered out and returned home. In 1865 he married 
Fannie Taft, daughter of the Hon. Geo. W. Talt. of Vermont. She died in 1870. leaving two children-George Taft 
andOrpha M. His present wife was Jennie Handwork, whom he married at Morris, III., February, 1874. He came 
to Lacon in 1875, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. 

Henry L. Crane. 

Mr. Crane was bom in Crimtown, now Montclair, N. J., March 5, 1813, and moved at an early day to Ohio. He 
learned the trade of a brick mason, and followed it for many years. Here he joined the M. E. church, of which 
he was for 51 years an upright, consistent member. He was three times married, first to Elizabeth Martin, of New 
York city in 1834. to whom eight children were born as follows: Sarah, now Mr. W. W. Dean; Josiah Wesly, Henrj 
J.. Mary and William, all dead. Chales is married and living in Lacon, and Margaretta. now Mrs. A. Pichereau. 
Mrs, Crane died in 1851. In 1836 Mr. Crane joined several of his neighbors, and came to Lacan, then Columbia, a 
not very promising town of five cabins and two frame houses. He w<is lattfely instrumental in ort;anizing the M. 



684 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



E. Society, the first church formed in the place, and of the thirteen original members he was the last survivor but 
one. After the death of his wife he married Mrs. Eliza D. Rmsley in New Jersey, in 1852 and by her had five chil 
dren, viz.. George M., a printer: Greenberry F., Kate Oelia. Henry L. and Nelly, at present living at home. Mrs. 
(Kansley) t'rane died in 1866, and in 1868 he wedded Mrs. Julia (Wolcott) Wilson, who survives him, born in Colum- 
bia county. New York. Mr. Crane died Feb, 17, 1880, after a long and well spent life. For thirty years he was a 
local preacher of the M. E. church, and always an active, influential member. In 1848 he was elected sheriff, filling 
the office as principal or deputy four terms; was U. S. storekeeper nine years, and served as supervisor, collector, 
assessor, etc., for many years. Pew men's lives were so long and so free from blemLsh, and he died regretted by all. 

Capt. Henry Fisher. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Union county. Pa., where he was born in 1833. Two years later his 
parents moved to Summit cuuaty, Ohio, where he was raised, and in 1856 he came to Marshall county. In Febru- 
ary, 1862, he organized Co. C. 65th 111. Vol. Inf., of whicn he was commissioned first lieutenant, being promoted to 
the caotaincy in December folloi^ing. He participati d in the exciting Shanandoah Valley campaign of 1862, which 
culminated in the seige and capture by the rebels of Harper's Ferry, and was one of that 11,500 brave men humil- 
iated by surrender through the gross incompetence and mismanagement of superior officers. vVas paroled on the 
field, exchanged in the spring of 1863, participated in the Eastern Kentucky campaign and defeat of the rebel Gen. 
Humphrey Marshall. Was with ' urnside in the defense of Knoxville, where he was under seige 21 days, took part 
in the Atlanta campaign until the surrender of that city, and aided in administering that crushing defeat which 
Hood sustained at Nashville at the hands of " old Pap " Thomas. At the expiration of his term of service he re- 
turned to Lacon, went into the dry goods business in Sparland. where he continued five years, and then purchased 
his present homestead and settled down to bucolic pursuits. August 29, 1865, he married Mary Thompson, a native 
of this county. They have three children— Georgie M., Jesse M., and Apley T., and one child, Cora E , bv a former 
marriage. Mrs Fisher is a member of the M. E. church. 

John Lockett. 

Mr. Lockett is in the weaving department of the Lacon Woolen Manufacturing Co., and a thoroughly com- 
petent workman. He was born in Cheshire, England, in 1848, and came to the United States in 1855, locatingjin 
Coventry, Conn. He began weaving in 1861, in Connecticut, moved to Wilbrdham, Mass,, and then to Rhode Island, 
when after a brief stay he went back to Massachusetts, working in various places. He came to Lacon April 4, 
1876. and was appointed to his present position. He married Emma Starts in 1873, who was born in Bondsville, 
Mass. T ey have one child— William. Mr. Lockett is a member of the I. O. O. F. in good standing. 

GrEo. F. Blackstone. 

Mr. Blackstone's home is in Lacon, though he has been employed for a number of years in Peoria as U. S. 
inspector and ganger. His fine education and skill in mathematics eminently Qualify him for the position. He is 
a native of Portland, Maine, and the advanced ground he occupies politically is due to his early education and 
time. He opened the first hardware store in Lacon, in which he continued until appointed to his present position. 
In 1857 he married Elenora A, Bullman, born in Lacon. and to them have been born four children— Blanche B., 
August 26, 1861; Anne L.. May 26, 1868; Roy Lot, July 20. 1871, and George Raymond, March 27, 1874. Also one child 
df ceased. Mrs. Blackstone is a daughter of Lot and Anne Bullman, among the first settlers in the county of Mar- 
shall. She is an ardent Cnristian, and an active worker in the cause of temperance. 

Olney Burton. 

Mr. Burton is a retired farmer, bom in Pomfret, Windham county. Conn., in 1810. He came to Rlinois in 
1855, settling in Macoupin county, where he lived until 1873, when he went to Missouri. The country there did not 
suit him, and after one season's trial he removed to Marshall county, where a married daughter, Mrs. Weiderhold, 
was living. Here he has since remained. In 1833 he married Louisa Chandler, who became the mother of four 
children, viz. : Maria Burlingame, Mary E., Fanny and Aura J. He is well versed in national affairs, and likes to 
converse upon them. 

Alfred Scruton. 

Mr. Scruton is a retired farmer who, having achieved a competence, wisely settles down to enjoy it. He was 
born in Stafford county, New Hampshire in 1818, moved to Gloucester City, New Jersey, in 1845, and in 1854 came 
to Illinois, locating in La Prairie township. He married Sylvia Young September 2, 1836, born in New Hampshire, 
and to them five children have been given— William H., Anna, Asenath Augusta, May Flora and Olive Estella. Are 
members of the Congregational church. Mr. Scruton has been a hard worker, and having carefully husbanded his 
means, can now sit beneath his own vine and tig tree and enjoy the fiuits. He has held various minor offices and 
been honored by his party with the nonination for treasurer of the county, a yery responsible position. 

Mrs. Emily K. Davis. 

Mrs. Davis was wife of the late Dr. Davis, a leading physician of Lacon and most respected citizen, who died 
November 9, 1873. She was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and married June 17, 1856, in Fulton 
county, 111. Dr. Davis was a brother of Dr. Charles Davis, of Henry, and born in Troy, New York. Few men were 
more entitled to respect and esteem of his neighbors. He was conscientious in the discharge of every duty, careful, 
respected the rights of others, lived within his means, and reared his family in the " nurture and admonition of 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 685 

the Lord. He was an excellent physician, and enjoyed a good practice when cut short by his untimely death. To 
him were born four surviving children-Charles Fremont, George Sheaff. Hattie Estelle, Franklin Silver, and one 
deceased Mary Emma. Mrs. Davis' children take after their father, and stand well wherever knovm. Fremont has 
a good position in the Elgin Watch Factory, George is a farmer, and the younger children are with their mother, 
now Mrs. Turbitt, she having re-married April 13, 1875. 

Edward Green. ,.„,.■ 

This gentleman is a resident of Lacon and a dealer in boots, shoes, stationery and notions. He was born in 
Brooklyn N. Y., in 1834, and with his parent? came to Marshall county in 1837. In 1864 he married Miss Sarah 
Kills, a native of Peoria county, Ul. They have live children,- Julia E., Anna M., Albert E.. Clara M. and Flor- 
ence P. Mr. Green has been in business for kimself since 1858. and keeps constantly on hand a large stock of boots 
shoes, books, stationery and notions. 

Thomas Lowe, Jr. 

Marble Dealer, Lacon, Illinois. 

E,. C. Newell. 

Mr. Newell is a native of Kentucky and was brought up a farmer. When three years old his parents moved 
to Ohio, where he obtained his education, and thence to Indiana. He came to Lacon in 1869. In 1846 he married 
Charlotte F. Ham, born in Maryland, to whom four children have been born-John E., William C., Frank C and 
Robert 9. Frank is the western manager for C. H. Mcfermick, and two years ago was sent to Russia as his repre- 
sentative. Last year he visited Australia, was gone nWe months and sold 1200 machines. Few young men un- 
aided have won in such brief time positions so responsible and lucrative. Mr. Newell is agent for the Halliday 
wind mill, and does an extensive business in the sale of pumps of all kinds. He is enterprising and reliable, and 
commands the esteem ef all. 

Nelson Gr. Henthorn. ' 

Mr. Henthorn wss born in Fayette county, Pa., in 1810, and moved with his parents to Perry county, Ohio, in 
1813. and to Marshall— then Putnam— county in 1835. His family were among the earliest settlers of Lacon, his 
brother-in-law, Gen. Babb, having been one of the prospectors of the place. His father was one of the founders of 
theM E. church here, and its first leader. He was the second person interred in the Lacon cemetery. Mr. Hen- 
thorn married Elizabeth C. Moeller in 1835, and came to Lacon to live in 1848. following the trade of contractor and 
builder. Six children have been bom to them— Charles O., living in Chicago, George, in Peoria, Maria, (Mrs. 
Clapp), Sarah and Laura, (teachers), and Lincoln living at home. Mr, Henthorn has served as circuit and county 
clerk for several years, and filled various minor offices. He is an excellent penman, and each of his children inherit 
his skill, rwo of his sons, Charles and George, served in the army during the rebellion. 

Edward Corcoran. 

Mr. Corcoran was born in County Waterford. Ireland, in 1830, and emigrated to Wilbraham, Mass.. in 1851. and 
from there to Illinois. He came to Lacon in 1855 and engaged to work for Jabez Fisher. His aptitude to learn and 
willingness to make himself useful specially commended him to his employer. who placed him in charge of the ferry. 
which position he filled for seventeen years, retiring from it to take the position of city watchman, which he has 
since filled. In 1860 he married Catherine Carney, born in Ireland. They have six children living- Willie J.. Eddie, 
Patrick. Henry, Maggie (deceased), Thomas and Mary. Mr. Corcoran has become thoroughly Americanized, and 
is a man of more than usual intelligence. 

Jacob Hochstrasser. 

Mr. Hochstrasser is a brewer by profession, born in Wurtemberg. Prussia, in 1846. and has been a resident of 
this country since 1865. He first located in Dunkirk. N. Y.. whence he moved to La Salle, III., in 1867. He 
came to Lacon in 1873, where he embarked in the brewing business under the fijm name of Jacob Hochstrasser & 
O*. The works combine all the modern improvements and their beer is popular everywhere, finding large sale in pri- 
vate families as well as saloons. They have a capacity of 75 barrels per day. and supply all the towns around. In 
1869 he married Caroline Boers, a native of Prussia, and they have four children living— Augusta E., Louis W., Annie 
M. and Herman W. Two are dead. Mr. H. is a liberal German, honest in his transactions, and has a large circle of 
friends. 

John Htttchins. 

Mr. Hutchins is a successful merchant of Lacon, who has followed the mercantile bnsmess many years. His 
native place was Worcester county, Mass., where he was born in 1829 and lived until twenty years old, when he wen t 
south and followed steamboating on the Red River and the Mississippi until the spring of 1851, when he came to 
Lacon and embarked in the mercantile business. In I860 he went south again and was appointed by Gen. Allen 
agent for the quartermaster's department of the U- S. army serving under Generals Curtis, Strong and others. He 
saw much millitary service, and was occasionally called upon to shoulder a musket to repel expected raids, but in 
the course of three years obtained a sufficiency of military glory, and in 1863 resigned his position and returned to 
Lacon. In 1857 he married Nellie E. Eckly, bom in Columbus, Georgia, of an old and highly esteemed family, 



686 E:£cotit)s of the olden time. 

and to whom two surviving children have been given— Geo. W. and Lucy. In 1863 he formed a very successful part- 
nership with D. C. Wallace, the firm doing a large and prosperous business until Mr. W. retired, since when Mr. 
Hutchins has continued it alone. He is one of the best buyers in the country, a careful manager, and carries a 
very large stocV. He has filled various official positions of trust and responsibility, has been an active worker in 
church and Sabbath schools, and sympathizes with all the great reforms of the day. 

Daniel Heinrich. 

Mr. Heinrich was born in Alsace, formerly a province of France, but conquered and annexed to Germany in 
1871. He was born in 1846, and came to the United States in 1868, remaining in New York city two years, and came 
to Lacon in 1870. He married Ida Boers Oct. 5th. 1873, a native of Prussia, and two children have been bom to 
them— Bertha M. F. and HoldieS. He is a member of the German Workingmen's society, and an intelligent, useful 
citizen. He has been in the saloon business since 1877, 

Joseph Thiedohr. 

Mr. Theidohr was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1826 and came to this country in 1851, locating at Chicago, 
where he built up a flourishing business in merchant tailoring. The great fire in Chicago burned his establishment 
and in 1874, being offered liberal inducements, he came to Lacoa. In 1856 he married Wilhelmina Daniel, a country- 
woman of his, by whom he has five children living— Leo, Theodore, Robert, Annie and Adelbert, and five deceased. 
As a tailor Mr. Theidohr has no superiors, and with the assistance of his two sons, both prat tical workmen, turns out 
a large amount of work. His large new shop is stocked with the finest cloths, etc., and he has a large number 
of orders constantly ahead. Mr. Thiedohr ia much attach^ to his family, and widely respected. 

John Piper. 

Mr. Piper comes from a long-lived ancestry, and was bom in Cumberland county. Pa., in 1816. He came to 
Lacon in 1852, and embarked in the lumber business the succeeding year, continuing in the business until 1873. 
In 1843 he married Nancy Pyle, in Pennsylvania. She died in 1851 leaving two children, Catherine and John. In 
1856 he married AddaE. Espy, born in Cumberland county. Pa., but lived in Philadelphia since she was a child. Mr 
Piper has been long and prominently connected with the educational interests of Lacon, is a man of liberal views, 
large hearted, and takes a decided interest in whatever promotes the general interest. 

Mrs. Nancy Dever. 

Mrs. Dever lives in Lacon, and was born in the State of Delaware, in 1798. She came with her parents to 
Sciota county, Ohio in 1809, and from there moved to Marion county, Ohio, in 1826- She was married to Mr. Deaver 
Sept. 27, 1827, and located in Marshall county in 1833. Mr. D. died Jan. 3, 1845, leaving four children, one of whom 
has since died; James, William and Mary are still living. Her brother, Robert Barnes, settled in this county three 
years before she came, and her brother Thomas B., who died in 1862, was a practicing physician and surgeon in 
Whitefield township, Mrs D. and family are members of the M. E. church. 

Leonard C. McMurtrie, AtVy at Law and Insurance Agent. 

Mr McMurtrie was bom in the city of Peoria, Dec. 2, 1848, and when an infant moved' to Princeville, coming to 
Lacon in 1854. His education was received at the Lacon high school. His family were decidedly above the aver- 
age in ability and intelligence, and all evince a high order of musical talent. His sisters have married well, and are 
in good circumstances. His father died in 1878, and his mother is still living. He read law with Burns & Barnes, 
in this place, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. Finding an opening for a strictly office lawyer he made that a 
specialty and soon worked into a lucrative business, giving over the active practice of the profession to others. He 
has been very successful in procuring pensions, and does a large insurance business. Has served his township an 
supervisor and collector several terms, is Master in Chancery and notary public, and is an estimable, public 
spirited citizeu for whom the future has much in store. 

J. L. Moiiler. 

Mr. Mohler is a prosperous citizen long identified with the interests of Lacon, who was born in Lancaster 
county, Pa., in 1832. When two years old his parents moved to Stark county, Ohio, where his father was long a 
popular hotel keeper and made money. In 1856 he married Caroline Agne, and two years later moved to Lacon 
and along with Henry Fisher embarked in the grocery trade. He is shrewd and enterprising in business, and pros- 
pers in whatever he undertakes. After some years they dissolved their business connection. Mr. Fisher went into 
the army and Mr. Mohler built the fine brick store he now occupies and embarked in the grain trade. He is princi- 
pal owner of the Lacon elevator, and does a large trade in grain , groceries and farm machinery. They have 
one child, Olive, and an adopted daughter, Hattie B. Johnson. Mr. Mohler has been successful beyond most men, 
and deserves all his good fortune. 

C. C. Gapen, Postmaster. 

Mr. Gapen was born in Geneva, Fayette county. Pa , July 17, 1808, and came west to Sciota coanty, Ohio, in 
1830. He was married in 1832 to Sarah Fort, a native of Sciota county, Ohio, and to them four children were bom- 
William T., Washington F., Mary A. and Timothy E. In 1834 Mr. Gapen came to Crow Creek, and was employed 
in Owen's Mill. The county was then new and sparsely populated and the people for fifty miles around were de- 
pendent upon this mill for their flour; and while nearly all the settlers suffered from the effects of ague, the locality 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 687 

abounded in game and fish, and was literaly a "land flowing with milk, honey and venison." In 1834 Mr. G. moved 
to Stevenson county. 111., at that time the third family in the county, remaining there eight years and then returned 
to Lacon. where he has since resided. He carried on the blacksmithing business here for several years and early in 
the late war was appointed superintendent of the blacksmith shops at Jackson and Memphis, Tenn., returning in 
1863. He wa s in Washington at the time Lincoln was assasinated, and remained in that city until the close of the 
war. witnessing the grand review of the victorious army of the North. Mr. G. was appointed postmaster in Lacon 

in 1870. 

\ 

William R. Fairbanks. 

Lacon, Illinois. 

Sarah E. D. Coutlett. 

Mrs. Coutlett was bom in Sciota county, Ohio, March 21 1822. She came to this county with her parents m 
1830. Her father, James Dever, was born in Virginia near Wheeling, July 20, 1791. He moved to Sciota county, 
Ohio, with his parents when a young man , and married Mary Barnes, March 6, 1817. She was bom in Maryland, 
Oct. 13. 1799. They had seven children,of whom the subject of this sketch was the third, the two oldest having died 
in infancy. Her father died Dec, 26, 1834, and her mother is still living and enjoys fair health, although in her Slst 
year; her mind is as cleai and bright as many not half her age. Mrs. C, married John D. Coutlett April 16, 1839, in 
Marshall county. They had seven children, four of whom died while her husband lived. The other three children 
are still living-Robert B., Glaannah L. and William H. Mr, Coutlett died Oct. 15, 1878. He was born in Lancaster 
Pa., Dec. 25, 1812, and moved to this state about 1833. When Mr. Dever came to Marshall county there were but 
few families, the Roberts and Col. Strawn's aud three other families residing on Round Prairie, and two men who 
were working for Col. Strawn. The fort was built around Mr. Devers house, which was occupied by the settlers 
during the Indian wtr. Mr. Dever was a member of Capt. Barnes' company of volunteers. He was one of the 
soldiers in the war of 1812 who was surrendered by the treachery of Hull at Detroit, Mich. He was a temperate 
man in all matters, and although not, strictly speaking, a church member, he started the first Sabbath school in 
the county, at his own house, which has been continued down to the present day. Jesse Hale was the first circuit 
preacher permanently located in Marshall county, and made his home at Mr. Coutlett's father's house when he held 
his meetings and preached for one year in 1833. Zadoc Hall was sent from conference in the fall of that year and 
preached at Mr. Devers also until the fall of 1834, when he moved to another station. Mr. Dever having died that 
year, church service was soon after held in a large house which belonged to his uncle, John Dever. Mr. Dever 
was an active, energetic, thrifty man, and accumulated a competency, which he left his three daughters surviving 
him. He was a very successful farmer. Mr. Coutlett came to Lacon about 1836, and brought with him considera- 
ble means, which he loaned, and lost part ot. The balance he invested in real estate which improved. Mr. Dever 
was a Jackson Democrat, and Mr. Coutlett was a Whig and RepubUcan. Mrs. C. lives at her pleasant home sur- 
rounded by old friends and neighbors and sees without a regret the years go by and the time approach when the 
Master shall call her. 

James Thompson, (deceased). 

The ancestor of the numerous and favorably known family of Thompsons residing in Lacon and vicinity 
was James Thompson, bom in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1813, where he obtained Ms education and labored on a 
farm until 24 years of age. This was in 1837. Emigration then was tending to north Central Illinois and 
tying his not very extensive wardrobe m a bundle he came west, finding employment with John Strawn at $7 per 
month. It is not probable he would have accepted such wages, out his mind was made up to remain in this coun- 
try and Strawn had several ruddy cheeked daughters of marriageble age with one of whom, Mary Ann, he soon 
struck up an acquaintance. In the fall he returned to Pennsylvania to spend the winter and in the spring came 
west again, embarking at Cincinnati on board the steamer, Moselle. She had a large cargo of 'freight and passen- 
gers, and while laying at the wharf at Cincinnati her boilers exploded with terriffic effect, carrying away the whole 
forward part of the boat. Mr. Thompson was sitting in the cabin and at the moment went on to the hurricane 
deck, which he had no sooner reached than the crash came. He escaped on a raft that lay along side of the boat 
and was uninjured, while some 50 or 75 persoss were killed. His companion was also saved. He reached here in 
the spring of 1838 and again went to work for Mr Strawn. In December he was married and began housekeeping 
in the log cabin which still stands. There were born six sons and one daughter, all of whom are living but 
the eldest which died in infancy. He was a good farmer and very successful, and|after living here fourteen years he 
came to Lacon and went into the lumber business. He died of consumption in 1857. 

Mrs. Mary A. Thompson. 

Mrs. Thompson was a daughter of the late Col. John Strawn, the pioneer settler of this portion of Illinois. 
She was born in Ohio, Feb, 28, 1820, and along with her parents came to this country when nine years old. Labor- 
ers then were few, and Mr. Strawn's family were early taught to earn their bread by the sweat of the brow. She 
labored in doors with her mother, and assisted out of doors when needed, following the plow in tending com along 
with her future husband. It is safe to say the discipline was s good one, for Mr. Strawn's girls all made good 
wives and married well. One day herself and sister Rachel followed the wagon trail leading to the river, and inside 
ot a pen near the site of the present woolen mill, beheld the festering remains of five Indians, kiUed in a drunken 
debauch. In 1838 she wedded James Thompson, and began housekeeping a mile north from her father's, where her 



688 KECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

children were born. After a happy married life of 19 years, her husband died, leaving six helpless children to 
clothe and educate. That she performed by them her whole duty, the uniform rectitude of their lives attests, and 
like the Roman matron of old she can proudly point to them as her jewels. She has been a life long member of 
the M. E. church, and a faithful and devoted Christian. In her the poor always found a friend, and the needy 
were not turned away empty-handed. When Mr. Thompson died, liis large property was left to her by will, and as 
each son and daughter came of age they have received their just proportion. 

John S. Thompson. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Marshall county. December 26, 1841, and was a son of James and Mary 
A. Thompson, named above. He lived on a farm until twelve years old, attending the schools of the neighbor- 
hood, and gaining such education as they afforded. He early showed a predilection for business, and his success, 
marked as it has been, is due to himself alone. In early life he exhibited much shrewdaess in buying and selling, 
and in Feb., 1864. entered into the grocery trade, in which he built up a large tiaffic. He attended very closely to 
business, following it successfully for five years, and devoted himself to loaning money, etc. In 1854 he married 
Eliza H. Norris, who brought him three children- Charles M., Jennie E., and John I. She died Januaryl. 1876. and 
in October 12, 1877, he married his present wife, Emma J. Norris, to whom one child has been born— Ora I. Mr, 
Thompson is a member of the M. E. church, and squares his conduct with the principles therein taught. Few men 
enjoy to a greater degree the respect of the community, and fewer still merit it. Mr. Thompson has taken a deep 
interest in church, temperance and Sabbath school work, having served as superintendent for many years. 

Samuel H. Thompson. 

Mr. Thompson is likewise a son of the James Thompson mentioned above, and was born on the old home- 
stead in Hopewell township, January 1, 1843. His life has been mainly spent in this county, where he received his 
education, and labored on the farm until embarking in business for himself. In 1864 he wedded Miss Nancy 
Strawn, sister of the Hon- C. C. Strawn, of Pontiac, and granddaughter of Jeremiah Strawn, one of the early set- 
tlers of Putnam county. They have three children— Martha. Fred S., and Isabella. In 1871 he succeeded his brother 
in the grocery trade, and has continued it with large success until the present time. As a merchant he has few 
equals, being a close buyer, a good collector, and an excellent judge of human nature. 

James H. Thompson. 

Another son of James and Mary Thompson was the above named, now a Prosperous merchant of Lacon. He 
was born at the old homestead in Hopewell, August 11, 1850, and educated in Lacon. He began business for him- 
self in 1876, sold out two years later, and in 1879 built the fine store-room he now occupies. He has displayed a 
decided aptitude for business, and in the short time he has been in trade has built up a traffic second to none in 
the place. His stock is large, his goods are fresh, and he is always ready to attend to customers. In 1860 he mar- 
ried Mary E. Gillett, bom in Cleveland Ohio, and to them one child, William H., has been born. 

Stephen Douglas Thompson. 

Mr. Thompson was born in Lacon in 1854, and is a member of the well known family of that name. He was 
educated in Lacon, and along with his brother embarked in the grocery and provision trade here in 1876, following 
it for two years. October 2nd, 1877, he married Annie Redden, born in Chicago. They have one child, Mabel, 
born November 1, 1878. 

Otto Beauns. 

Mr. Brauns is a resident of Lacon and proprietor of a hotel, restaurant and saloon. He was bom in the prov- 
ince of Saxony, Nordhausen, Ci-ermany. in 1834, and came to this country in 1854, first locating in Peoria, and set- 
tling in Lacon in 1876. In 1864 he was married in Vicksburg, Miss., to Miss Lizzie Shroder. a native of Bavaria. 
They have four children living— Fred, Caroline, Charles and Attilla. April 21, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 8th Ill.Vol. 
Inf., served three months, re-enlisted in the same regiment and served three years. At Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862, 
he was wounded in the breast by a cannon ball. He participated in the Vicksburg campaign, being in the battles 
of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Fort Gibson and other hard -fought engagements, and when mustered out July 25, 
1864, had attained the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Brauns served in the royal army of Prussia from 1849 to 1851, 
before coming to this country. 

Captain Jonathan C. Kingsley, County Clerk. 

Captain Kingsley was born in Harrison county, Indiana, Dpc, 7, 1839, his father being a farmer, who died 
when he was <»even years old, leaving a numerous family of helpless children unprovided for. Times were hard, 
the country was poor, and it was a hard struggle to provide food and clothing, the first essentials of living, so that 
all else was neglected. All who could do so must labor, even at the cost of education, so young Jonathan was early 
hired out, working early and late for .$3 00 a month. He was stout and active, and willing to work, and never 
lacked opportunity. While but a boy he made two trips down the Mississippi on a flatboat, thus seeing for the first 
time countries he was afterward to traverse with armed men, carrying fire and sword. When 17 years old he moved 
to Peoria county, and engaged to labor on a farm at $15 a month, remaining there 3years. In 1858 he retted a farm, 
a friend going his security. The season was bad, no crops were raised, and at the end he found himself in rlebt. 
About this time, too, he borrowed a horse of a neighbor, which died on his hands; but he went manfully to work by 
the month and paid all claims. In 1859 he made a claim, and along with two other young men, too poor to own 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMEKT. 



689 



wives, kept bachelors hall until the war broke oat. and all went into the service . Intelligence was had that a ren- 
dezvous for cavalry was formed at Peoria, and young Kingsley, saxldlme his horse, rode across the country and 
en isted n the 1st 111. Cavalry. April 25, 1861, The regiment was ordered to Missoun, where it .omedMulhgans 
command, got cooped up at Lexington, and after a hard fight was compelled to surrender, and they returned home 
under parole. He promptly enlisted in the 86th Infantry, and wa« elected Ist Lieutenant. The command soon 
devolved upon him. and until discharged at the close of his term of service he had the company in charge, except 
when detailed for special service- He fought under Buel at PerryviUe. and Rosecrans at thickamauga; was wUh 
brave old Pap Thomas previous to Atlanta, and with Sherman in the meTrorable march to the sea. He Jielped 
coXoy the Carolinas. participated in the marches and battles that humbled the rebels and brought them 
undeTthe stars and stripes.and finally joinedia the triumphal homeward march to ^««hin!xton, where the laat^and 
parade of the grandest army that ever carried a banner took place. In 1862 Captain Kingsley wedded Miss Mary 
Tgl^ll a^d Tthem seven children have been given, four of whom survive, viz , Henry S. Sarah, I-^el. Minerva 
aS2 a^d an infant. In 1873 he was elected county clerk of MarshaU county and again in 877. filling the posi^ 
tZ to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and making one of the best officials the county ever h^- ° f » 
he helped organize Co. H. of the 7th Keg. I. N. G.. and was elected captain. He is self-made and self-educated, 
never elated by success nor cast down by adversity, but doing his duty as he understands it. 

Judge John Burns . , .^ . r TT««,«aw.rn 

The subject of this sketch is a judge of the circuit court of this district and resides m Lacon ^^^^^^^ 
in Brook county, Va.. in 1819, moved to Morgan county. 111., in 1834. and in 1835 located in Marshall county After 
L thorough couie of study and mental training he was admitted to the bar in 1851. and was acUvely engaged in the 
practice of his profession until 1873, when he was elected J-dge of the Circuit Court In 1879 he wa. -e^*'lef ^^ ««' 
an additional term of six years. In 1851 he married PercLUa Cannon, a native of Peoria ^^^^'^ ^^''rj^^^^ll^^ 
leaving six children - Julius C, Julia, Lizzie. William, and Ada. In 1869 he married Mrs C;?l- ^tedham a natwe 
of Delaware, who by a former marriage had one daughter. Mrs. Bellows, of Washington^ I., wife of a weU known 
engineer on the G. & A. R. R. In early life Judge Burns was a successful school teacher. In 1&44 he was elected 
recorder of deeds, and in 1846 was appointed clerk of the circuit court, and the next election was re-elected. In 1856 
he wi LndtdL for State Senator, and in 1861 was a member of the Constitutional Convention He was mayor of 
Lacon rrsevTral years, and has filled various other offices of trust and profit. As Judge '^-^ f J-f/^^'w^ 
and his name as a jurist stands high. He has often been called upon to preside in cases outside of his d strict, was 
?avoX spoL of as judge of the Appellate court. Judge Burns is polished in manners,creates a good impression 
among strangers, and is universally commended for his fairness in the trial of cases. 

^M^.^Ford is at prl^nt' cashier of the First National Bank of Lacon. a P««^ti«°,^« l^^f,^"'*^"^.*"^^^ *•?' 
several years. He is a son of Allen N. Ford, the veteran editor, and was bom here m 1848^ After securing a fu 1 
couTe of training in the public schools of his native place he entered Bryant & Stratton s f-»°«;« ^ «»f^,«; "'^\^^ 
he completed his education In 1875 he married Ellen E. Wilson, born in this town, and to them two children have 
been bom, Norman J. and Georgie A. He has been with the First National Bank since 1874. 

T^ A AV^RIGHT 

A ;etired dry goo<is merchant residing in Lacon. He was bom in Brown county, Ohio in 1840, and loi^^d in 
Lacon in 1865, casing on the dry goods business with a partner by the name of Mills. Beside ^^^e -tebh«,^-«^^^^ 
in this city, the firm also had a store in Sparland. in which place Mr. Wright made his home from 1868 *« 1872 I'l 
1570 he ml^ried Charlotte Thenius, a native of Steuben township. They have two f b^'dr^^' f.'^*"^^*f ^^f^l 
ick Mrs. Wright is a member of the Baptist church. He belongs to the Masonic order and the I. O. O F. He has 
^r;edtw; terms as sheriff of Marshall county, being elected to that office in 1872 and re-elected in 1874. 

^' Mr.'Ri?i is^h?ptprietor of a livery and feed stable in Lacon. He was born in ^flfl^-^;llJ^^ 
came to the United States in 1848, first settling in Burlington. Wis., and m 1858 located in Lacon He first engaged 
In contracting and teaming, which he followed until 1861, and then embarked in his present -c^paUon He m.w 
has the government contract for carrying the mails between Lacon and Sparland. I^ tl«J2 he m^ed ^^^^^ 
iTsch. anative of Germany, bom in Hesse, near Marbourg. They have five children- Theodore, Emma, Elizabeth, 
Annie and William. Mrs. Reil is a member of the Lutheran church. 

He married here in 1833 Miss Sabrina Loveland. born in Connecticut and to them four ^^^^'^'^^^^^^^'l^'^^r- 
shaU County Herald, continued to-day in the Home Journal. For thxrty-two years he continued its publication. 



690 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

until 1866, when it passed into the hands of its present owner. After forty years of newspaper work, he retired 
from the business to spend bis days in his pletisant home. Mx. Ford is believed to be the oldest living representa- 
tive of the press in the State, and the journal he established is the oldest in Central Illinois. 

John Berry. 

Mr. Berry was born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, August 24th, 1844, and came to the United States in 1849, 
first settling in Boston, Mass., where he remained one year, and then located in Lacon, where he has since remained* 
He is the proprietor of a saloon, and has been engaged in business for himself since 1868. In 1876 he commenced 
the manufacture of soda water, and now supplies large quantities of this harmless and refreshing beverage to the 
trade in Lacon and neighboring towns. He also manufactures all other descriptions of temperance drinks. 

Thomas Terry. 

Mr. Terry was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1834, and came to the United States in 1849, locating in La- 
Salle, where he remained until 1857, when he came to Lacon and went into the leather business. In 1859 he went 
into the grocery business; has been once burned out, and regained all, and now has one of the largest stocks, and is 
one of the most successful business men in the place. Mr. Terry is a leading member of the City Council, has held 
other important offices, and is held in much esteem by his neighbors. In 1860 he wedded Ellen McDonald, who 
brought him three children living to-day— Mary E., M."\rgaret G., Catherine E. and four ^ons. Two of his brothers 
are priests in the Catholic Church, one of them the well known Father Terry, of Ottawa. Mr. Terry has accumu- 
lated a good proi)erty, and enjoys the respect of the community. 

Irvine Broaddus. 

Mr. Br oaddus was born in Hopewell township, Marshall county, in 1840. and was a son of Lundsford Broad- 
dus, one of the early settlers of the township. The place he occupies is one of the very oldest, and upon his grounds 
was built the first stoie and kept the first school ever taught in Marshall county. In 1863 he wedded Ruth Forbes, 
bom in Hopewell, and together thf^y have five children— Savella A., Cora E., Lillie May, Walter J. and Nancy R. 
Mr. B. is a good farmer, and his services are in demand asan auctioneer. He is a good judge of stock, likes a good 
horse, is not afraid of hard work, and is considered a successful farmer. 

Dr. Lucius G. Thompson. 

Dr. Thompson is a native of Connecticut, though his parents removed from there when he was but two years 
old to Western New York, not far from Rochester. Here he lived until 1836, and then moved to Lake county, Ohio, 
where he received his education and began the study of medicine, graduating from Starling College, Columbus. 
Immediately after he removed to this place, and has been in constant practice over thirty years. Previous to leav- 
ing for the West he married Mary A. Linnel, in Greenville, Ohio, and they have three living children— Calista L., 
Nellie M. and Francis Wayland. They are members of the Baptist church, of which the Doctor has been a liberal 
supporter for many years. Besides his medical practice, the Doctor has been actively engaged in business, and is 
one of the successful men of the town. He is a safe counsellor, and is considered one of the best physicians in the 
county. 

Dr. W. W. Dean. 

Dr. Dean came from Plymouth county, Mass., where he was bom in 1835, his parents removing to Tazewell 
county, Illinois, the year he was bora. Here he obtained his education, and studied his profession in Peoria 
county. An elder brother, Frederick, was a successful dentist, and probably influenced his choice. After passing 
the U8ua,l examination he removed to Tazewell county and worked one year, after which he removed to Lacon in 
the fall in I860. He is a careful and conscientious workman and soon picked up a large practice, which he retains. 
In 1866 he married Mrs. Sarah E. Palmer (formerly Crane), to whom has been born one daughter— Lucy. Mrs. 
Dean wbs the daughter of Henry L. Crane, and was the first white child bom in Lacon. 

Jesse Q. Hall. 

Mr. Hall was born in Hopewell township m 1833, and is a son of Jamps Hall, still living, who came there in 
1830. He was brought up a farmer, obtaining his education at the old log school house on the Broaddus place. 
Up to 1863 he labored on the farm, when he came to Lacon, and entered the lumber business along with Captain 
Mayer, in 1866. He also engaged in the liverv business, following it very successfully for many years. In 1854 he 
married Bell Shepherd, born in Ohio, who died in 1864, leaving him three children— James, Eva and Cora. In 1867 
he married Mary Weafclam. born in Essex county. New York. She was a very successful school teacher, and much 
admired by her friends. Four children are the fruits of this marriage— Tracy Q., Burton J., Mabel L. and Edna 
June. 

Robert B. Edwards. 

Mr, Edwards was born in Roberts township, Marshall county, September 10, 1844, and was a son of Chas, T. 
Edwards, one of the first settlers of the township. He was educrvted at Clark's Seminary, Aurora, and graduated 
from the N. W. University, Eva-ston, in 1872. Having chosen the profession of law, he became a student with 
Bangs & Shaw, and after an unusual close application to study and thorough mastery of principles he was admitted 
to the bar September 11, 1874, and began practice in Lacon. In December, 1875, he married Almira J, Johnson, 



[bioGhiaphicaL department. 691 

bom in this county. In 1864 he shouldered a musket and went south to aid in puttingr down the rebellion, enlisting 
in Co. 1, 14l8t Reg. 111. Vol., and was appointed first duty sergeant. In 1874 he became a partner in the firm of 
Bangs, Shaw & Edvraids, one of the leading law firms of the district, in which he still remains. He is industrious 
and painstaking, and pos8ea<4es the ability and the push to take him to the top round of the forensic ladder. 

F. S. Smith. 

Mr, Smith is a resident of Lacon. who is connected with the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad in the 
capacity of conductor. He was born in DeKalb county, in this State, April 10, 1847, and moved to Lacon in 1874. 
In 1873 he married Mary Sickles, a native of Tazewell county, by whom he has three children— Jessie, Kittie and 
Nellie. Mr. Smith has been engaged in railroading about fifteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and 
belongs to the Railroad Conductors" Mutual Aid and Benefit Society of the United States and Canada. Mrs. S. is a 
member of the M. E. church. 

Philip Long. 

Mr. Long is a native of Franklin county. Pa., where he was bom in 1829. He was carefully educated, and 
early became an active and influential citizen, filling various offices, and serving one term in the State Legislature. 
In 1857 he married Adessa J. McKinney, bom in Cumberland county. Pa. They have three children living— Joseph 
M., David S. and Jennie. He came to Illinois in 1867, and for several years followed teaching. Was candidate for 
county superintendent of schools, and filled other offices. Of late years he has followed the purchase and shipment 
of stock, etc. 

James Wescott. 

Clerk of Circuit Court of Marshall county. 

Egbert Halsey. 

Mr, Halsey was bom in Suffolk county, on Long Island. N. Y., in 1832, and lived there until he attained his 
majority. The Halseys were seafaring men, and the family escutcheon bears the name and deeds of more than one 
gallant aailor in the days of clipper ships and privateers. In 1854 he came to Galena, and was junior partner in the 
wholesale grocery firm of B. F. Felt & Co. Disposing of his interest here, he came to Lacon in 1862, and helped 
form the firm of Ellsworth & Halsey, who did a large and flourishing business up to 1867, when the senior partner 
went into the newspaper business, and he succeeded to the business of the firm, which he has prosecuted success- 
fully to the present time. In 1866 he married Mrs. Libbie J. Shaw (Maxwell), of Sullivan county, Ind., to whom 
one child was born,— Evelyn. Mrs. Shaw was widow of Captain Fred Shaw, a gallant officer of the 11th 111., who 
fell at Donelson. and had two children previous to this marriage, — Slary Alice and Charles Fred. 

Lewis Speck. 

Mr. Speck was born on the river Rhine, in Germany, in 1829, and came to the United States in 1854, locating in 
New York. From there he went to St. Louis, and finally found his way to Lacon in 1858. lie was industrious and 
a hard worker, and easily found employment In 1859 he established the butchering business, which, with a brief 
interval, he has since followed. In it he has been very successful, amassing a large property. In 1861 he married 
Alvina Zilm, by whom he has five children,— Henry. Louisa, Ferdinand, and infant twins. Mr. Speck is an excel- 
lent butcher, very accommodating and popular. 

Charles H. Dressler. 

Mr. Dressier (barber and hair-dresser) was bom in Prussia, and left the Fatherland in 1873. coming to Chicago. 
He remained there five years, and removed to Lacon, where he settled in 1877 and began work for Fred Peters. Ilis 
first start in business for himself was in Varna, where he started a shop, and not succeeding to suit himself, sold 
out and removed to Lacon, opening the popular establishment he still runs. He is a good workman, is very indus- 
trious, and is much thought of in the community. 

William H. Kenshaw. 

Mr. Renshaw was born in Rowan county. North Carolina, in 1828, emigrated to Indiana in 1831, and to Illinois 
in 1847, where he engaged in farming, at which he was very successful. In 1849 he married Susan E. Martin, born 
in Illinois, and six children were bom to them,— John H., Mary P., Nancy J., Sarah F., Clara E. and William H. 
Mrs. Renshaw died in 1858. His second wife. Matilda E. Armstrong, he wedded in 1870, and they have one child,— 
Alvira M. His eldest son, John, has been for several years a resident of Washington, where he has a position in the 
U. S. Topographical Department. One of his daughters is also tbere. He has been for a number of years in the 
grain trade with J. L. Mohler, and is steamboat agent, etc. 

Francis H. Stire. 

Mr. Stire was born in Warren county. New Jersey, in 1837, his father being a farmer in comfortable circum- 
stances, who died when he was young . He obtained an education there, and after the usual experiences and vicis- 
situdes of a young man, came west. Came to Marshall county in 1856, locating in Wenona, and in 1859 married 
Lydia Dye, born in Plainfield, N. J. They have one child, Alathea. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 104th 111., Vol., 
and immediately went to the front. He was engaged in some of the severest battles of the war, was in Sherman's 



692 



HECOUDS OF THE OLBEN TIME. 



campaign to Atlanta, and afterwards in the march through Georgia and the Carolinas, terminating with the sur- 
render of Johnson. Returning, he shared in the triumphal review at Washington, was mustered out in Chicago in 
June, 1865, and returned to his family. Id 1866 he embark'^d in the grain business in Lacon, and in 1873 in the 
commission business in Chicago. After that he went to New York and spent a year, and returning formed a part- 
nership with Richard Qell and went iato the clothing business, in which he has been very successful. In 1880 he 
built the fine store room the firm occupies— one of the best in the city. Mr. Stire and family possess fine musical 
and social abilities, and have many friends. 

Andrew McKeon {deceased). 

Mr, McKeon was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, in 1836, and came to the United States at an early day, 
reuaiiied some time at Chicago, and finally located in Laoon, where he learned the trade of cabinet making and 
upholstering. He became thoroughly master of the business, and in 1854 set up for himself. He put into it ail is 
energies, giving it hia attention early and late, and from the first it was successful. In 1861 he married Sarah Sta- 
cy, born in the same county with himself, and to them were born six children —Jennie L., Francis J,, Andrew B., 
May, Thomas and Rosella. Mr. McKeon died November 15. 1878. Himself and family belonged to the Catholic 
church, in which he was an influential and leading member. He was greatly beloved by his friends, was conscien- 
tious in his business relations, and respected by all. 

William S. Wollard. 

Mr. Wollard is a native of Ohio, born in Licning county, in that state, in 1846, where he received his educa- 
tion, locating in Lacon in 1870 He evinced his patriotism by enrolling himself in the service of his country in Co. 
B, 48th Ohio Vol. Infantry, in 1865, as soon as dis age rendered him eligible for enlistment, and served until mus- 
tered out with his regiment at Galveston, Texas, in 1866, la 1870, soon after settling in Lacon, he was appointed 
Deputy Clerk of Marshall oounty, and the fact that he still retains the position is the best evidence of his fidelity 
and fitness in the discharge of the responsible duties which devolve upon the encumbent of that office. Mr. Wol- 
lard waa admitted to the bar as an attorney in December, 1879, He is a member of Capt. Kingsley's company (H.) 
7th Reg., I. N. G. 

Jason R. Chapman. 

Mr. Chapman was born in Hartford county. Conn., in 1829, and came with his parents to Lacon when 15 years 
old. He went into the employ of J. & C. Fisher at an early day, and when the firm changed to William Fisher & 
Co., remained with them. He was a great favorite of Jabez Fisher, and his promotion was rapid. He was a good 
penman, and soon became thoroughly master of book-keeping and had entire charge of the correspondence and 
liaances of the concern, conductirg the business to the entire satisfaction of his employers. He left their employ 
to organize the firm of Chapman & Patrick, afterward changed to Fisher & Chapman, which continued until 1868. 
Afterward he became a member of the firm of Bensley, Chapman & Shinn, in Chicago, and went into the produce 
and commission business. In 1871 he retarned to Lacoa and became connected with the house of John Hutchins, 
and in 1880 established the extensive dry goods house over which he presides at present. In 1862 he was elected 
county clerk for five years, served two years as treasurer, and has filled other oflSces of trust. He has been twice 
married, and has three children. 

Joseph E. Ong. 

Mr. Ong was born in Henry, Marshall county, in 1845, and with his parents removed to Magnolia when two 
years old. Moved to Lacon iu 1860, and in 1861 enlisted in company C.49th III. Volunteers, and fought in the battle 
of Perryville in Sheridan's division when he was severely wounded in the shoulder, and after lying in the hospital 
some time waa disharged for disability. In 1873 he married Kitty McFadden, born in Cincinnati, Ohio They have 
two children, \rmand P. and Eugene R, He read law with Judge Burn8,and was admitted to the bar in 1869 ; served 
eight years as Master in Chancery, and has a large and lucrative practice. He is an extensive dealer in real estate, 
and holds a large amount of western lands. 

Washington E. Cook. 

The ancestor of the Cook family was Elijah Cook, who came over with the Pilgrims and settled in Connecti- 
cut. Among his descendenta was Ebenezer, a soldier of the Revolution, who at its close removed to Oneida county. 
New York, in the town of Augusta, and with eleven stalwart sons and two daughters made a large farm that was 
for long years after known as '"Cook's Corners-' One of these sons was Ebenezer, and he married Sonora Combs, 
to whom in the year of grace 1808. on the 29th day of December, was bora the subject of this sketch. His father 
too was a soldier, and served on the northern frontier in the war of 1812, for which long after death his widow drew 
a pension. By occupation he was a cittle drover.and likewise run a hotel long and favorably known to travelers of 
that day. During her husband's long journeys his wife attended to the bouse, and here young Cook lived until 
eleven years old, when his father died and he was sent to learn the hatter's trade; but it did not suit hia active tem- 
perament, and after a year or so he left and took a situation in a store, following the business several years. Next 
he went to New York and obtained a place in a hotel. Stayed a year and went to Housdale, Pa., where he not only 
found a situation but a wife in the person of pretty Eunice A. Kellogg, whom he married May 16, 1882. He pur- 
chased a hotel here which he run four years, sold out and moved to Dunkirk, where he turned surveyor and helped 
lay out the BafCilo and Erie railway. In June, 1833, he went to Birmingham, Ohio, and embarked in merchandjs- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



693 



ing, following it with varying success for nine years, when he sold out and wxth his family came to Senachwine^ 
IlUnois, where his sister (Mrs. Morgan) and four brothers had already settled. Here he boufejt of Col. Snyder 320 
acres of land for f 1.280, most of it under improvement. The place has since been known as the Harney farm He 
cultivated it for three years and sold it for $4,000, reserving the crop. That f al he removed to Henry to lay on 
his oars" until fall, when he waselected county clerk and moved to Lacon ^ 1847- "e bought a house of Sila« 
Ramsey, opposite the court house, where he lived until it burned down m October, 1862, and he moved to the place 
where he ever after lived. He served three terms of four years each as supervisor, making twenty-two years of ser- 
vice in the county board. He was one of the best officials the county ever had. His records are clear and the 
writing good. Was several times a candidate for the legislature, held various offices ot trust, was personally very 
popular and though defeated at times, invariably ran ahead of his ticket. Inl860 he was a delegate to the 
Charleston convention where the great split in the Democratic party occurred that made possible the election of 
President Lincoln. He was also a delegate to the Philadelphia National convention of 1868. He was an active mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar, was punctual and regular in his attendance at the lodge, and took 
deep interest in its workings. Previous to his death he took an active interest in the construction of a new line of 
railroad througn Lacon. He had two sons and two daughters born to him, Geo. W. E., living at home, Nellie E. 
(Mrs. Warner) living in Montana, Isabel B. (Mrs. Garratt), and Martin K.. deceased. The latter was a very perse- 
vering yoang man, who at the commencement of the war enlisted in the 4th HI. Cavalry, was promoted lieutenant 
Ld served on Gen. Hurlburt's and Canby's staffs. He wa« three years in the service and af ter h^ ''''''iri 
killed by the premature discharge of his gun while hunting. Mrs. Cook lives ^^i^ome^mth her eldest sc* . and looks 
after the large property left her by her husband. She is kind to the poor, and beloved by all her friends. 

(t a IVEoATS 

Mr.' Moat« is by 'education a practical book-keeper, and was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1849. He came to 
Hlinois to see some friends in 1872 and finding employment with J.L. Mohler, h^ remained here ever ^^'^f^- f^l873 
he married Josephine Pichereau. the accomplished daugher of A. Pichereau. of Marshall county, and to them has 
been born one child, Mabel. Mrs. M. is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. M. has charge of the correspondence 
and finances of J. L. Mohler. He is a good merchant and has hosts of friends in the community. 

Samuel W. Skelton, Slieriff. .^ .„„ „, • 

Mr. Skelton is a native of Morgan county, Indiana, where he was bom in 1845. He located at Belle Plain 
Marshal county in 1850. and moved to Lacon in 1878, upon the occasion of his election to the office of sheriff of 
Marshall county in November of that year, a position he now occupies. February 22. 1871 he married Lizzie H^ 
Stevenson, who was bom in Wa..hington county, Pa. They have one child, Lena Myrtle born Sept. 11, 1874 They 
are members of the Christian church. Mr. Skelton made farming the business of his life prior to accepting the 
responsible position he now occupies in the service of the county. 

Walter Rickey. ^ ., ^^ ^ ^^, ^ ^ 

Mr Rickey was born in Lacon in 1849, and comes from an old and well known family that settled here many 
years ago. In 1871 he married \nna Guade. of German parentage, born in Chicago. He was born a farmer, and 
followed the business until 1878, when he purchased the stock and stables of Mayer & Hall, and embarked in the 
livery business. He keeps a very good stock of horses and carriages, is extremely accommodating, and his terms 
are liberal. 

Frederick Geude. ^^^ ^ ,. ^^^ ^.• 

Mr Geude lives on section 2, of Lacon township, and was born in Prussia. April 5. 1824. He lived there until 
twenty-eight years old, and then emigrated to the United States and located in this county. Previous to leaving 
he married Dora Blum, born in Prussia, and to them three children have been given-Herman. Anna and Amil. 
Are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Geude owns 126 acres, entered by Jordan Sawyer, and subsequently 
purchased by John P. Shepherd. He is township trustee, and has served as such five years, keeps his place under 
first class cultivation, and is a model farmer. 

James Seward. ^^. . ,^,^ ^ , _ . 

Mr Seward is a farmer residing on section 26. He was bom in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1818, and located in 
this county in 1842. In 1840 he married Emeline Owen, also a native of Ohio, who died March 17, 1850, leaving two 
children James A. and W. Scott. In the same year he married Maiy Jones, who has become the mother of fave 
children -Eliza J.. (Young), Mary Belle. Ella A.. Emma (Ilushaw). Alice C. and Charles G. Mr. Seward is a mem- 
ber of the board of school directors, ha^ been road commissioner, and has served his township in various other lo- 
cal offices. He owns some 700 acres of land. 

Thomas M. Shaw. . „„o . * ^ « 

Mr Shaw was born in Marshall county, at that time a part of Patnam, in 1833, and was a son of George H, 
Shaw one of the first settlers in the county. He labored on a farm when a boy, attending school at Judson college 
Mt Palatine, and completed his education at Mt. Morris. He read law with W. D. Edwards, a talented member of 
the Lacon bar and began practice in Putnam county in 1858. In 1862 he was offered an advantageous partnership 
ItthMrkB^n^which he accepted, and has since made Lacon hishome. Inl863 he married Nellie F. Hirsch. of 



694 RECORDS O^ tHifi OtBEN TIME. 

WoodfoH county, and began the erection of the fine residence he now occupies, probably not excelled by any in 
the county. Mr. Shaw takes considerable pride in his prof ession and stands at its head, A.s a lawyer he is paint- 
taking and methodical, a close reasoner and good logician, appealing to men's intellects rather than their feelings. 
His large success attests his industry and perseverence. His practice is large and extends to all the neighboting 
districts and the Supreme court. In politics he is Democratic, and in 1858 was the nominee of the party for Con- 
gress. He has several times been elected mayor, and possesses in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his 
fellow citizens. 

Benjamin Babb. 

Mr. Bibb was born in Perry county, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1812. He came to this county with his father when 19 
years old, settling three miles south of Lacon, where he lived until his death, The family consisted of his father, 
mother and five sisters, and they were four weeks and four days on the road. They stopped at Col. Strawn's until a 
location was found to suit and a cabin built, into which they moved and spent the first winter* The bottoms were 
full of Indians and through the winter they annoyed the family greatly. Mr. Babb was obliged to return to Ohio 
and they were exposed without protection to insults and the constant fear of death through all the long winter. 
Mr, Babb died in the spring of 1835. and he was buried on the point of the bluff north of his house. His son, Ben- 
jamin, married Nancy Jones, daughter of Levi Jones, of P^inasylvania, on the 4th of June, 1857. They were blessed 
with five children, two only of whom survive, Eliza and Estella. He died July 22, 1867. leaving his family and the 
care of a large farm to his wife. Mrs. B. proved a good manager, adding to the property year by year, and giving 
her daughter a good education. On the 15th of Feb., 1873, she married again and became Mrs. Sylvester Myers. 
Her home is one of the pleasantest in the county, and here, surrounded by children and friends, she dispenses a 
generous hospitality to all. 

Absalom Jones. 

Mr, Jones was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1835, moved to Madison county, in 1844, and to the vicinity 
where- he now lives in 1849. He was brought up on a farm, and in 1854 wedded Mary Hedlock, daughter of Samuel 
Hedlock who along with Timothy Owen built the first mill on Crow.Crreek. Mr. Jones has three children— Albert, 
George and Samuel, and four have died. He owns a farm of 220 acres with good improvements and well stocked. 
In 1878 was candidate for the the legislature, and has held all the minor offices of his township. 

Samuel Gibb. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1813, came to this county in 1830, and three 
years later married a Yankee school marm. Miss Mary Hall, of Baskingridge, N. J., where she was born August 31, 
1812. She was liberally educated at home, and taught school several terms, refusing several eligible offers of mar- 
riage before she came west, wishing to see the world before making a choice. Soon after reaching here she met 
Samuel Gibb, a sturdy young mail carrier from Knoxville to Hennepin. It was a case of love at first sight. He was 
straight as an arrow, and made nothing of swimming a river, if necessary, in the absence of bridges. They were 
married in 1833, and began housekeeping at once. She was a good manager and he was industrious, and they made 
money lively. They own a pleasant home of 312 acres of land, and four sons and daughters— John W., Henry H., 
Sarah E. and Mary Catherine. 

Owen So wards. 

Mr. Sowards was born in Woodford county in 1830, and moved into Marshall county in 1864, when he pur- 
chased a fertile farm lying on the bottoms of Crow Creek. In 1858 he married Miss Edy Hunter, born in this 
county. They have seven children, Eliza J.,Mary A., William H., Charles B., Alice, Estella and Emma Bell. Mr. 8. 
is a good farmer, quiet, industiious, aud knows how to make money. He minds his own business, allows others to 
think as they choose, and forms his own opinions. If there were more men like Owen Sowards the world would be 
better . 

Ira I. Fenn. 

Mr. Fenn was born in Kent, Litchfield county. Conn., Aug. 22, 1799, and labored on a farm until 1818, when, 
with his brother Norman, they started for Dayton, Ohio, where he real law and was admitted to practice. He re- 
mained here in the active prosecution of his profession until 1836, when he journeyed to Illinois and made exten- 
sive investments that caused his removal and permanent settlement in Lacon. Here he resumed the practice of 
law, and carried it on successfully until 1855, when he became absorbed in railway enterprises and gave it over to 
others. He was twice married, first to Eunice Pomeroy ,who died the year after his arrival in Lacon, and his second 
wife was Fannie E, Dudley,to whom one son 8urvive3,Duiley E.,borQ Feb. 17, 1840. Mr. Fenn died January 3, 1873. 
He was a leading citizen in the town for years, and his influence was always on the side of right. In church and 
society he bore a prominent part, and his record is unsullied by a single blot or stain. 

Joseph H, Johnson. 

Mr. Johnson was born in New Hampshire in 1813, and moved with his parents to Cincinnati when quite 
young, where he remained until fifteen years old, and then started out for himself, going to Montreal, Canada, 
where he attended school and found employment in a store. He became part owner of a sailing vessel trading to 
New Foundland. After two years of profitable trading, the boat got caught on a rock and was wrecked, and his 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



695 



profits were swamped. After this he took service with a former employer until his father s death, when he returned 
home and settled the estate. In the summer of 1834 he struck out west and came to Lacon and along with Jesse C 
3t the first mill in Lacon, running it .ucoessfully until 1842, when he sold out and went mto loaning money and 
speculating until 1849. In the spring of that year a company of sixty men wa« organized for a trip to California of 
which he was chosen captain. Reached the mines without mishap, bat lost his health on the way, and was for 
some time an invalid. Visited all the diggings and prospected more or less, but his health continuing poor, con- 
ZdedtTgo to Calcutta, and reached the Sandwich Islands, from whence he went to Lima in South America and 
re^mbarked on an old condemned hulk from New York bound for Panama. The voyage was long and tedious 
but ttiey finally reached there, and no steamer going north, he crossed the Isthmus to Navy Bay, and 
vis ted the Wrs Indies, returning and taking a steamer up the coast, reached San Francisco again after a six months 
absence ee next went to trading in the mountains, running two four-horse teams and made money rapidly. 
BoCed this two years and came home. Remained one year, went to New York and purchased a load of wagon 
stuff which he sent round the horn, to San Francisco. Sold a part for J400 a thousand, ^nd/^'^kf up 
the remainder . Got i50 for an axle, and $25 for stocking a plow. Paid $1,000 for a set of blacksmith s toob and 
cleared tt^n a week. Was in California about nine years, and while there married Miss Sarah Hopkins, adescend- 
antTf Ethan Allen. They have one child-Hattie E., now Mrs. Taylor, of Streator. He owns five farms, and has 
considerable other property. 

Charles S. Edwards. 

Superintendent of schools of Marshall county. 

^' ^'Sh^e^a^gtcer doing business in Lacon, and is also proprietor of the City hotel He was bom in 
Marion county Ind.. April 4. 1833. and with his parents moved to Hamilton county. Ohio, when 12 years of age. He 
wreducated'n Cin innati, and was married in that city, January 6, 1857. t« Miss Martha E. Pierson a native o 
ThTt county rhey have four children-Angeline J., Laura E.. W .Iter V. aud Gertrude E. In the spring of 1857 
Mr SMelds moved'to Lacon, and for 16 years followed his trade, that of a mason and Pl-*--; V/^J^/Xaf^ 
tion of the public and private buildings in Marshall county bearing witness to the excellence of his handicraft. 
In 18TO he vfentnto the restaurant business, which he continued until 1877, when he embarked m the grocery busi- 
ness fnwh-chhe^still engaged. Novemb;r 10th, 1879, he assumed charge of the City Hotel, and with the efficient 
r^f hi! estLable wife anVdaughters has made it a model house of -;"«----*• ^^^t' T saf e advTse ' 
ing public. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.. is a close observer, a good judge of human nature, a safe adviser, 
and is an industrious, energetic and successful business man. 

^^^ThesSiec^fthif 'sketch was born near Wheeling. Va., May 17, 1812. His father was a farmer and -ised 
fivestllwart oTs who grew to man's estatejand two daughters. When ^^^^'y J^ZZtl'^S^Zte o:Unot 

since forgotten. In 1840 he married Rachel Strawn. daughter of John Strawn , and a noteble w fe she^rove^ 
There we^e born to them in course of time four sons and two daughters,John S/GeorgeM Jesse B- ^^^C^ar^^/ U 
8tella(Mrs.DePue), and Rachel Augusta, (deceased). Johu isaneloaaeat -^^f^^^^V.^^S^^ 

children, and the reflection that in the conflict of life they have performed their whole duty. 

'^^\';%?«;bSs'^r?omi'-Belmontcouuty^ 

1855. His father was a well known clergyman of the M. E J-^^^/^^'^^if^.V^Tl^^^^^ ZTness, marrying in 

many parts of Illinois and Missouri. He came to Henry i'!lf.69 and established mm e successful. 

1877 Helena F. Hulben, bom in Henry. They have one child, «-'f .« ^"^ JJ'^^^^^^^^^^^^ a go^d trade. In 

building up aprofitable and very pleasant business. He ^^^ J™J ^J^^^'^^f ^wh^^^ large success. 

188) he removed to Lacon and established himself in the same line of business, in wnic *~ 

His roomsare the finest in the city and he enjoys a large custom. 



696 RECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



HENllY TOWNSHIP. 



John Morgan. 

Mr. Morgan was born in Shropshire, England, in 1830, and came to this county in 1851, locating in Henrv, and 
•stablished the butcher business which he has conducted successfully for nearly thirty years. He wns a single man 
at that time, but in 1854 married Mary Stevenson, born in Northumberland, Ensland, Two children have been 
born to them— John T. and Mary J. Are members of the Episcopal church, and Mr, Morgan is vice-president of the 
First National bank, of Henry. His son, John T., is passenger clerk, in Chicago, of the Anchor Line of Atlantic 
steamships. 

M. P. DiLLEY & Co., Grocers. 

Mr. Dillev. the senior member of this firm, was born in Mercer county. Pa., in 1843, and came to C'lay county, 
Ind., in 1865, to Madison county in 18T5, and to Henry in 1876. Their present business was established Oct. 1st, 1879. 
Mr. Dilley married AraK. Gwathney in 1869. She was born in Putnam county, Ind, Two children bless this union 
—Walter and George, He belongs to the Masonic order, and the firm is building up an excellent business. They 
are young, ambitious and accomodating, 

D. M. Morris. 

Capt. Morris, the popular commander of the steamer Grey Eagle, was born in Delaware in 1843, and came to 
Missouri in 1865, settling at Hannibal. He first engaged in steamboating in 1866, and finding the business both 
congenial and profitable has since followed it. From 1870 to 1878 he was engaged with the Eagle Packet Company 
and built up the trade he now controls. In 1878 hinaself and the engineer purchased the Eagle and have since run 
ber between Henry and Peoria. In 1873 he married Mary A. Earl and is the father of two children, of which he 
feels deservedly proud. The Eagle is universally popular and tew railways are managed with more regularity, her 
arrivals and departures seldom varying from the schedule. 

George Nicholson. 

Mr. Nicholson was born in Lower Canada in 1836, and when one year old his father emigrated to Will county, 
HI., where the subject of this sketch obtained his education. His first labor was as assistant lock tender on the 
canal, after which he began steamboating and followed it until 1870 when he engaged in the grain business at 
Henry in which be has been quite successful. In 1878 his warehouse was burned down involving heavy loss, 
but it was rebuilt with a capacity of 150,C00 bushels. It is the most complete warehouse at Henry and is owned by 
Nicholson, Gilbert & Co. In 1861 he married Susan Lynch and five children have been given them— Maggie M., 
Emma B., Beulah B., Fannie B. and Carrie. Mr. Nicholson is one of the enterprising men of Henry and a valuable 
citizen. 

H. W. Mateer. 

Mr. Mateerwas born in Cumberland county. Pa., in 1815, where he lived until 1857, when he came to Ilenrv 
and became a partner in the firm of "Bocker & Mateer. This continued until 1860, when he established his present 
business in the place he still occupies. He was married in 1849 to Elizabeth S.Becker, of Adams county. Pa., and 
to them have been bom seven sons and daughters.three of whom are deceased. The living are Alfred, Mary, Grace. 
Lucy J. and Hattie R. He takes a deep interest in church matters, is always found on the right side in questions 
of morals, and strives to do his duty as he sees it. Few men are more respected in the county than he. 

N. W. Orr. 

Mr. Orr came to Henry in 1856, and began clerking for J. L, and J. H. Jones, the acquaintance thus gained 
proving of great benefit to bim. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1826. was married in 1818 to Lydia 
Ann Simpson, of Troy, Ohio, and have six children living— James W., in California, Lydia A. (Mrs. Boyd), *nna 
May. Samuel J., Minnie and Martha L. Mr. Orr began the grocery business in 1867, and has been very successful. 
He owns three stores, his fine residence on Carroll street is surrounded by shade and evergreen trees, evincing both 
wealth and taste. His store is opposite the post office, and joins the First National Bank. 

Fred. S. Potter. 

Mr. Potter was bom in New Haven, Conn., in 1837, and three years later came to Christian county, III. He 
obtained hie education at Mount Auburn Seminary, and read law at Henry, being admitted to the bar in 1864. He 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 697 

at once took up it« practice, and has steadily pursued it ever since, wsth a constant increase of business. In 1874 he 
married Sarah Isabel House, bom in Grand De Tour, 111., and by her has two children— Gertrude H. and Frederick 
Willis. By a former marriage he has three children— Ellsworth S., Carrie L. and Ida I. Mr. Potter is an able law- 
yer and rapidly "growing" in the profession. He served as State's Attorney from 1872 to 1876, making a capable, 
efficient officer. In politics he is a Itepublican, and stands well with the party. lie could have served in the last 
General Assembly had he desired, and has been favorably talked of for congressman. He is capable, ambitious 
and persevering. 

W. W. Heath. 

Mr. Heath was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1825, aud came to Henry in 1819. He began the grocery business 
here in 1854, and built up a healthy, lucrative trade, which he continues to the present time. He was married in 
1851 to Mary J. Puffer, born in New York, and they have three children— Edgar H., (married to Jennie Bradley), 
Mary Ella and Clara L. Mr. Heath has heen actively engaged in educational matters, and served as city treasurer, 
clerk, etc. He carries a full stock of groceries, flour, etc., and has a flourishing trade. 

John Riley. 

Mr Riley was born in New York city in 1834, and came to Henry in 1856, where he followed the .rade of con- 
tractor and builder until 1878, when he purchased the Granite Mills property and fitted them up for businefs. He 
married in 1865 Miss Mary A. Clisbee, born in Marshall c junty, and to them four children have been born— John, 
tiattie M., Ella and Lee. Mrs. R. is a member of the Congregational church. The reputation of these well known 
mills has been long established, and they need no commendation. They manufacture all grades, and supply the 
local merchants besides, shipping large quantities to Chicago. They are also large manufacturers of corn meal, etc. 

Ely Albertson. 

Mr. Albertson is a carpenter and builder, born in Rensselaer county. New York, in 1817, where he learned his 
trade and lived until 1841, when he went to Texas, and thence to New Orleans, Cincinnati and St. Louts, and bring- 
ing up at Peoria in 1843. Here he remained until 1852. and then came to Henry. In 1844 he married Sarah J. John- 
son, born in Indiana, by whom he has eight children— Elizabeth 8., E. B., s. J., E. F., Lois, Nellie, Adelbert and 
Teady. He was a farmer for several years, but has followed his present (\pcupation all his life. 

Charles Balleweg, Jr. 

Mr. Balleweg was born in Baden, Germany, in 1847. and came to the United States nine years later, stay- 
ing in York county. Pa , until 1867, when he came to Henry. He began the saloon business in 1873, and has 
followed it with considerable profit to himself since. In that year he married Elizabeth Flynn. born in New 
York, and two children bless their union— Elizabeth and Annie. He is proprietor of Warren's Hall, which is 
fitted up for dancing parties, concerts and theatrical entertainments. He owns his place of business, dwelling, 
and considerable other property, 

C. Gould. 

Mr. Gould is an extensive dealer in hardware. He was born in Erie county. New York, in 1834, and when 
ten years old came to McHenry county. 111., with his parents, whence he removed to Winnebago in 1858, and came 
to Henry in 1867 and established his present business. He married Mary Ann Crawford in 1854, bom in Pennsyl- 
vania. Three children have been bom to them -Henry, Lewellen C. and Mabel. Mr. Gould has been quite suc- 
cessful in business, and commands a large trade. His credit is No. 1, and he thoroughly understands the demands 
of the market. 

J. C. Law. 

Mr. Law was born in Putnam county, in 1845, and was for many years engaged in the lumber trade at Henry. 
He married, in 1872, Lizzie Orr Swan, born in Ohio, to whom three children have been bom- James A., Zilpha and 
Rebecca. In 1864 he enlisted under the call for one hundred day men, and went into the 141st regt. 111. Vols., shoul- 
dering a musket and serving the required time. He has been city treasurer of Henry, and filled various minor 
offices; was candidate before the convention of 1879 for county treasurer, and is capable of filling any position. 

W. T. Law. 

President First National Bank, Henry. 

H. A. Proctor. 

Mr. Proctor is a native lUinoisan, born in Perry county, in 1858, and came to Henry in 1878, establishing the 
firm of Webber & Proctor. It was dissolved in 1879, Mr. Proctor purchasing his partner's interest and succeeding to 
the business. He has a nice room for the purpose, keeps a fine stock of goods, and does an excellent business; is 
pleasant and aftable to customers, and his place is popular with all. 

Joseph H. Jones. 

Mr. Jones is a leading citizen of the county, and a successf nl merchant, carrying a very large stock of goods 
and having a heavy trade. He was bom in Washington county, Ind., in 1832, and came with his parents to Canton, 



698 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

111., in 1834, where he obtained a liberal education, fitting him for future duty. His father having been elected 
sheriff, the family removed to the county-seat, Lewiston, whence Mr. Jojes came to Henry, serving as a clerk two 
years. In 1853 he began business for himself, and has followed it successfully ever since. From 1861 to 1865 the 
firm were engaged in banking, since which time he has confined himself exclusively to trade. In 1853 he married 
Zahanna Kamey, and to them four children were born— Ida A.., Cannah, John L., Julia and Norman. Behind the 
counter Mr. Jones is affable, polite and thoroughly master of his business. He has filled many prominent i>o8itions 
in the city and county, and served one terra in the legislature with marked ability and entire satisfaction. 

Ly3ian Horram. 

Mr. Horram is one of the oldest living settlers of Putnam or Marshall counties, first visiting this section fifty- 
thrre years ago. He was bom in Orange county. Vermont, in 1806, moved with his parents to Philadelphia when 
two years old, and to Trenton, N. J., three years latei. In 1814 his father moved to Lawrenceburg, Ind.. purchasing 
a flat-boat and floating down the stream to their destination. When 16, his parents moved to Hamilton county, 
Ind., on White river, and again to Tippecanoe county, where bis father laid out the town of Dayton, and was 
one of the three first settlers in the county. In 1827 he started, along with others, for the newly discovered lead 
mines near Galena, went to the portage of the Kankakee, and purchasing canoes, floated down that stream and 
the Illinois to ChilHcothe, and thence journeyed on foot over "Kellogg's trail" to their destination. He staid 
one year and returned, visiting the mines again the succeeding year. Going back to Indiana, he married Eleanor 
Baker in 1828, and removed to Putnam county, six miles east of Henry, where he opened a large farm and was 
very successful up to the time he retired from business, about fifteen years ago. He was a hard worker, and 
h's plans were made with judgment. Both himself and wife were industrious and prudent, and fortune smiled 
upon them; he has a competence of this woild's goods, and in his old age can sit beneath his own vine and fig 
tree and enjoy the legitimate fruits of a well spent life. 

Bernard Yaeger. 

Mr. Yaeger came from " sunny France," having been born in Alsace in 1832, the province since wrested from 
her grasp by Germany. He came to the United States in 1853, and to Henry the year after. In 1857 he married 
Catharine Schick, born iu Bavaria, and their two children are named Henry and Ellen. He began business in 1855, 
erecting in person the substantial brick building he occupies. His residence is on School street, and himself and 
family are members of the Catholic church. He has been twice elected alderman, and is a man of influence in his 
ward and in the council. He is agent for several lines of steamers, visited the Paris Exposition and his old home 
in 1878, traveling extensively in Europe. 

T. Frank McCoy. 

Mr, McCoy, the leading watchmaker and jeweler of Henry, was born in Lewiston, Pa., in 1851. He was early 
apprenticed to the jewelry business, making himself thoroughly master of the trade, after which he came to Henry 
in 1875, and engaged to E. H Hutchins. for whom he worked one year, and then began business for himself. On 
the 31st of December, 1878, he married Jennie, daughter of A. M. Pool, and to them one child has been born. He 
carries a large stock of jewelry and presentation goods, and has a heavy trade from all parts of the country. 

A. B. Hall. 

Mr. Hall was bom in Durbin county, Indiana, in 1839, came to Peoria in 1855, and to Henry in 1860. Married 
Mary E. Atkinson in that year, born in Indiana. They have one child living- Stanley, and three deceased. Has 
been street commissioner three years, and is serving as city marshal. Is a member in good standing in the inde- 
pendent order of Odd Fellows. 

Israel Koehler. - ^^ 

Mr. Koehler was born in Northampton county, Pa., in 1830, and came to tienry county. 111., in 1855, and to 
Henry in the fall of 18^8. He began the manufacture of carriages in 1865, and has continued with added facilities 
from year to year until the prcent time. He married Augusta C. Smith in 1853, born in the same county with him- 
self, and they have one child— Lewella B. The capacity of his works has been about 150 carriflges of all kinds an- 
nually, but he is now greatly increasing this, and will have facilities for manufacturing, placing himself on a par 
with the extensive manufacturers of the East. His work is pat up in the very best style and is universally appre- 
ciated. 

John W. Niece, Drur/gist. 

Mr. Niece was bom in Park county, Indiana, 1835, and moved to Terre Haute when seven years old, where he 
served seven vears apprenticeship in a drug store. He married Miss Amanda Taylor in Laporte, Ind., and moved 
there in 1860. He entered the army as assistant quartermaster in 1864, and was staticmed at Paducah, Tenn., which 
was for the time a port of entry. He had charge of the quartermaster's department for the issuance of forage and 
transportation to the army and to all refugees. All steamboats and other vessels, whether in the Government ser- 
service or private, were obliged to stop and report to him or at his office. Owing to ill health he was obliged to re- 
sign, which he did in July, 1865. He returned to Laporte, where he remained until the fall of that year, when he 
moved to Henry and accepted a position in M. C. Everett's drug store, at a salary of |£0 per month, soon incieased 



telO&RAtHtCAt bEtAKTMEKT. 699 

to f 75, In l869 he formed a copartnership with Dr. Baker's son, as Niece & Baker in the establishment of Roberts 
it Go., which they purchased. In 1871 he sold out to Mr. Baker, and in June of that year went into business for 
himself, which he has conducted successfully since. He has one son— Henry J., born in 1863, a clerk in his store, a 
promising young man and competent druggist. 

Dr. William H. Jones. 

Dr. Jones was born in Canada West in 1837, came to the United States when a child, and lived in Independ- 
ence, Ky.. He studied medicine here and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati in 1?69. He 
began practice in Kentucky, which he continued until 1873, and then removed to Henry and made it his permanent 
home. He married Ida Haminger in January, 1879, at Des Moines, Iowa, a native of Covington Kentucky. The 
Doctor is a member of the County Medical Society, h&s a good business, is popular in society, and is looked upon 
as a rising man. 

M. J. Sutton. 

Mr. S"tton is a blacksmith of Henry, born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1844, and came to the United States 
in 1860, beginning business for himself in 1867. In 1866 he married Ellen Ivers, born in Ireland, and they have six 
children— James, Alice, Willie, Lawrence, Katie and Ellen. In 1861 he volunteered in the three months service, 
and continued until honorably discharaed. Is a member of the Henry Fire Department. 

William G. Snyder. 

Mr. Snyder was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1850, and came to this country in 1866, stopping in Balti- 
more and Chicago a while, and reaching Henry in 186&. Here he hired to John Morgan, for whom he worked five 
years, and then set up for himself in 1874. In 1S69 he married Sarah Heim, born in Pennsylvania, and came here 
when two years old. They have three children— Charles, Howard and Lulu. They are members of the M. E. 
church, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

A. L. Hupp. 

Mr. Hupp was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1842, and came to Henry in July, 1879, having 
lived in Wenona since 1868. He married Miss Beatrice Kinder in 1873, who was born in Ohio in 1852, and one child, 
Ira Lee, is the result of this marriage— born May 31, 1877. He has a first class saloon and billiard hall, where een- 
tlemPD will find quiet company and good tables. 

George Ball. 

Mr. Ball is a native of Alsace, Germany, where he was born in 1837, and came to the United States in 1853. He 
first settled at Buffalo, and next in Henry in 1858. He tried farming one year and went into the saloon business, 
purchasing the property from a Mr. Hoover, and greatly improvicg it. He married Ann Eliza Rosley in 1859, and 
together they have three children— Mary M., Joseph J. and Henry. Himself and family are members of the Cath- 
olic church, and he is a member of the church choir. 

Richard H. Waterfall. 

Mr. Waterfall is a naturalized American citizen, born in Derbyshire, England, in 1813, and came to this county 
in 1843, having resided some years previous in Canada. In 1859 he opened a barber and hair dressing establishment, 
running it successfully. Was elected justice of the peace in 1874 and again in 1877, In 1865 he married Mrs. Maria 
McAnhur (Griffith). He had tnree children by a former marriage— Mary A. (Mrs. Anderson), Sarah. (Mrs. God- 
dard), and Charlotte. Are members of the Episcopal church, of which he is senior warden. Is agent for several 
leading fire insurance companies and gives it his close attention. Previous to coming to this country he served in 
H. M. Ist Begiment of foot, until his departure for the United States. 

Dr. Samuel C. Snyder, De/^^o? Surgeon. 

Dr. Snyder was born in Henry in 1852, where he recived his education. He read law in Bloomington and was 
admitted to the bar in Springfield in 1874, following its practice until failing health compelled him to give it over, 
and by the advice of a physician t<-ok up the study of dentistry, graduating at the Philadelphia College of Dental 
Surgery, and has followed the profession ever since. In 1878 he married Blema H Griffin, of Scranton, Pa., and 
they are members of the Christian church. The Doctor has elegantly fitted up his rooms and does a fine business. 
He also visits Lacon weekly where he has secured a very lurative practice. 

Dr. T. M. McIntosh, Dentist. 

Dr. Mcintosh was born in Marshall county, and educated in Putnam. He studied his profession in Pontiac. 
and began the practice at Magnolia in 1874. His office in Henry is with Dr. Motter, and he visits regularly Mag- 
nolia and Hennepin. His office at the latter place is with D. W. Danley. 

J. H. Hall. 

Mr. Hall was bom in Kelso, Scotland, in 1821, and came to the United States in 1833, stopping first at New Or- 
leans, then at St. Louis, and coming to Henrv in 1856. He first opened in the grocery business with which he con- 
nected real estate, dealt in grain etc., following this until 1867, when he visited Europe, taking in the French ex- 



700 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

position, where his knowledge of various languages made him a valuable companion to Americans. Returning to 
the United States he married Adaline C. Fisher and by her had three children— George C, Mary Josephine and 
John C. Mrs. Hall died in 1856, and he married Sarah f. Ham, of Saratoga Springs. To her were born four chil- 
dren - Jennie, Florence, Joseph and Gertrude. After his return from Europe he went into the carriage business 
and followed it several years, and then embarked in the hardware trade under the firm of J. H. Hall & Son. 

H. G. Grawbttrg. 

Mr. Grawburg was bom in the state of New York in 1825, and came to Henry in 1856. He married Lo- 
retta C. Snyder in 1858, and in 1859 began business in Henry. Mrs. G. was born in Pennsylvania and is the 
motherof five children— E. Alva, Miry Henrietta, Don V., William and Beatrice I. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
F., a stockholder in the Henry bridge company and weighmaster, 

Oliver Tinker. 

Mr. Tinker was born in Manchester, England, in 1823, came to the United States in 1848, and settled at Fall 
River. Mass., where he staid until 1850, when he returned to England. In 1854 he came back to this country and 
worked in Philadelphia three years, and came to Henry in 1857. In 1845 he married Elizabeth romlimsjn, born in 
the same place with himself. They have one child. May Hannah, (Mrs. Gates), and are members of the M. E. 
church . 

Cicero M. Ferguson. 

Mr. Ferguson was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1823. moved to Richland county with his parents when 
a boy, and to Illinois in 1844. Went to Peoria in 1848 and to Henry in 1852. In 1846 he married Susan Hull, born 
in Cumberland county. Pa. He has been superintendent of the Senry bridge for four years, and was street super- 
intendent four years. He is a stockholder in the Bridge Company, owns a good farm in Henry township, and a coal 
bank in Whitefield. 

Dr. Charles M, Baker. 

Dr. Baker was born in Lexington. Ky.. in 1822 , where he received his education and graduated at the fine 
Medical College of that place in 1843, The same year he removed to Washington, 111., and opened an office, subse- 
quently removing to Bloomington. and to Henry in 1849, whore he succeeded in building up a large practice. Is a 
member of the State Medical society, and on friendly terms with all members of the Allopathic school of medi- 
cine. He was twice elected mayor, and is held in much esteem by his fellow citizens. 

Dr. George Motter, Dental Surgeon. 

Dr, Motter was bom in Ross county, Ohio, in 1829 where he was educated and studied his profession. He be- 
gan practice in 1853 and removed to Henry in 1856, where he speedily built up a large and profitable business. He 
married Martha W, Dunlap, born in the same county with himself , and where she attended school with the lady who 
is now Mis, President Hayes, the school being taught by Senator Thomas- Has five children— M. Gertrude, Edgar 
H., George A.. Stella and Charles. Dr. M. has an extersive practice, his business extending to Lacon and Hen- 
nepin. 

S. T. KSYZKI. 

Mr. Ksyzki was born in Prussia, in 1826, and came to the United States in 1855. He located in Henry in 1860 
and worked at his trade until 1864, when he enlisted in the 14th 111. Vol. Inf. and served until the close of the war. 
He was captured near Dalton, Ga.. Dec. 5, 1864, and held a prisoner three months until paroled at Wilmington, N. 
C. The war over, he returned to Henry and resumed his trade. In 1850 he married Magdalina Mucholowaz, also a 
native of Prussia. Their children are Nelia and Albana. Mr. K. is a first-class workman, and his wagons have a 
reputation for strength and durability not excelled by any. He has a capacity for turning out fifty wagons annu- 
ally, and does all kinds of jobbing and repairs. 

Charles R. Jones. 

Mr. Jones is of Welsh descent, and a son of Edwin Jones, for many years a well known citizen of Lacon. On 
his mother's side he is descended from the Davises, the well knowd i,ankers and capitalists Robert and Thomas be- 
ing relatives. He was given a tirst-claKs education, and early obtained a position in the First National Bank of 
Henry, of which he is now cashier. Adopting the language of Richelieu, it may be said "to such as he there is no 
such woid as fail." 

James F. Gates. 

Mr. Gates was born in Peoria, III., in 1848, of good old Yankee stock, his parents coming from Worcester, 
Mass., in 1823. His mother survives, living at Dunlap station, and is 75 years old. When ten years old he went into 
a store in Peoria, serving several years as a clerk in different concerns. At twenty he enlisted and served his time 
in the war for the suppression of the rebellion, and then took a course of study in Cole's business college. He 
clerked a year at the Peoria House, then went to Quincy and assumed charge of a hotel, which he ran for a year, 
went to Dunlap and bought a store, which he run for two years, and then came to Henry and entered into the 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



701 



grocery and provision trade. He does a thriving business and keeps a large stock, Tn 1870 he married Effie R. 
lordn^r, born L Cincinnati, and to them three children have been born-Mabel Inez. Jesse Freeman and Feme 
Fordner. He has a large trade which he personally oversees, and is making money. 

^* Mr'.nms^Wn in Waterloo, Seneca county, N.Y.. in 1825. He came to f; CJ^'l^.^' Ka^^/"^"*^- j^ 
1855 and to Henry in 1866. where he set up up in the grocery and provision trade, which he ha« smce followed. In 
1849 he married Elizabeth F.Owens, born in Geneva, Ontario county. N. Y. He keeps all desirable goods in bis 
Une, is rhea^- shipper ofpoultry and produce, and has the reputation of being a fair dealer with whom it i« a 

pleasure to transact business, 

H. L. HUTCHINS. ^ . ^ .■ f Tc V ,„ i8.qn 

Mr. Hutchins waB born in Killingly, Conn., in 1806, and removed to Cazenovia, Madison county. N. ¥., in 1830, 
and to Henry in 1854, since which time, up to 1876, he has been in active life, Prmcipally in the wool commission 
business. In 1 831 he married Lucietia Camp, born in Madison county. N. Y.. and bv her has four living children- 
Mary L. (Mrs. Bishop), Cornelia (Mrs. Hull, and a widow), E. H., a merchant ot Henry and A. V., a merchant of 
Joliet doing a large business. Mr. Hutchins is deservedly proud of his family, as well he may be. 

A TTp-rycnn (~) AVEIS 

Mr. Weisisa well known businessman of Henry, carrying on the grocery and provision trade and doing a large 
business in thesale of musical instruments and musical goods. He was bom here in 1839. and is ^ -- <•« ^alentine 
Weiss, one of the first settlers of the township. In 1866 he married Mary ^raendly born m the township, and to 
them have been born. Kate, George, Eu,ma and Frank. He began business here m 1870 and has followed it since. 
He is a finished musician and eminent composer, having written some very fine waltzes, marches, etc. 

At BERT ]\I Pool 

Mr. Pool is an old citizen and for many years a leading merchant of Henry. He was born in Morgan county. 
Ohio, in 1827, moved with his parents to Lebanon, O.. in 1831. thence to Bedford. Ind.. inl833, to Putnam county. 
Ill in 1837 and to Henry in 1849, where he entered into the dry goods business, in which he contmued until 1877. 
wh;n he sold out to J. i? Jones. He embarked in the lumber trade here in 1878. In 1853 he married Julia M. Ram- 
say bornTnFort Covington, N. Y., and to them were born four children-May C, Minnie A., Jennie F L. Minerva. 
Mrs. Pool died in 1863, and in 1865 he married Ellen Gardner, of Columbus, Ohio, to whom one child, Bruce Roberts 
was eiven She died in 1878. Mr. Pool has been a leading and influential member in church and society for many 
years filling various positions of trust and responsibility. He is a pleasant talker and close reasoner and his in- 
ttuen;e is always on the side of truth and justice. He is an active worker in the Sabbath school and temperance 
movements, and enjoys the respect of all. 

Samuel D. Baxendale. .. ^ ^ , 

Mr. Baxendale was bom in Alton. 111., in 1846, and moved to Putnam county in 1848, where he learned the 
business of a barber and hairdresser. In 1868 he began business for himself, and in 1869 married Saiah ^^. ^IcGor- 
mick, bom in Magnolia. They have five children- Alfred. Nellie, Ida, Beulah and Samuel. In 1864 he enlisted in 
Co. B, 104th HI. Vol., and served until the close of the war. He was in 8herman-s great march through Georgia and 
at Milk Creek, N. C. Although but seventeen ysars old, he made a good soldier. His rooms in Henry are fitted up 
in good taste, and his establishment is popular. 

Luther A. Jones. , , . , 

Mr, Jones was born in New Hampshire in 1811. and removed to Cass county. 111., in 1836, where he remained 
with the exception of a year in Iowa, until 1871. when he came to Henr.. In that year he married Mrs. Eleanor 
Calef formerly White, the mother of four children by a former marriage. Their names were Louis, Sarah. (Mrs. 
Weaver) and Emma. Is a member of the Masonic order, and an active worker in the temperance reform move- 



ment. 



Mr. Emerick was bom in Washington county. Pa., in 1823, and located in Henry in 1853. Up to Septeniber, 
1879 he was farming on an extensive scaie and was very successful, owning five farms which he rents out. Me is 
nowin the grocery and provision trade, and does a very extensive business. In 1849 he married M.ss C Brown, who 
died in 1877, leaving three children -Minerva A., Emanuel B. and William G. In 1879 he was married agam to 
Miss Emma Morrison. Mr. Emerick has taken a leading part in public concerns, is a man of ability and influence, 
and a good citizen. 

Ken. McNeal. ,^ ^^ „ . .-,. . 

Mr. McNeal was bom in Jackson county, Ohio, in 1840, and came to Peoria in 1811, and to Henry in If^; when 
he learned the blacksmithing trade and wagon making. Has been in business for himself since 1867. in 1865 he 
married AnnaTremain. born in Poughkeepsie, New York, by whom heihas three childre-Millie May, l<anme F. and 
Irene In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, of the 86th Reg., and served three years, making an excellent record, and coe- 



% 



702 iil:coRl)s o'F the oldei^^ Time. 

tributing his whole share towards putting down the slaveholder's rebellion. He fouyht in all of Sherman's great 
battles in the Atlanta campaign, was master mechanic of McCook's Brigade, and at the close of the war returned 
to Henry. He is active and pushing, and would succeed where many others would fail. He has sold more fine car- 
riages than any other man in Marshall county, and possesses facilities for manufacturing equalled by few. la 187o 
he was burned out, los;ng heavily, but went to work and soon made it up. 

John Schurr. 

Mr. Schurr was bom in Germany in 1821, and came to the United States in 1854, and settled in henry. His 
■wife likewise came from Germany, and they have four children — John, Otto, Edward and Lena, He established 
business here in 1873, as a gunpmith and maimer and repairer of firearms, and dealer in guns and gun materials. He 
is a finished mechanic, and gives satisfaction to customers. * 

C, E. Abbott. 

Mr. Abbott was born in the State of Maine in 1844, moved to Albany. New York in 1859, where he studied his 
profession with his brother, J H. Abbott, the noted and leading photographer in the city, and later of Chicago, 
where he had a large establishment at the corner of Washington and State. Mr. Abbott came to Henry in 1877, and 
at once secured a very fine business. In 1866 he wedded Louisa Reid, born in Boonville, New York. He has instru- 
ments for all sorts of views, and is an accomplished artist, as his work testifies. 

HuLDAH HOYT. 

Mrs. Hoyt is widow of the late Chauncy B. Hoyt, and was born in New Caanan, Conn., in 1806. She was mar- 
ried in 1825, and her husband died December 13, 1869 Her only living child is Emily M. Two sons. Samuel and 
John benedict died in Connecticut, and a daughter died in 1863. She is a member of the Congregational church, 
an active worker in the cause of temperance, and takes a deep interest in the cause of morality and religion. 

Capi. Thomas O'Hara, 

Mr. O'Hara was born in Brownsville, New York, in 1837, and came to Hlinois in 1856 and went to steam boating, 
which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in the cavalry service and was commissioned captain of Co. L, 11th 
111., Vol. He served until 1866, participating in all of the engagements in which his regiment fousiht. The 11th 
was one of the best in the service, and many of the brave men who enlisted sleep on Southern battle fields. Capt. 
O'Hara was mustered out at Memphis, returned to Peoria and thence to Henry in 1873 , In 1865 he married Nancy 
Smith, of Peoria. In 1874 he brought the Gray Eagle to Peoria, and hai been connected with her as captain or 
pilot most of the time since. He knows his duty and performs it well, whether on the steamer's deck or " in the 
battle's van." 

C. G. Smith. 

Mr. Smith was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1836, and came to Marshall county in 1853, locating on a farm in 
Whitefield, and went to farming. He followed this until 1865, when he removed to Henry and became connected 
with the grain business, to which he added flour, feed and produce. In 1862 he married Phebe E. Barnes, born in 
Bradford county. Pa. Ihey have four children— Thomas S., Charles E., Emma M. and David M. He visited the 
Rocky Mountains in 1859, at the time of the Pike's Peak excitement, remaining there two years. 

Holmes Morrison. 

Mr, Morrison is a farmer living in Henry township, and was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, in 1844. He 
came to this county in 1855, and became a farmer. In 1869 he married Minerva Emerick, who was born in Virginia, 
and to them one child has beea born— Mary D. He has been farming in Henry township for sixteen years. 

Abner Camp, Propr City Hotel. 

Mr, Camp was born in Madison county. New York, in 1813. and came to Potter county, Pa., in 1837. In 1842 
he removad to Stark county, and in 1845 came to Marshall. He was by trade a carpenter. In 1848 he married Eliza 
A. Ham, bom in Dover, Mass., and to them were born two children— Isabella and Charles A. Has been in the hotel 
business since 1865. He keeps a first class house, which is popular with the traveling public, and runs a carriage 
to the depot and steambi>ats, Mr. Camp is an old citizen, and greatly respected by all. 

Mary Troendly. 

Mrs. Troendly was bom in Germany in 1831 and come to the United States with her parents when seven years 
old. They located in Marshall county in 1841, and she married Frederick F. Troendly the same year. He died Dec. 
10th 1878, leaving to her care six children— Charles (deceased), Mary, Kate, Margaret, George and Frank. Are mem- 
bers of the German Catholic church. Have recently purchased a fine farm of 160 acres. 

Rev. Thomas Quigley, Pastor of the Catholic Church. 

Father Quigley was bom in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 22, 1826. He came to the United States in 
June, 1846, and located in the city of Charleston, 8, C, wheie he studied theology and was ordained by Bishop Rey- 
nolds, a native of Kentucky. He remained at his post in Charleston during the wild excitement of the rebellion, 
attending to the duties of his Master and avoiding all political discussions. His mission was peace, and to preach 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 703 

prace Hnd good will among men, recognizing all, whether North or South, the children of the Great Father of all. 
When asked by a Union soldier who became a prisoner, if it would be right to join the Confederate army, he re- 
plied: " Render to Ceasar what is CrasarV. If you swear allesianca to the flag of your choice, it is your spiritual 
duty to adhere to your oath." He was afterward stationed at Pontiac in this State, then in charge of the church of 
the Holy Name in Chicago, and later at Danville, and in Henry since 1876. He was in Rome at the opening of the 
great council in 1869, when the dogma of the infalibility of the Pope, as the spiritual head of the church on earth, 
was proclaimed . He visited all the most interesting points of Europe, spending some two years on the trip. He is' 
liberal and generous in his associations with his fellow man, and a favorite in the community in which he lives. 

Daniel Wann. 

Mr. Wann was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1801, and lived there until his removal to Kendall county. 111,, 
in 1849. Came to Henry in 1864. In 1831 he married Mary Krines, born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and five living 
children are spared them, while three are deceased. The first are George, Sarah, (Mrs. Vreeland), Henry C, Wil- 
liam. Oscar and Huldah A. Curtis L., killed at Pittsburg Landing, was a member of company K, 20th Illinois 
Volunteers, and was killed within a few days after enlistment. His life was sacrificed to save his country. Are 
members of the M. E church, of Henry. 

Louis A. Meier. 

Mr, Meier was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1834, and emigrated to this country in [1859, settling fat Anna- 
wan, and going from tbence to Chillicothp in 1866. In 1862 he went into the army, joining company A, 112th III. 
Volunteers, and serving to the end of the war. He was at the seige of Knoxville, was one of the veterans that helped 
whip Hood at Pulaski, and after various battles and marches was mustered out in June, 1865, and went into busi- 
ness in Chillicothe. He came to Henry in 1878 . His wife was formerly Louisa Schulpins, born in Wolfenbuttel, 
Germany, and their two children are William and Gustav. 

Col. C. a. Stone, (deceased). 

Col. Stone was born in Lamoile county' Vermont, in 1809, and fifty years later located in Geneseo, and in 
Henry three years later, where he engaged in fthe grain business and became station agent for the C, R. I. & P. K. 
R . which position he filled to the satisfaction of all for 18 years. He built a warehouse on the river in 1873 with a 
capacity of 100,000 bushels. In 1832 he married Sylvia Stafford in Vermont, who died Sept. 20th, 1879, leaving three 
daughters -Freelove H.. Betty S. and Helen R. Freelove married James D. Culton in 1862. and has one child. Syl- 
via May. born in 1862 He wps an active business man with a mind that readily grasped details, and capable of 
carrying through large enterprises, was well thought of and his loss is deeply regretted. 

Valentine Hatzenbahler. 

The gentleman here named is a farmer, who was born in Germany in 1826, and came to the United States in 
1848. He staid in New York city one year and came to this county in 1859. Married Maria Hawk in 1848, bom in 
Germany. Their children are Eliza, Mary, Kate, George, Conrad, Anton, Peter and John. He renis and cultivates 
320 acres of land. Himself and family are members of the Catholic church. They are hard workers and of the 
class of steady, industrious Germans who add to the wealth of the county year by year. Such emigrants are 
always welcome. 

Edward Simpson. 

Mr. Simpson is a retired farmer, who having amassed a sufficiency of worldly goods to comfortably support 
him, has come here to pass the remainder of his days. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1799, moved 
to Wayne county, Ohio in 1817, to Perry county in 1823, to Cincinnati in 1825 and to|Putnam county in 1842. He was 
by trade a carpenter, b ut after coming to Illinois engaged in farming in MagQolia where he still owns 175 acres, He 
married Miss H. M. Ward in 1828, who bore him six children— Sarah, Roddie, Eliza. Louis E., Drusilla M. and Flor- 
ence S. Himself and family are active members of the M. E. church, to which he has belonged since 1821. He haa 
filied all the offices connected with it and contributed liberally toward its support. 

John W. Miller. 

Mr. Miller is a railroad engineer, born in Fall River, Mass., in 1828, and learned his trade there. He came 
west in 1856, locating at La Salle, where he became coanecled with the C., R. [.& P. R. R. and accepted a position 
in their employ. He married Hannah W. Divis in 1853, bornia F^ll River. They have had six children, Ida, Isaac, 
George, (killed on the railroad), Minnie, Carrie. Asa and Frank. His fimily arc members of the Presbyterian 
church, and he belongs to the brotherhood of Canada and the United States. Has been on the C R. I. & P. R. R. 
24 years. He worked also on the Cape Cod R. R. 

J. C. TOWNSEND. 

Captain Townsend was bom in Tompkins county. New York, in 1816, moved to Peoria county in 1851, and to 
Marshall in 1856, and engaged in farming. His home was in Saratoga, and having secured a competency he removed 
to town in 1870. for its better enjoyment and to educate his children. He married Betsey S. ^linell in 1839, and has 
four children— George F,, James S., Amanda and Cornelia E. He organized Co. D, 47th 1^11. Vol., in 1861, was 
elected captain and served in the department of the Mississipp-. Was at Island No. 10, first siege of Vicksburg, 
Shiloh, Corinth, luka and elsewhere. In organizing the company he whs assisted by hie son George, who succeeded 



704 KECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

him in the command and proved a capable and popular officer, serving out his full term. Captain Townsend'a 
health becoming impaired by hard service, he resigned and came home. Was elected mayor of Henry and served 
three terms- Is a Democrat, and very popular with his party, who have urjred his acceptance of important posi- 
tions without success. 

Frank Baer. 

Mr. Baer was born at Chicago in 1852, came J» Henry in 1875 and established a saloon and billiard room. He 
keeps first-class rooms, furnished in good style,imifediately adjoining the Paskell house with good tables, cigars and 
the finest of domestic and imported liquors. It is the only Americau house in ihe city. 

Hiram C. Wright. 

Mr. Wright was bom in Toronto, Canada, in 181'J and moved to Indiana with his parents in 1826, came to 
Peoria county in 1828 and to i'utnam in 1844 lived eight years in Bureau county, returned to Putnam county 
and staid two years and came to Henry in 1857. He staid here six years and then went on to his farm and remained 
until 1869, when he came again to Henry to spend his days. He married Sophia C. Hunter in 1847 and they have one 
child, Clarissa, bom in October, 1848, and one deceased. In early life Mr. Wright was engaged in lead mining for 
eight years in the vicinity of Mineral Point, Wis. He served three terms as mayor of Henry, was several times 
elected alderman, and has held other official positions, 

Frederick E. Wagner. 

Mr. Wagner was born in 8axony, Germany, in 1852, where he learned tbe trade of a raarble cutter. He came 
to this country in 1871, spent four years in traveling, and located in Henry in 1876. when he established his present 
business. He was married in 1874 to Elizabeth Gagel, born in Ohio, and three children have been given to them ■ 
Mollie, Appolona and Anna- He has made some very fine monuments, is capable of turning out the very best work 
at low prices, and will be happy to show specimens to all wishing to see them. 

Sherwood S. Merritt. 

Ml. Merritt is a farmer living on section 30, who was bom in the state of New York in 1838. He located in 
Henry in 1852, where he married Miss 8. Kimber. in 1863. She was born in Putnam county. They have five children, 
—Charles E., Cora E., Roger S.. William M. and Matilda J. They are members of the M. E. church. He owns 159 
acres in Henry and 40 in Whitetield township. 

Henry J. Smith. 

Mr. Smith was born in New York city, Nov. 16, 1824, and came to Putnam county in 1836, where he lived with 
his grandparents. He came to Henry in 1849, having two years previously married Robey A. White, a wiaow, whose 
maiden name was Robey A. Tabor. She was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1818. He owns 160 acres of land, with 
good improvements, and has three children,— Ames A., Edward B. and Emma J. 

John Biokerman. 

Mr. Bickerman was born in Kentucky, near Louisville, in 1848. He belongs to an energetic, pushing family, 
well known in Marshall county, and came here with his parents in 1850. He married Maggie Marks in 1879, who was 
bom in Indiana. He is a member of the Catholic church, and a son of A. Bickerman. 

Daniel N. Blood, Jr. 

Mr. Blood is a farmer living on section 4. He was born in Henry township. January 3, 1855, and on the 16th of 
February, 1876, married Minerva Reader, a native of Mockport Ind. They have one child, Minerva, born January 
22, 1877. Mr. Blood owns and cultivates 280 acres of land. He is a son of Daniel N. and Salome Blood, anda de- 
scendant of the celebrated Col. Blood who contested with George IV. for the crown of England. 

Mrs. M. a. Hafley (ividow). 

Mrs* Hafley is now a resident of San Francisco, California She was born in Canada, and was married when 
only 14 years of age. Her husband died leaving her a widow at the age of 15. She came to the United States with 
her child and lived with her uncle in Plattsburg, N. Y., one year, and then went to Sacramento, Cal., and opened a 
private boarding house, which she kept until burned out, in 1852. She then ran the City Hotel, on the same street, 
until the flood of 1852, by which she lost $20,000 worth of furniture and her well established business. After this 
calamity she moved to Grass Valley, where she kept a restaurant, and in two years made f 20,000. In 1855 she went 
to Iowa Hill, in the mining district, where she was again au unfortunate sufferer by the elements of destruction, 
losing some 125,000 by a fire which destroyed the town. She then moved to Orrville, where she was married to Mr. 
David Hafley, a merchant, in 1857. They went to Sacramerto and opened the Western Hotel, securing at the outset 
the pati onage of all the stage lines, some twenty coaches per day, and entertained daily about 300 guests. Mr. 
Haflley was taken sick, and finally died in Philadelphia, where she had sent him for his health. She erected a 
costly monument over his remains in Laurel Hill Cemetery, bearing the inscription ' the wife's tribute,'" and re- 
tired from business. Soon after, however, she opened a first-class boarding house, deriving her patronage mainly 
from members of the legislat. re, and continued until the great flood of 1862, when she moved to San Francisco 
and purchased the residence of the late U. S. Senator Broderick, who was killed in a duel with Judge Tirry, of Cal- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



705 



ifornia. After a residence of four years in private life she opened a first-class boarding house on KearDey street, 
corner of Washington, in which she continued until 1876, when she sold out and made a trip ea^t, visiting the Cen- 
tennial Exposition. Returning, she stopped to vifit friends in Marshall county, and while here Purchased the Hat- 
field farm, in Saratoga township, for which she paid $10,000 cash In the meantime her daughter ManaAgnes.was 
attending school at the seminary of the Sacred Heart, in Philadelphia, where she graduated with the highest honors 
after six years' study. She was the treasurer of the school, and a great favorite with all One one occasion when 
news arrived of a brilliant victory gained by Gen. Grant, she was confidentially informed of it by one of the sisters. 
with a caution not to my anything about it to the young ladies, there being some 300 there, many of w bona were 
from the south; but her patriotism ovcrbalancod her caution, and when she got into the dming room she picked up 
a chair and called on all present to give three cheers for the grand victory; then holding the ch^ir over her head 
marched round the table, calling for three cheers more. At this point the principal came in and told her she should 
have her turned out of school for creating such excitement, and sent for her uncle, Mr. Hafley, a silk merchant of 
Philadelphia, who upon his arrival told her to give ten cheers for the next victory she beard of. and then he would 
send her to Paris. She is now the wife of Mr. Charles Pond, hardware merchant, of San Francisco Mrs. Hafley is 
still an active business lady, living on the ample income from her property. 

C. M. Dawson. „ u • «^ 

Mr Dawson resides on section 17, his occupation being that of a farmer. He was bom in Monongahela county. 
Va.. in 1839. locating in Bureau county. 111., in 1857, and in Marshall county in 1878. In 1864 he married Mary J. 
Raymond, who was bora in Connecticut. They have four children.-Freddie. Franklin, Blartha and Edward. 
While a resident of Bureau county Mr. Dawson served his community some eight years as a school trustee. IIis 
present homestead embraces 90 acres of land, with good improvements. 

George W. Bickerman. ^ , u 

Mr Bickerman is a farmer residing in Whitefield township, who was born on the place he now occupies, in 
1856 His parents were among the first settlers in the county, and made good provision for their children. In 1877 
he married Maggie Mattern, born in Henry township, and they have one child, Adam L., bom in 1878. They are 
members of the Catholic Church. He owns a fine farm of 145 acres, and 37 acres in timber, is a good farmer, and 
well posted in matters pertaining to farming, stock raising, etc. 

Edward Schuster. . 

Mr. Schuster was born in Henry, in 1854. Engaged in the ice business m Henry in 1877 8, in which he was 
quite successful. Is a member of the fire department, and a real estate owner. Since quitting his former business 
he has been speculating, in which he has made money. 

Russell E. Heacock. .... . ^ .. *v, 

Mr Heacock is a native of the Dominion of Canada, having been born in Leeds county and removed to the 
vicinity of Henry in 1841, In August, 1848, he married Sarah H. Davidson, born in the saine county with himself. 
Ud to 1857 he lived in Henry, where he served some time as mayor, and as aldermen. Was assessor two years, and 
filled other positions. Mr. H. is interested in the early history of the place and county, and possesses much 
valuable information. He is a good talker, a pleasant, genial gentleman, and owns a good farm with first class 
surroundings, 

Mrs. Nancy H. Coan. . ,. „ . . t^ • v, 

Mrs. Coan was born in Indiana in 1833, her maiden name being Brassfield. Her parents came to Peoria when 
she was a child, and she married William D. Louden, born in Pennsylvania in 1858. He died in 1872, leaving three 
children-DeWitt. Kebecca and flenry. She married Mr. T. P. Coan in 1875. He is agent for the Hanna wagon in 
Nebraska. Mrs. C. owns a fine farm in Whitefield, also her residence in Henry. She is a member of the Congre- 
gational church. 

T*VTTfR "MaTTERN' 

Mr. Mattem was bom in Bavaria, Germany, in 1816, and came to the United States in 1842, settling in Zanes- 
ville Ohio, where he lived until 1844. He married Prances Erich in 1842, in Albany, N.Y., born in Bavaria. They 
ha"; seven children-Geo. P., Katberina, Michael J., Stephen, Margaret, William and Henry Are members of the 
CalhoTc church. He owns 140 acres of land under excellent cultivation, is much interested in the growth of fruit, 
makes excellent cider, etc., for which he finds a ready market. 

^%rEm':riS\s^trm'^r,^^^^^ in Washington county, Va.. in 1851 and is a so. of G. W^ -me^i^k . a large land 
holder of thS township. He c;me to Marshall county along with his parents when a cnid and married Jennie 
MoSy. bom in Miami county. Ohio, in 1877. They have one child, Anna May, bom Jan. 24th, 1879. 

^"^ Mrs'^lin^is^-i^w o^t' w'^mine, and was bom in Lewiston, Mifflin county. Pa. She married George W. 
Kline, 0c£5.1876aTd he died August 8, 1879, leaving seven children, viz., J. B„ Ella, Ben/amin. Louisa, Mc. 



706 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Clellan, Minnie and Vernon. Mr. Kline first engaged in the nursery business in Canton, and afterward at farming, 
which he followed very successfnlly, and then engaged in the lumber trade with Mr. Green. He bought Mr. Green's 
interest in a few months, and sold out to A. M. Pool. A year or so before his death he again went into the trade 
under the firm of Law & Kline, which firm was dissolved by death. He was an estimable citizen, correct in his 
dealings, industrious, and largely esteemed by those who knew him. 

Elnathan Knapp. 

Mr. Knapp was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1830, and removed to Marshall county, Illinois, in 1869. He 
married Sarah Quimby in 1S59. She was born in the State of New York, and to therii have been given three chil- 
dren—Eva A., Edmond E. and Alfred A. Mr. Knapp owns one hundred and twenty acres of fruit land under cul- 
tivation, and his family are members of the Christian church. 

LoTON Frisbey. 

Mr. B'risbey is an old and wealthy farmer, who has lived in the county since 1835. He was born in Rutland 
county, Vt., in 1806, and moved to Chatauque county. New York, in 1833. He married Rhoda Mallory in 1827, born 
in Vermont, who becime the mother of eight children, five of whom survive and three are dead. The living are 
Amanda, Iliram, Eliza, Henry and Elvira. Mr. Frisbey owns 185 acres of excellent land, and has laid by a 
goodly sum to make his old age comfortable. Himself and wife have toiled long and well, and their days have 
been long in the land. They still live in the home they made in younger days, and can view the future with hope 
and the past without regret. 

James A. Hanson. 

Mr. Hanson lives on section 9 of Henry township, and was born in Peoria county, Illinois iu 1847, and moved 
to Marshall county in 1866, In 1871 he married Eliza Smith, likewise born in Peoria county, and one child has since 
been born to them— Walter S. He owns eighty acres of good land, all under cultivation, on which he has just 
erected a fine dwelling house. 

Abraham W, Hoagland. • 

Mr. Hoagland is a native of New York state where he was born in 1812, and with his parents came to Putnam 
county in 1856. In 1868 his father died. His mother is still living. When President Lim-oin called for "six hundred 
thousand more" he shouldered his musket and became a soldier in the 87th 111., serving until the end of the war. 
He owns 120 acres of land in a high state of cultivatipn, with a good house and other buildings. 

J. W. Jones. 

Mr. Jones is a farmer, born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1815. He came west in 1838, and located near 
where he now lives in 1839. In 1846 he wedded Mary J., sister of Deacon Pool, of Henry. -She died in 1866, leaving 
four children— Walter Morris, Eugene and Stella,. He married his present wife, formerly Mary E. Baker, in 1871. 
They have one child, Henry. Although 64 years old Mr. Jones is hale and hearty, and Mrs. Jones is quite young 
looking, showing that their lives have been free from care and trouble. 

JoHANN Joseph Merdian. 

Mr. Merdian lives on Sec. 20, and was born on the Rhine, in Bavaria, in 1811. He came to the United States 
in 1836 and worked at wagon makir g in New York city until he cime to Henry in 1873. For some time he ran botn 
the shop and farm, but finding this would not do he sold his shop and confined himself to farming, in which he has 
been quite successful. He married Mary Burgun in 1838, born in France, and they have nine children— Stephen J., 
Mary, Clara, George, Peter, Conrad, John, Bernard and Henry. He owns his home farm of 430 acres, 160 acres in 
Woodford county and 100 acres in Whitefield, Himself and family are members of the Germin Lutheran church. 

P. S. Perley, 

Lawyer and Postmaster, Henry, 111. 

John A. Warren, 

Grocer, Henry, Illinois. 

William Warren, 

Grocer, Henry, Illinois. 

Joseph C. Kalb, P/i//sician and Sutujeon. 

Dr. Kalb, proprietor of the drug store that be.ars his name, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1831, and 
has led a rather exciting life. He was given a liberal education and early began the study of medicine, attending 
lectures as early as 1851, and he began practice then. He was a hard student, poring over his books early and late 
and when given a diploma was one of the best informed physicians in the county. He graduated from Sterling 
Medical college in 1856-7. In 1861 was appointed surgeon of the 42 i Ohio Volunteers and served through the ex- 
citing campaign that preceded the fall of Vicksburg, participating in the battles of Champion Hill, Black River and 
Jackson. He was also in the Red River expedition, and was through the campaign in eastern Kentucky. Was pro- 



telOGEAtmCAL DEPARTMENI'. 707 

moted to division, surgeon with the army under Gen. A. L. Lee, and medical inspector in the field, after the lied 
liiver expedition, with charge of the greater part of the 13th and 19th army corps. He was mustered out Nov. 28th, 
1861, and married Miss S. S. Brown in 1851, their two children being named Clinton and Edina. He came to Henry 
in 1869, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice. His large experience has given given him unusual 
opportunity to study difficalt and complicated diseasesj and especially surgical cases. He stands high in the pro- 
fession and exercises a marked influence in the community. 

Mary C. Powell. 

Mrs. Powell was born in Morgan county, Ohio, where, in 1836. she married L. K. Powell, a native of Virginia, 
He died in 1859 leaving to her care three children— Daniel H., Alfred H. and Lucy B. They are members of the M 
E. church. Mr, Powelllwas a kind husband and father and greatly beloved. 

Mark Gregory. 

A native of Ohio, born in Ashtabula county in 1^35. whence be moved with his parents in 1837 to Auglaize 
county, in the same state, and from there to Peoria county. 111., in 1843, where he remained until (18 years of age. 
In 1S53 he came to Marshall county, where he has since made his home. lie resides on section 8, is engaged in 
farming, and owns 160 acres of land with first-class improvements, all under thorough cultivation, (n 1866 hu mar- 
ried Eleanor Ursula Goodrich, a native of Vermont. They have one child living, Charles D., and one deceased. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F.. is now road commissioner and a member of the board of school directors. 

William P. Williams. 

Mr. Williams was born in Union county. New Jersey, in 1823, and came to Marshall couuty in 1854. lie mar- 
ried Petronella Iloagland in 1847. born in Middlesex county, New Jersey. They have six children as follows: Han- 
nah C, James A., Bessie, Annette, Marv W. and Carrie. Are members of the Congregationdl church. Mr. Williams 
has a fine dairy, and furnishes the citizens of Henry with pure milk. He 'v a good business man, a pleasant talker, 
generous and liberal. Such men deserve to be — as Mr. Williams has always been— successful. 

W. C. GlTYER. 

Mr. Guyer is a farmer and riairj man residing on section 9. He was born in Mifflin county. Pa., in 1839. and 
located in this county in 1869. In 1864 he married Malinda Fibbs, also a native of Pennsylvania. They nave five 
children,— Lloyd U.. Doffie D., Charles A., Ida M. and Fannie R. Mr. Guyer and his wife are members of the 
United Brethren church. He owns 55 acres of land adjoining Henry, and has made a speciality of the dairy busi- 
ness since 1876, keeping 12 caws and supplying the city with milk. He is at this writing a member of the board of 
school directors. 




708 



Records ot' the olben time. 



EYANS TOWNSHIP. 



Henry Foster. 

Mr. Foster was born in Southwick, Mass., in 1827 and moved to Connecticut with his oarents when but two 
years old. where he learned the trade of harness making. In 1854 he came west locating at Palatine,Putnam county. 
111., andthe year following removed to Magnolia and established himself in business. Be married Elizabeth 
Squires in 1849. born in Baitford, Conn., and they have three children— James F., Josephine A. and Frank H. In 
1864 he moved to Wenona and opened business here. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 77th Regiment 
111., Volunteers. He was elected police justice iu 1875 and served four j'ears. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

David Stateler. 

Mr. Stateler is a retired farmer living in Wenona. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1806, moved to 
Tazewell county, HI., in 182j, ani to Putnam county in 1831. He married Marv Myers in 1830, a native of Phila- 
delphia, and they have fice children living— M^iry (Mrs. Burns), \.. H., Almira R., Marshall and Bradford. He 
claimed 220 acres in Roberts township in 1831 and entered it when it came into market and opened a large farm 
and followed this business up to 1865, when he moved to Wenona. Mr. Stateler has filled all the responsible offices 
in his township and taken a leading part in public affairs. He made money in farming and knows how to 
enjoy it. 

Isaac Vaughn. 

Mr. Vaughn was born in 1831, came to Illinois and located at Magnolia. He came to Wenona ia 1858 and 
worked at the carpenter trade until 1862. when he enlisted in company H. of the 104th III. Volunteers and served 
until the close of the war, taking part in many of the great battles of the west . He was in Sherman's great cam- 
paign from Chattanooga to A.tlanta, and tdence to the sea, and took part in the grand parade at Washinaton. When 
mustered out he t ommanded the company. In the fall of 1865 was elected county treasurer and served two years. 
In 1867 he returned to Wenona and established the firm of Southwell & Vaughn and still carries on the business. 
He married Maria Adams (Willis) in 1868 and their children are Cora, Alice, Ralph and Fred. Was elected the first 
mayor of Wenona and served two terms. He keeps a first-cla.ss stock of drugs and does a good business. 

Wllliam J. McAllister 

Mr. McAllister belongs to the firm of Stateler & McAllister, of Wenona, and was born in Ireland in 1850. He 
obtained a good general and mercantile education at home and in the city of Limerick, where he served in the 
wholesale firms of J. and T. Norton, Carnock, Tait & Co., William J. Todd & Co. and A. and J. Mitchell, in all 
more than eight years. He came to Chicago in 1872 and entered into the employ of Carson, Pirie & Co., remaining 
until 1873, when he became a clerk for E. S. Fowler & Co., of Wenona, Was with them three years and on his re- 
tiracy helped form the firm of which he is a member. He married in 1877, Flora Southwell, the first child bom in 
Rutland township. Their only child, Roy, died when two years old. The firm to which he belongs does a large 
business and they carry an extensive stock. 

J. B. Hudson, M. D. 

Dr. Hudson was born in 1841 and came to Lacon with his parents in 1845. going from thence to Janesville, 
Wis., in 1851. He attended school at Evansville and Milton and completed his education at the state university, 
Madison. He studied medicine and graduated at the Bennett Medical college, in Chicago, and settled in Wenona, 
where he has been engaged in practice for 17 years. In 1878 he married Maggie Lawless, of Bureau coanty, 111., 
a member of the Catholic church. He is a good physician and very successful, having built up a good 
practice. 

John O. Dent. 

Mr. Dent is a capitalist residing in the city of Wenona. He was born in Monongahala county, W. Va., in 
1819. and in 1823 moved with his father to Wayne county, Ind., where they remained until 1832, when they located 
in Putnam county, 111. In 1849 he made his first entry of land, in Osage township, LaSalle county, which he still 
retains and has occupied ever since. About the same time he entered 160 acres in Evans township, Marshall county. 
He built his first residence in 1851 . In March of 1850 he married Harriet F. Spencer, daughter of Horace Spencer, 
of Whitefield township. They have seven children living,— Frances M., Mary S., Horace F., Rosalie S., Eva L., John 
O., Jr., and Judith G. Be is a member of the Masonic order, and both he and Mrs. D. are members of the Chapter 
of the Eastern Star. He was supervisor of Osage township during the first eight years from its organization, was a 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 7O0 

member of the State legislature, filled successfully all the local offices, and was president of the Wenona Union 
Fair Association for the term of 1878-79. Mr. Dent is an extensive land owner, having 600 acres around Wenona, 
80 acres in Gilman, and about 300 acres in Vermillion county, all of which is rented with the exception of his home 
farm of 120 acres in LaSalle county, just across the line from Wenona. This is composed of very choice land, 
specially devoted to the raising of fine stock, in which he is extensively engaged. He keeps a large number of 
cows for breeding purposes exclusively, and markets on an average about fifty fat steers per year. To Mr. Dent is 
also due the credit of starting the first nursery in this part of the country, raising from seed nearly all the trees 
within twenty miles of Wenona, His home farm is divided by handsome hedge fences into eleven fields, each hav- 
ing a grove of timber which serves admirably as shade and shelter for his stock. A. main avenue with which each 
field connects extends through the entire farm, and is thickly lined with shade trees on either side, affording a de- 
lightfully cool and sliady retreat in the wannest weather. It is a model farm — the creation of a model farmer. 

Charles Parker. 

Dealer in agricultural machinery. Mr, Parker was born in Norfolk county, Mass., in 1812. and came to Mar- 
shall county in 1836, locating on Round Prairie. He bought 480 acres which he farmed up to 1861. when he retired. 
He was active in raising funds for volunteers at Lacon at the outbreak of the war, although a Democrat himself 
He retired from farming and established the agricultural implement depot at Wenona, where he has been en- 
gaged with his sons ever since. Married Maria L. Dean in 1838. She was born in New York city. They have five 
children— Charles D.. Bllen (Gallaher), Jane P., George W, and Amelia. Mrs. Parker is a member of the Presby- 
terian church. Mr, Parker is a member of the Masonic order. He was justice of the peace 18 years in Marshtll 
county. They keep all kinds of machinery for farm purposes in their establishment and carry a large stock of re- 
pairs. They keep McCormick's full line of goods, besides other reputable manufacturers. Mr. Parksr is active 
and pushing, and wiil get business when it is to be had, 

E. S. Fowler. 

Mr. Fowler is a native of Massachusests, and was born in 1821. He emigrated west in 1850 and located in Hen- 
nepin, after.which he went to Caledonia. He remained here a short time and came to Wenona, engaging in the 
grain business, following it UHtil 1859. when he opened up a stock of dry goods and has been in the trade ever 
since, transacting a large and successful business. He married Miss E. A. Knowles in 1865, born in Ohio, and to 
them three children have been born— Henry K., born in 1866, Paul, in 1868, and Georgie in 1872. When he came to 
Wenona and engaged in the grain trade he lived with his brother. Mr. Fowler understands his business and keeps 
it well i'l hand. He is one of the most prosperous men in the county. 

Samuel Scott. 

Mr. Scott was born in Washington county. Pa., in 1825, where he obtained his education. In 1844 he engaged 
in boating on the Ohio River, and worked his way up from fireman to captain. When the Mexican war broke out, 
he enlisted in the army as a teamster, and in that capacity served through the war. At the close he returned to the 
United States and located in Magnolia, and has been a resident of Putnam and Marshall counties since, except 19 
months spent in California— 1850-51. He married Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips ( Worthington) in 1848. She died ia 1869, 
leaving one child. Sarah J. He mtirried his present wife, Laura Bakar, in 1870, a native of this county. They have 
four children— Charles B., Julia, S. W, 8. and Cornelia. He is a member of the Masonic order, ah o of the I. O. O. 

F. He and his wife are also members of the Chapter of the Eastern Star. He was collector of this township one 
term. He established his grocery business in 1868. and it is the oldest establishment of the kind in the city. In 
1871 he associated with him in businesss Mr. R. F. Becher, also an old merchant. They carry a large stock of 
choice groceries and provisions. They are both gentlemen of refinement, polite and attentive to all, and command 
a larse trade. 

S. B. Patch. 

Mr. Patch (of Patch & Swift), was bom in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1838, and came west in 1864, locating in Ottawa, 
and in Peru in 1865, and in Wenona in 1870, when they started a small foundry. They have now one of the most 
perfect and complete establishments west of Pittsburg. In a word it is perfect in all its appointments, and having 
made stove repairs a specialty, they are prepared to offer to the public the largest assortment of any foundry in 
the west. They have castings for the repair of all kinds of stoves now in use. having gone to a large expense in 
getting patterns. Th°y challenge any firm in the west to furnish as many patterns as they do. Mr, P. married 
Sarah A. Beam in 1865. She wes born in Johnson county. Pa. They have ten chilnren— Ada B., Katie, Elmer E., 
Louis, Sarah J,. Samuel J., Clomie E., Minnie, Raymond and Pheba. Mrs. Patch is a member of the M. E, church, 
Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Societies, and has served as alderman two years, and mayor 
two years. 

Garrett Newkirk, M. Z>., Practicing Dentist. 

Doctor Newkirk was bom in Calhoun county, Michigan, May 3, 1847, and removed with his father to Stark 
county, III., in June, 1854. St"died medicine at the age of eighteen with Dr. O. W, Newell, then of Marshall county; 
attended two courses of lectures and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, February 1868. Removed to 
Missouri in 1869, and practiced medicine and surgery there till October, 1873. Lived at Low Point and Washburn, 
Woodford county, five years. There being no resident dentist there, he became interested in the special care and 



^10 EECOfeDS OF THE OLDEN TlitE. 

treatment of the teeth. Made dentistry a subject of study, and liking the work, gradually withdrew from medical 
practice to engage in it. Located in Wenona in August, 1878, and engaged exclusively in its practice. Is a mem- 
ber of the Marshall and Woodford county Medical Societies, and North Central Medical Associations. In Decem- 
ber, 1872, married Miss Martha E. Martin, daughter of John M. Martin, then of Woodford county, now of Normal. 
She was born in Washington cjunty, Indiana, in March, 1850, and was brought to Woodford county the sam« year. 
Followed teaching in Woodford and Marshall counties eight years. They have had two children— sons, one of 
■whom is dead. The name of the living child, an infant, is John Martin Newkirk. It is to be hoped he may live to 
read this Record, and first printed mention of himself. 

E,. C. MuLHALLEN. 

This gentleman was born in Auausta county, Va., in 1823, moved to Park county, Ind., with his parents in 
1836, and to Marshall county in 1858. He commenced business life as a farmer in Roberts township, which he con- 
tinued until 1864, when he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements two years, aud in 1866 embarked in the 
grocery business. In October of 1&73 he married Mrs. Sarah A Knoff (Morley), a native of Wood county, Ohio. 
They have two children, Clara B. and William H. Mrs. M. had one| child by her first marriage, Alice Knoff. 
Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order, and has served two years in the board of aldermen 

Andrew Rogers, Proper AdeJbert /louse. 

Mr. Rogers was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1819. and came to the United States in 1849, and settled in 
Cleveland, Ohio. Has been a citizen of Marshall county since 1860. He married Kliza Ringrose March 17, 1849. 
She was born in Ireland. They have two children living— Miry and Kate, and six children deceasea. Are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. He owns the hotel, which he is now running, and is m iking some esirable improve- 
ments on the property. The place is well situated for custom, and its surroundings pleasan . 

J. G. Forney, Photographer. 

Mr. Forney was born in Putnam county in 1843. He learned his business in Hennepin, and carried on 
there two years, when he moved to Wenona in 1870, where he has been since. He has facilities to make any size or 
style of pictures, and his work is unsurpassed. He married Miss M. C. Sanderlin in 1870. She was born in Bureau 
county. 111. They have one child— Daisy L. Mrs. Forney is a member of the M. E. church. He has turned out 
some of the finest pictures ever made in the place, is fully up with the times, and his prices are always reasonable, 

J. M. HiGGINS, Jf. D. 

Dr. Higgins was born in Warsaw, Wyoming county. New York, October 25, 1826 He moved west in 1842, and 
located in Racine, Wis., then to Almira, Jefferson county. Wis., in 1844, and to Quincy. III., in 1851, where he 
studied dentistry. He married Clara Story in 1853, bom in Lockpoit N. Y., and to them one child, Clarence M., 
was bom. Are members of the Presbyterian chnrch. He is a member of the Masonic order, and he and Mrs. H. are 
members of the Chapter of the Eastern Star. They moved to Havana, III., in 1863. where he practiced dentistry till 
1866. when they removed to Chicago, where they continued the business up to 1869, during which time he was study- 
ing medicine, and graduated from the Bennet Eclectic College in that city. The same year he moved to Lawrence, 
Kansas, where he practiced medicine and dentistry for one year, then returned to Quincy. After that he lived in 
Galesburg and Streator, and finally located in Wenona in 1878. Besides the acquirements already enumerated the 
doctor is a fine singer and good musician, and is an excellent photographer. 

E. P. Barker. 

Mr. Barker was born in Chester, Mass., in 1837, and came west in 1844, locating in Peru. He has been in the 
hardward business as clerk or proprietor since 15 years of age. de clerked for E. B. Treat, of LaSalle, for several 
years, and started in business for himself in Wenona in 1863. He erected a fine store 22x75 feet for his business, but 
soon required a larger one. His present store is 22x130 feet, two story and basement, filled with a well selected 
stock of goods in his line, and will compare favorably with any in Chicago or elsewhere. He married a Miss Maria 
M. Morton in 1864. She was born in West Randolph, Vt. I hey have one child, Willis E., born in 1865. Mr. Barker 
is treasurer of the Wenona Union Fair Association, secretary and treasurer of the Wenona Cemetery Association, 
and held the unenviable position of superintendent of the show and license department of the Wenona fair for 
six years, which he filled to the entire satisfaction of all. In fact, he has tilled nearly all the local positions in his 
community, invariably acquitting himself with credit. He is a gentleman of unusual business qualifications, 
polite and attentive to all alike. 

James B. Work. 

Mr, Work was born in Cumberland county. Pa., in 1809, and moved to Marshall county in 1836, along with his 
father and brothers. Whether his ancestors were Puritans or Cavaliers, it is certain he comes from a race that 
loved freedom and hated slavery, and his mind was early made up on which side his influence should be cast. His 
home was on Crow Creek and near what is still known as ' Works ford," a noted crossing place in those days. Not 
long after their settlement fugitives fleeing from slavery, with the north star as their guide, began to arrive and 
crave assistance, which to his credit be it said was never refused. In the course of time the travel increased, and 
his father's place became widely known as a " station " on the U. G, R. R. Fugitives came at all hours, and if there 
was danger of pursuit, no night was too dark or inclement to prevent his helping them to the next resting place, 
the hospitable cabin of William Lewis, beyond Magnolia. How many slaves Mr. Work has aided to escape cannoC 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 711 

be fully told, but there were several hundred, and computed as human chattels ranked in those days, it is probable 
their slave owners were half a million dollars the p wrer through him. In 1S40 he married Mary A. Murphy, and to 
them were given three children- A. Ib-rt B , William W. and James P. Mrs. W. died in 1852. and in 1854 he married 
Sarah A. Miller, by whom he has six children -:\Iarv T., Grace G., Maggie L., David E., Lizzie M. and Hattie P. Mr. 
Work and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, and for 23 years he has been ruling elder. 

K. F. Beotier. 

Mr. Becher was born in France, near the city of Paris, in 1H46. He came to the United States with his parents 
in 1853, locating in Sandwich, in this state, whence he moved to Areola, and frorr^ there to Wenona in 1857. He has 
been in business here since 1870, and in 1871 formed a partnership with Air. Scott in the grocery business. In 1867 
he married Jennie McQuown. who was born in Kentucky. They have four children ,-Pre.ierick W.. Edward B.. 
Allen P. and Ella Pell. Mr. Becher is a member of the I. O. O. F. and for two years has represented that order from 
this district in the grand lodge, belongs to the Masonic of^er, is township collector, alderman from the second ward 
and treasurer of Co. B, 10th Bat. I N. G. 

J. H. Jackson, Attorney at Law. 

Mr. Jackson was born in New York, in 1535, and came west when 15 vears old, living at first in Henry, where 
he obtained his education at the Northern Illinois University, where he remained four years. He read law with P. 
' 8. Perley two ^ ears, and then moved to L«con, entering the law office of Bangs & Shaw. Not long after this he was 
appointed deouty circuit clerk under ShehJon Arnold, and served four years. He then finished his law studies and 
WHS admitted to the bnr, after which he moved to Wenona and entered upon the practice of his profession in the 
fall ot 1865. He married Miss M. J. Ewalt the same year, born in Peoria county, and they have two children, Flor- 
ence H. and Mabel. Mr. Jackson has been city attorney and alderman. He has a good practice in the home and 
circuit courts, and is regarded as a rising man. He is a good adviser, and a careful, painstaking lawryer. 

John Judd. , . . c „ * m 

Mr. Judd was born in Wilks county, North Carolina, in 1825, and moved with his father to LaSalle county, 111., 
in 1831, settling on Sandy creek. The next spring the Black Hawk war broke out, and the few settlers, comprising 
twenty-spven families, joined in the erection of a fort for mutual protection, assisted by some friendly Indians. 
He remembers many events but was too young to do much fighting. He married Jane Brown in 1848, born 
in Fayette county. Pa. They have tnree chilriren-Leroy, N. B. and Theresa. He is a member of the Masonic 
order and ali=o of the I. O. O. F, Mr. and Mrs. Judd are members of the Eastern Star. He has held several local 
offices of his district. The Judd family is one of the oldest and best known in the county and stands high in the 
estimation of the community. 

Kendall E. Rich, M. D. 

Dr. Rich was born in Franklin county. Mass., in 1824, came to Michigan and stopped one year and then re- 
iroved to Adams county. 111., in 1845, where be begpn the study rf medicine with Dr. G. O. Pond. He accom- 
panied the army to Mexico in 1847 and was made hospital steward at Vera Cruz, served in the same capacity after 
the war. Af .er this he came back to Adams county, completed his studies and graduated at the Missouri Medical 
College in 1850. and in the fall removed to Magnolia. 111., where he commenced practice , During the war he served 
as assistant surgeon of the 73i 111. Volunteers, and at its close located in Wenona, where he has since remained. In 
1851 he married Julia Baker and their children are Mary. Charles E. and Kate. The doctor was present at the first 
administra'^^ion of chloroform in the U. S army, has been examining surgeon since his retiracy from the service 
;ind has a large and lucrative practice. 

John Taylor. ,^,^ ^ 

Mr. Fpylor is a machinist living m Wenona. He was born in Fayette county. Pa in 1817, and came west in 
1842, locating on a farm in Putnam county, which he cultivated until 1860, when he sold out, moved to Wenona 
and established a machine shop, in which business he has since remained, though latterly devoting a portion of his 
lime to the cultivation of a farm. In 1844 he married Mary A. Mills, born in Washington county. Pa, They have 
six children- Ubert R., Joseph N., Isabella A.. John P.. Sarah M. and William H. They are members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church, in which he has been an elder since 1843. He has been an earnest advocate of tem- 
perance all his life, being an active member of the Gord Templars, in which he occupied the position of Worthy 
Chief for many vears, has been president of the Ked Ribbon club, and belongs to the Sons of Temperence. 

Thos. B. Hinman, Wagon Manufacturer. 

Ml. Hinman was born in New Milford, Lichfield county. Conn., in 1817. He went to Binghampton. N. Y., 
when only 16 years old, where he commenced to learn the trade with two older brothers. Worked there until 1833. 
when they moved to Tazewell county. 111., where his brothers established business and he served out nis time, fave 
J ears. Re then moved to Canton Fulton county, and after working at jour work for a while, went into part- 
nership with his employer, whom he soon after bought out and run the busine >s there about eight years. He then 
sold out and purchased a farm and worked it untill85l, when he sold out all his interests in Fulton county and 
moved to Marshall county, purchasing 200 acres in Bennington township. He lived upon this about eleven years 
then sold out and move Unto Wenona, where he built and established his p-esent business in 1865. He marriea 



712 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Martha A, Sherwood in 1845, a native of N, Y. They have five children— Hanford II., Eliza A., Sarah E.. Ada E. and 
Benton E. They are members of the Presbyterian church. He was school trustee and director, road commissioner , 
and justice of the peace in Bennington township. He was one of the first aldermen in Canton, Fulton county 
He is a finished mechanic and has facilities to turn out all kinds of carriages, buggies and wagons to order on short 
notice, 

Mrs. Jane McCall. 

Mrs. McCall was born in Montgomery, Franklin county. Ohio, and married Marshall McCall in 1852. He whs 
born in Washington county, Pa., in 1807. He died in 1872, leaving three sons and two daughters bv a former mar- 
riage. Mrs. McCall has one daughter by a former marriage, Henrietta G. (Dent). They are members of the Pres- 
byterian church. Mr. McCall was for years a leading citizen of the township. He was a man of liberal views, well 
lead on national affairs and a deep thinker. lie was the first presideut of the Wenona fair, and his son, John A . 
served one term in the Legislature, was a long time supervisor of his township and president and chief owner of 
the Wenona Bank. 

George W. McAdam. 

Mr. McAdam was born in Ohio in 1811 and came west in 1857 locating in Roberts township wher^ he followed 
farming up to 1865, when he moved to Wenona and went into the mercantile business, in 1868 he sold out and went 
to farming in La Salle county where he lived until 1871. Went to town again and stai 1 two year.«, and went on to 
thd farm again and remained until 1876. Moved to town for two years, and in 1878 he purchased 52 acres adjoining 
the town where he has since lived. In 1840 he married Ann J. Moore, who died in 1865, leaving six children- 
George G., James, William A., Annie, Maggie and Mary. John, another snn, died in the army. In 1867 he married 
Mrs. Mary Gill (Mercer) and they have one child, Eddie. Mr. Mc Vdam has lived a long and useful life and is now 
reaping the reward of his industry. 

John Yeuk. 

Was born in Nassau, Germany, in 1844. He came to the United States in 1869 and located at Caroline Mills 
Rhode Island. In 1870 he came to Mineral Point, Wis., and worked on a farm. Went to La >!alle in 1871 and 
worked in the zinc works until 1875, when he came to Wenona, purchased property and established a carriage 
manufactory. Married Katie Bretz in 1874, born in Germany. They have three children - John, Frank and Bertha. 
He is a member of the Catholic church. The name of the firm is Yeuk & Monk and they make all kinds of car- 
riages, buggies, and spring wagons and do all kinds of repairing. 

J, S. Hunt. 

Mr. Hunt was bom in Licking county, Ohio, in 1825, came west in the fall of 1830, and located in Putnam 
county. He moved to this county in the fall of 1832, and to Wenona in 1859. He is a carpenter and builder by 
trade, and has steadily followed this vocation since arriving at man's estate. In 1848 he married Mary A. Myers, 
born in Pennsylvania. They have six children,— Jacob A., Clara J.. Salathiel M., Frank P., George and Mary J. 
They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which his father, John 8. Hunt, was the organizer in 
this county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been constable and township collector two terms each. 

RuFus Douglas. 

Mr. Douglas wss born in Cumberland county, Maine, and came west in 1857, first locating In Nashville, Wash- 
ington county. 111., whence he moved to Wenona in 1860 and embarked in the carriage business, which he continued 
until 1874, and then retired. In 1843 he married Menella A. Nickerson, born in Massachusetts. They had one boy, 
Henry Clay, who enlisted in Co. I, 104th 111. Vols., and was killed in the battle of Mission Ridge. Mr. Dougla« 
went to California in 1849, returning in 1856. He has been a member of the masonic order over thirty years. 

L. J. Hodge. 

This gentleman, a member of the firm of Howe, Hodge & Ralston, bankers, of Wenona, was born in Monroe 
county, Ohio, in 1841, and came west with his parents in 18.52, locating in Putnam county. He came to Wenona in 
1855, and in 1866 embarked in the lumber business, which he followed unfil 1877, when he became identified with 
the above firm. In 1864 he married Harriet E. Howe, a native of this state. They have two children, George O. and 
John G. Are members of the M. E. Church. 

S. G. Allen. 

Mr. Allen was born in Sangamon county. III,, in 1828, and came to this county in 1857. He married Miss 
Emily C. Cundiff, in 1853. She was born in Virginia. Th^y have four children -O. G., Bertha F., Hattie E. and 
Dora. Mrs. Allen is a member of the M. E. church. He is a member of the state grange, and owns 240 acrps of 
land in Evans township, in a good state of cultivation. 

Jamas T. Ralston. 

Mr. Ralston is a member of the banking firm of Howe, Hodge & Ralston, and wbs for several years with J. 
A. McCall & Co, He was bom in Washington county, Pa., in 184.5, and came west in 1864, locating in Washington, 
Iowa, where he lived three years, and then accepted a position in the Wenona bank and came here. He remained 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



713 



with it until the present firm became its successors, in the spring of 1878. He was married m 1871 to Julia McClana- 
han born in Brown county, Ohio, and two children have blessed their union, Hattie N" and Amelia F. They arc 
members of the M E. church- He has served as treasurer of the Wenona Union Fair, and takes much interest in 
its prosperity. As a banker Mr. Ralston stands well with the community, and the institution over which he pre- 
sides has a deservedly good reputation. 

Peter Howe, Banker. (With portrait.) 

Mr. Howe was born in Windsor county. Vermont, in 1816. and when seventeen years old left his native place 
and went to Buffalo, N. Y„ where he learned his trade of brick making. This was in the year 1833. He visited 
Putnam county and remained one year, after which be worked in various places, taking care of his money and stor- 
ing his mind with information. He spent the year 1840 in Alton ; then he went up to Galena, where he passed the 
winter of 1841-2. His wife was formerly Miss A. C. Parks, and they have five children- Marion A.. Harriet E., Je- 
rome Charles and Ida. Mr. Howe is one of the wealthiest farmers in Evans township, and his money wa.s bone&tly 
come'bv. Thero was no Credit Mobilier for him. no orphans were defrauded, nor were his gains the result of a 
fortunate gambling speculation on the Chicago board of t.ade. Himself and wife live in their comfortable home 
and looking back along their busy lives see little to regret and less of duty that remains undone. In the year 1878 
he established the Wenona Bank, in connection with Messrs. Hodae and Ralston, but it is understood the most ot 
its capital was furnished by him. In religion Mr. Howe and his wife are Baptists, to the support of which denom- 
ination they largely contribute . 

Frank H. Brant. ^ . , 

Mr. Brant is a native of Hlinois, born Fedruarj 11th, 1855, He learned the trade of a watchmaker and jeweler 
in Fairbury, Livingston county, worked about five months in Henry, and then located in Varna, starting in business 
for himself in 1876. and serving as assistant postmaster a portion of the time during his residence in Varna. In 
October of 1879 he moved to Wenona, where he has since carried on his business. He keeps constantly on hand a 
stock of goods suitaple to his trade. 

Abraham C. Miller. 

Mr. Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1804. He came west in 1821 and located in Tuscarawas county. Ohio, 
where he lived until 1846, when he came to Hlinois and locate.! in LaSalle, where he lived until 1856. In that year 
he moved to Wenona and followed the carpenter business. In 1836 he married Jane Porter, who was bom in Wash- 
ington county, Md., and they have three children - Andrew F.. Hannah F. (Mr^. Turner) and Richprd P. Are mem- 
bers af the M. E. church. In 1884 Mr Miller walked in fonrteen days from CarroUtcn, Ohio, to Little York and 
back, a total distance of 600 miles, stopping over night on the return trip at the same places he had stopped at m 



going. 



Joseph R. Foster. 

Mr. Foster was born in Burlington county, N. J., in 1810, and moved to Preble county, Ohio, m 1846, and 
engaged in farming. In 1849 he married Margaret Pelan, a native of England, born in 1823. Thev have two 
children, John P. and Mattie A. (Mrs. Wells.^ Are members of the M. E. church. John P. is a member of the 
I, O, O. F. Mr. Foster owns 160 acres of land under cultivation. John P. married Miss Lovina Clark in 1875, 
a native of Ohio. She died in August, 1879, leaving one boy, Perley, born in 1876. 

C. RiEDT. XT « * 1 f ^ 

Mr. Biedt was born in Wurtemburg. Germany, in 1836, and came to the United States in 1854. He first locatea 
in LaSalle, 111., and worked at 8hoemakin(»there. He married Theresa Goelzel in 1862. She was born in Austria. 
They have seven children Lena. Anna, Amelia, William, Adolph, Delia and Gerrett. He is a member of the I. O- 
O. F. He has been in business for himself since 1864, carries a good stock of boots and shoes, and makes to order 
at short notice. 

Dr. Franklin Potts, Physician and Surgeon. 

Dr. Potts was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1829. He moved to Putnam county, 111., with his parents in 
1840, where they remained two years, thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he went to school. In 1856 he removed to 
Iowa, and returned to Chicago in 1857. He studied medicine in Richmond, Ind.. with his brother. Dr. Albert Potts, 
and commenced practice in Chicago in 1857. He married Miss Jennie Bench in 1852. She is a native of Baltimore. 
Md. They have four children ,-Wilber H., Clarence S., Edward F. and Noble F. He is a member of the Masonic 
order. He has been practicing in Wenona since 1868, from which he has secured a handsome income. He practiced 
one year in Magnolia. Putnam county, and three years in Mendota, finally locating permanently m Wenona. 

A. COHN. , •. XT H 

Mr. Cohn was bom in Germany, and came to the United States in 1853, locating in New York city, ue moved 
to Chicago in 1867, and to Peoria in 1859. where he established a restaurant. He moved to Lacon in 1851 and went 
into the manufacture of cigars, and in 1862 moved to LaSalle. where he carried on the c.gar business lor ^-wo years, 
and the turning business- which is his trade-for four years, and in 1867 located in Wenona in a saloon, which he 
Hold out in 1869 and started a grocery. In '71 he moved to Troy Grove, where he carried on a grocery and dry goods 



714 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.'' 

business one year, then went to Chicago, and back to LaSalle, returning to Wenona in 1874, when he started in the 
saloon again, which he discontinued in 1878, and opened a restaurant. He married Mary E. Gerlach in 1869. She 
was born Germany. They have five children— Amelia, Rosetta, Ilermena, Jennetta and Betta. He is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. 

Milton Bayne. 

Mr. Bayne (of Bayne & Bon) was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1831, came west and located in Woodford 
county in 1854, then to LaSalle, near Tonica, the following spring, and to Low Point, in Livingston county, in 1862, 
where he followed farming, and in 1866 went to LaSalle county, near Wenona. He moved into the village about 
1872. He married Mifs Nancy A. ('arson in 1851, who was born in Adams county, Ohio. They have four chil- 
dren- James L., William M., Louis M. and Charlie D. He has been identified with the Canton Wrought Iron 
Bridge Co. since 1869. He sold over 65 spans in LaSalle county, valued at about $180,000, and in Livingston county 
about 50 spans, valued at about $40,000, besides other counties, which would amount in valuation to $100,000, or 
$320,000 on all. He is energetic in the pursuit of business, and the bridges he puts up are of the most substantial 
kind, He is a genial companion and a good talker, as well as just the man for the place. 

A. H. Fowler. 

Mr. Fowler was born in Worcester county, Mass.. in 1832. He came west in 1850, and located in Putnam 
county, then moved to Buchanan, Iowa, and returned to Illinois in 1857, and located in Wenona He enlisted in 
Co. H, 104th 111. V<(1., and was promoted to commissary sargeant in 1862, and served to the close of the war. He 
made the march with Sherman to the sea, mustered out in Chicago, and returned to Wenona in 1865, when he 
commenced his present business. He married Sarah K. Mulkins in 1865. She was born in Otsego county, N. Y. 
They have three children— Emma S., Orie E. and Pauline E. He has been in the grain business since 1865. His 
place is at Garfield, LaSalle county, where he has an elevator of 25,000 bushels capacity, and one in Wenona 
of 15,000 capacity He handles 200.000 bushels annually, and likewise deals in coal. 

William Huwald. 

Mr. Huwald was born in Halstine, Germany, in 1845, came to the United States in 1865, located at Chicago and 
worked at his trade until 1867. He then moved to Ottawa and lived there until 1877, when he located at Wenona 
and established his present business, that of a wagon and carriage maker and blacksmith shop. He married .Johan- 
na Seppel in 1871, born in Saxony. Germany, and they have twochildren— < 'harlie and Edward. lie is a member 
of the 1,0. O. F. He manufactures all kinds of carriages, buggies, and wagons, and does a general blacksmithing 
and repairing business. 

Nathaniel Moore. 

Mr. Moore was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1819. His father was a merchant and moved to Preble county, 
when he was only a tew months old, where he lived some six years, and then moved to Kokomo, Ind., where he lo- 
cated in 1851. In 1853 he moved back to Preble county, and engaged in farming, which he continued until 1855, 
when he moved to Wenona and opened a general store with a Mr. Newbern, as Moore & Newbern. He engaged also 
in shipping grain . At the end of a year he sold to 8. J. Taylor his interest in the store, but continued in the grain 
trade, He owned a couple of <farms. upon one of which he moved in the spring, of 1857, and farmed it some six 
years. He then purchased his fine farm of 200 acres, adjoining Wenona, which he improved and moved to in 
the spring of 1863. This is his home farm, to which he has added good home-like buildings, his residence being 
the very picture of comfort, snugly hid away in the midst of a fine grove of trees of his own planting. His barns 
and out buildings are in accordance with the general appearance of the rest of the group. Then the towering 
wheel of the wind-mill which supplies water to his house and farm, wim its well defined form peeping out over- 
the tree tops, gives the whole place a rich and romantic appearance. He married Julia Banta in the fall of 1843» 
born in Preble county, Ohio. They have six children living— George H., J. M. W,, Edward E., Mary Francis, A. B. 
and Willis, Mrs. Moore is a member of the M. E. crurch. He was elected sheriff in 1864 and served two years. He 
was supervisor of the tewnship several years, and was a member of the 28th and 29th General Assemblies of the 111. 
legislature. He was chosen executor in the settlement of the estate of Solomon Wise in 1862, and assignee of J, A, 
McCall & Co., banker*, in 1878, He is still engaged in the latter. He is school director, and has filled nearly all the 
local offices of his district. His father, David Moore, now in his 92d year, finds a comfortable home at his house. 

Francis M. Myers. 

Mr. Myers is a well known fruit grower and breeder of short horn cattle, and son of David Myers . He was 
born in Roberts township in 1835, obtained his education at the University of Galesburg, taught school in various 
places, and took charge of his father's nursrey. Mr. Myers, sr.. planted the first nursery put out in the county 
and is well known all over this part of the state. The subject of this sketch was married to Celia McMorris in 1860, 
a native of Zanesville, Ohio. They have one daughter, a promising young lady, their only living child. He pur- 
chased the nucleus of his present farm, 40 acres, in 1860 and commenced improvements, moving on to it in 1862. His 
first planting was five bushels of apple seeds, gathered by himself, and now grovm into fine orchards. Soon 
after he added to his farm until he has, in the immediate vicinity of Wenona, a well equipped stock and fruit 
farm of nearly 200 acres. He is gradually drifting out of the nursery business into the more profitable and con- 
genial business, to him, of raising fine stock and fruits. He has 8 acres in strawberries and 25 acres in orchard. 



fetO&RAPHICAt DEtARl^MENT. 715 

with some 45 varieties of apples, besides pears, cherries, etc. He took the first premium for the greatest variety of 
apples exhibited by one exhibitor at the fair ot Wenona. Also other premiums, including the sweepstakes for the 
greatest variety of fruits exhibited. The total value of the prizes was over $50. He has taken these prizes lor 
the last three years. He also took the first premium, of f 100, for the best grass herd exhibited at the fair. He has 
now 26 head of short horn cattle on his farm besides other stock. Mr- Myers h«s been a local preacher m the M. E. 
church since 1867, «nd was regularly oidained by Bishop Ayers, deacon, Sept., 1875. He is a pleasant genial gen- 
tleman, sociable and entertaining, and takes pride in his occupation. Mrs. M. is equally endowed with the quali- 
fications necessary to fulfill her part in the circle in which she moves. 

Johnson Brown. . ,^.0 ^ * w „;„ 

Mr. Brown was born in Fayette county. Pa., in 1H22 and came to Putnam county in 1842 and t«Wen«'^am 
1855. He married Miss Augusta A. Reniff in 1853, born in Massachusetts. Their children are Clarence H.. Lilhan 
E...Toslina.cl Sherman J. They are members of the Presbyterian church. His oldest «"''.; !'*^;^"^,^,J-- ^^^J*^^ 
first white child born in Wenona. and he himself was the first justice of the peace, which position be filled about 8 
years, and «erved as assessor and collector two years of each. His wife has kept a millinery establishment since 
1864. 8. Brown, his brother, who keeps a livexv stabb in Wenoua, served in the army in companv H. 104th 111. 
Volunteers, having enlisted in 1862, and served to the close of the war. He is alderman in the 2d ward. Is serving 
his second term. 

Mrs. Mary Simonson. , ^. ,„ ,, 

Mrs. Simonson is the widow of the late Jesse Simonson, who died in 1877. Both were natives of Preble coun- 
ty. Ohio, and were married in 1860. Mr. S. ^as brought up a farmer and followed that occupation here. Five 
children were given them-WiUiamCSarahE., Laura F., David M. and Jesse, Tbey are members ot the M. E. 
church. Mrs. Simonson owns 160 acres of land under good cultivation. 

J N Wood 

Mr. Wood has long been known as a keeper of one of the most popular hotels in the country. He was bom m 
Weston, Pa., 1818 and moved to La Salle county in 1852, to Putnam county 1853 and to Marshall county in 1854 He 
lived in the township when there was but six house, between the village and his farm, six miles away. .« the v - 
lage there was but a few shanties and the railroad buildings. In 1840 he married Sarah J. Gray, '\'^d '•«"^^^.'l- 
dren have been bomtothem-Frances (Mrs. Clark), William. Nathaniel. Anna M. (Mrs. Decker) and J. F'^nklm. 
Has been in the hotel business here since 1869. During the rebsllion he enlisted m the 104th and was elected lieu- 
tenant in company H. His oldest son served in the 44th until the close of the war. Mr. Wood has served as al- 
derman and filled other positions- He is genial and gentlemanly, and keeps a first-class house. 

William C. Decker. . ,. , . ,a.a w „»^ 

Mr. Decker is a furniture dealer and undertaker, born in Orange county. New York, in 1848. He removed 
west in 1871. stopping first at Morris, where he had an uncle living. From there he went to Aurora and came to 
Wenona in 1873 where he succeeded K, A. Moore and purchased the establishment he has since run. He married 
Annie Wood in 1874. Their children are Maud W. and Jesse. He keeps a fine stock of furniture and gives particu- 
lar attention to undertaking in all its branclies. 

Hutchison Croft. (With portrait.) . p «,,,», is^s 

Mr. Croft was of English parentage on his father's side, and was bom in Bucks county. Pa. Sept 7th_ 1828 
When about seven years old, his father moved to Clinton county, Ohio, and lived there until 1844. Hutchison 
showed when a .mall boy a e-tro.g inclination to deal in and handle stock, and for a boy his Judgment waa remark- 
ably good, the faculty seeming inborn, in 1844 bis father and family moved to the eas end of Ma^hall county. 
Young Croft was then about 16 years old. They first lived in Evans township, but afterward located in Roberts. 
TLe family was poor, and when he arnved at the age of manhood he had nothing to begm life with and a Poor edu- 
cation ; but good judgment and an indomitable will enabled him to contend -ccess ully with the disadvant^^ of 
povert;. When about 21 yeais oid he manied Miss Euphemia Beckwith, Dec 22d, 1849 They --* *" ^J^*^^^^ 
ing in the old log cabin on the Beckwith fa.m. where his wife had been raised from infancy. He h'^* ^""^ ^/^^^^ 
on the widows dower in the farm, and after accumulating some property he bough the heirs out and finally ac^ 
quired full possession of the farm. This place seemed to be headquarters for all his ^.'^^^i^^, «f ^.f'^^" ^^*" 
Ld been in business a tew years, farming and raising stock, he went in partnership with J"*^" f^ j!'''>;f j^f^^^*^^^^^^^ 
Adams in buying and shipping stock to Chicago. Mr. Croft perhaps bought and «h>PP;dm« « ^^^^^J leZ^^l 
any other man in this part of the state, ^ the firm always relied on his superior judgment In ^tter years, when 
business accumulated to such an extent that it w.. necessary to establish a bank, the J-^- -!-^l-l;^^d the jM bank 
of J. A. McCall & Co., which did a safe business as long as Mr. Crott remamed one of the firm He "^''"^^^•^ted 
wealth and bought farm after farm until at his death he h !• i the Dent, Beepelle, Loyd Phillip and the ^^cCall farms, 
near Magnolia,^ all 1,200 or 1,400 acres of valuable land. Of his children. Samuel, the oldest son married a da igh- 
ter of Peter Forbes, and lives on the Beepelle farm ; Mary Lovina died Sept. 1st, 1861, and was buried in L umber land 
Smetery-EmmamairiedJohnKirkpatrick,andis still living on the farm; Julia lately married Clark Sinc^r 
and is also living on tne farm; James, the younge.t son. lives with Samuel. After Mr. Croft had accumulated 
allnlomeproA-audintheprimeof life, he was taken down with the spinal disease, which rendered hm 



716 



HECOUDS of TllE OLDEl^ TIME. 



helpless and a great sufferer. He was first taken down in June, 1874, and became paralyzed below his vital parts. 
He had a stretcher constructed, covered with an air bed and mounted on a wagon, and with a driver he traveled in 
this conveyance about the country, buying stock and doing considerable trading. After he became an invalid he 
sold out all interest in the bank and dissolved his long-existing partnership with Messrs. McCall and Adams; his 
friendships grew stronger for his neighbors, and under the ministrations of Rev. Robert Taylor, a Cumberland 
Presbyterian minister, he attached himself to that church, receiving the rites at his own home. He attended services 
in his invalid wagon, which he would have hauled up to the church window, where he could see and hear the 
preacher. A short time before he died he sent for his old friend Thomas Judd and had him draw up his last will 
and testament dividing his property between his wife and children to the satisfaction of all. He died March 7th, 
1878. His remains were enclosed in a metallic case and buried in Cumberland cemetery, on Sandy, where a splendid 
monument stands to mark the last resting place of a good man. 

BiNGMAN SlIEPLEY. 

Mr. Shepley was born in Monroe connty, Kentucky, in 1830, and came west in 1331 with his parents, and 
located in Indiana. He came to Marshall county, 11., in 1849, when he purchased the north-east li section of the 
county of Marshall, and married Miss Jane Hunt in 1853, She was born in Evans township. They have seven chil- 
dren—Frank. William, Isabella and \rabella (twins). Abraham, Maggie and Jennie. Are members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian church. He has been school director twelve years, is a member of the local protection company, 
and was overseer of the roads eight year.s. 

J. M. TUTTLE. 

Mr. Tuttle is a farmer, living on section 12. He was born in Fayette county. Pa . in 1848, came west in 1866. 
and settled in Evans township, Marshall cninty. Two years later he married Miss Eliza Patterson, likewise born in 
Fayette county. Pa. Theii three children are Rolla, Wilbert and Goldie. He served in the army as teamster at- 
tached to the 9th Maryland, when only seventeen years of age. and saw much of the " pomp and circumstance," as 
Shakespeare says, "of glorious war." 

M. White. 

Mr. White is a farmer, living on section 1 in Evans township, with P. O, at Wenona. He was bora in Butler 
county. Pa.. In 1829, came west and located in Magnolia, Putnam county, in 1855, and moved on to his present loca- 
tion in Osage township, section 6, LaSalle county, in 1866. He married Miss Sarah Mariner in 1865. She was born 
West Virginia. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and Mrs. White of the Christian church. He is school 
director, and has been for the last six years. 

William Dillman. 

Mr. Dillman was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1828, and came to LaSalle county, in Hope township, in 
1845, along with his father. He settled in Evans township in 1849, and married Miss Ann M. Griffin the same year. 
She was bora in Fayette county, Pa. Thev have eight children living-Fannie, Mary, Ida, Sadie, John, David, 
(Eva, Ella), Effie and Gertrude. Are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He owns 189 acres, all 
under cultivation. He enlisted in Co. H, lOJth III. Vol., in 1862, and was discharged in 1863, through disability. He 
was captured at Harts ville, Tenn., in 1862, and paroled and exchanged in March, 18o3. 

Lee Roy Judb. '' 

Mr, Judd is a farmer, living on sections. Postoffice. Wenona. He was born in Evans township, Marshall 
county, in 1849, and married Miss Louisa Wilson in 1867. She was born in Ohio. They have three children— Ellet. 
Delbert and Roy. He owns half of 145 acres, all under cultivation. 

Isaac Springer. 

The subject of this sketch, son of John and Rebecca Springer, was bom in the State of Maryland, May 7, A. 
D. 1798. When about two years of age he with his parents moved to West Virginia and settled on a farm on Grove 
Creek Hill, and there remained a few years. He then with his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, and 
settled near Zanesville. Here he grew up to manho )d and learned his trade. He married Miss Elizabeth Cowan 
in 1822, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter. The son died in infancy, and the daughter, Mary 
Ann, is still living and resides in Ohio. He buried his wife in February. 1823. He married Miss Charlotte Ijams, 
of Muskingham county, Ohio in the spring of 1826, by whom he had twelve children, viz., Creighton, Caleb, Martha 
E., Lewis, Harriet, Milton C. Sarah E,, Amelia R , Helen L„ Adelia A., William Melville and Clara Emma. Caleb 
died in childhood, and Martha E. died in January, 1866 leaving a family behind her. All the others are still living 
and reside in this State. In the fall of 1834 he emigrated to Illinois, and spent the first winter in a cabin where 
Magnolia is situated, and in the following spring moved on a farm owned by Mr. Parka, east of Captain Haws', 
and remained in Putnam county about three years, and then settled in Marshall county, where he resided most of 
the time until his death, which occurred March 17, A. D. 1853. He was a carpenter by trade and a first-class me- 
chanic. He built several of the largest edifices erected in the county in his time, among which were Fisher's Pack- 
ing House in Lacon, and Livingston Roberts' barn at Robert's Point. He was a man of more than ordinary intel- 
lect, and endowed with a wonderful memory, so that notwithstanding his early educational advantages were quite 
limited, he made considerable progress in lit«rary pursuits. He was a good historian, and well read on all the gen- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 717 

eral questions of the day . He was one of the finest mathematicians in the county, being able to solve mentally, 
almost an incredible short time, all the practicable problems he met with. He obtained an extensive knowledge 
of law, and was considered superior counsel by those who knew him best. He took a deep interest in the political 
affairs of the country, and was an ardent whig until the agitation of the question of freesoi', which became one of 
increasing interest to him until his death. He was a public spirited man, always advocating internal improve- 
mente. and willing to bear his full share in pushing forward any laudable enterprise. From the early settlement of 
this State he foresaw in it the grandest commonwealth of the UnioU: but passed away as he was entering upon the 
realization of his fond hopes. 

John A. Coleson. 

Mr. Coleson was born in Woodford county. 111., in 1857, and is a son of Caleb Coleson, now a resident of Eure 
ka. 111. In 1878 he married Amelia Clark, likewise born in Woodford county. They have one child, Frank Oscar, 
and are members of the Christian church. He rents 160 acres of land from his father, which he cultivates. He is a 
promising young farmer, with an unusual amount of perseverance, and with good health is sure to succeed. 

H. C. WOOLF. 

Mr. Woolf was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1828, and moved to Marshall county in 1856, when he 
located in Evans township. In 1856 he married Clara J. Knowles, bom in Perry county, Ohio. They have four 
children-Moe, Lucie, Annie and Charlie. They are members of the M. E. church. Mr.Woolf is road commissioner 
and treasurer of the board; is also school director. He owns 130 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation. He is 
now engaged in raising thoroughbred cotswold sheep, having a number now on hand. Mr. Woolf sees the sheep 
interest of the west is going to be very largely developed, and by making a specialty of this fine breed ha? laid the 
foundation of a fortune for himself. 

Samuel Kreider. 

Mr Kreider wa^born in Washington county. Pa., in 1816, and moved west with his parents in 1835. They set- 
tled in Fulton county, where he lived until 1847, whence he moved to Putnam county in 1849, and to Marshal^where 
he now resides, on the last of December, 1857. In 1844 he married Katherine Keed . She wa« born in Park county, 
Ind., and died May 26th, 1879. leaving four children-John R., George W., James A. and Wilson E. Mrs. Kreider's 
parents came to Knox county in 1836. Mr. Kreider has been school director 16 years and path master two years. He 
owns 120 acres of land, and is one of the prosperous farmers of his neighborhood. He feels that he has doue his 
share of hard work, and having secured plenty of means, has concluded to retire from farming and lead an easier 
life. 

Samuel Hamilton. 

Mr. Hamilton was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1814, and came to the west in 1853, purchasing the Bums 
farm, in Roberts township, which he sold to his son-in-law. Mr. Myers, in 1866, and moved to Wenona. In 1835 be 
married Nancy McMorris, bom in Loudon county, Va., in 1811. She died in 1866. Seven children were born to 
them-Celia in 1837, William in 1840. Lizzie in 1844, John in 1847, Oscar (dead), Frank in 1852, and Roe in 1857. In 
1866 he married Mrs. Harriet Gray (Rodman), bom In Ohio in 1822. They are members of the U. P. church. His Kon 
John is state senator from McLean county, and Frank is a teacher. 

S. C. Barrett. 

Mr Barrett is a professor of vocal music and agent for musical merchandise. He was born in Windham Co. , 
Vermont, in 1825, came west in 1854 and located in Putnam county, and in Wenona in 1867. In 1852 he married Miss 
M. A. Glasier, a native of the same county as himself. They have four children,— Mary E., Mattie A., Cora E, and 
Newton G. They are members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Barrett belongs to the Masonic order. He has been 
engaged in teaching vocal music since 1848, has taught all over this part of the country, and thousands of the sing- 
ers of this state have been trained under him. 

Norman B. Judd. 

Mr. Judd was bom in Evans township in 1851, and in 1871 married Charlotte Stratton, a native of Indiana. 
They have two children, William O. and Ethel May. He is a member of the State Grange and of the local protec- 
tion society, and is one of those whole-souled gentlemen who make it pleasant for all around them. He has a most 
interesting family. Mrs. Judd is a lady of rare qualifications, possessing great social worth. 

Samuel D. Clifford. 

Mr Clifford is a farmer by occupation, and resides on section 11. He was bom in Harrison county, Ohio, Dec. 
2l8t, 1834, and located in Marshall county in 1853. October 29th. 1863, he married Sarah E. Hoyt, who was born in 
this county. They have four children— Laslie, Anita, Host and James S. Mr. Clifford is school director. He owns 
80 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, and has comfortable improvements. He is a pleasant and sociable 
gentleman . 

J. B. Skinner. 

This gentleman, a member of the firm of Skinner & Co., tile manufacturers, of Wenona, was bom in Preble 
county. Ohio, in 1833, and came to Wenona in 1877. In 1866 he married Susan Felton, who was also bom in Ohio. 



718 



tlilCOilDS OF THE OLDEN TlJ\[S:. 



They have one child, Anderson. Mrs. Skinner is a member of the M. E church. He has been in the tile business 
since 1877. They manufacture all sizes necessary, and keep them on hand at all times. They are now selling— 
2ya inch $12 per 1,0(J0 

3 " 15 

354 •' 18 

4 '• 20 

5 " 30 

6 " 40 

Few farmers fully appreciate the advantage of under drainage. It will pay for all the expenses of tile and 

labor in the increase of crops, besides rendering the swamp land the most productive. 

Isaac P. Howard. 

Mr. Howard is a farmer, living on section 12, Evans township. Postoffice, Wenona. He was born in Mount 
Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1824, and moved to Putnam county in 1851. He married Hiss Rebecca Wilson 
in 1853. She was born in Belmont county, Ohio. They have six children- Mary Ida. Lewella J., Hattie R., Henry 
W., John M. and Delbert J. Are members of the Quaker church. Mr. Howard has been school director several 
years. He owns 160 acres of land, all under cultivation, w^th good improvements. He possesses a generous nature 
and is a good farmer. 

W. M. Sprinoee. 

Mr. Springer comes from a noted family, and was born in M>irshall county in 1849. He married Miss Mary 
Angelina l eece in 1877. She wa'? born in Knox county. III. They have one child, Frederick R., born May 28, 1878. 
Mrs. 8. is a member of the Congregational church. He is township trustee. He cultivates 250 acres of land, and is 
a son of the late Isaac Springer, one of the oldest settlers of this county, an extended notice of whom is given else- 
where. He is engaged in breeding short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

« 

Jacob Kemp. 

Mr. Kemp was born in Fayette county. Pa., ia 1821, and came to Marshall county in 1856. He married Miss 
Sarah Parnell in 1843. She died in 1852, leaving four children living— Nicholas M.. Sarah M., Mariam E. and 
Thomas. He married Miss Catherine Brown in 1853. She died in 1867, leaving three children— James B. . Laura and 
Janette. He married Miss Sarah Dillinner in 1869. She was born in Green county. Pa- They have four children- 
Ambrose, Anna Bell, Jacob Ecra and Emma. They are members of the M. E. church. He is a member of the I. 
O. O. F., also (if the temperance society. He owns 80 acres in a good state of cultivation. He was township col- 
lector one year, and served as school director twelve years. Never served as a juror, nor gave evidence as a witness, 
which shows him to be a man of peace. 

William Evans. 

Mr. Evans was bora in Licking county, Ohio, December 31et, 1817, and came to this county (then Tazewell) 
with his parents in the full of 1830. In 1849 he married Martha Springer, who was born in Muskingum county. O., 
and four children have been given them, viz.: Elizabeth, Douglas, John F. and Lucy. Mrs. Evans died in 1866. 
Are members of M. E- charch. He was justice of the peace some seven years, served as school trustee some 25 
years, and filled otber local offices. He owns 320 acres of land, all improved, with good buildings. He is the oldest 
living settler in the township of Evans. A more extended notice of the family is given elsewhere. 

Michael Martin. 

Mr. Martin was born in L'ounty Cavan, Ireland, in 1826, and came to the United States in 1847. He married 
Miss Bridget McDonald in 1857. She was born in the same county in Ireland. They have no children. Are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. He owns 160 acres of laud in a goad state of cultivation and good improvements; is 
hard-working and knows how to make money. 

J. Frazee. 

Farmer. Section 27. Postoffice, Wenona. 

Richard Burroughs. 

Mr. Burroughs was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1820, came to the United States in 1852, and located 
in the New York, where he lived eleven years. In 1861 he determined to go west, and came to Marshall county Il- 
linois. He married Johanna Quinn in 1846. She was a native of the same place. She died March 27, 1879, leaving 
three children— Margaret, Edward and Mary Ann. Thev are Catholics. He owns 160 acres of land, and is a good 
substantial farmer. Mr. B. is indebted to his own industry for his success. He has raised a family of intelligent 
boys and girls, is proud of his adopted country, and deserves his good fortune. 

Zera p. Beckwith. 

Mr. Beckwith was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1815. He came to Indiana with his parents the following 
year, and lived there until 1835, helping to clear up and open a farm. In the year above named he came to Marshall 
county, and in 1837 married Mary A. Gavlord. a native of Pennsylvania. They have live children.— Putnam, Albert, 
Orin, Emma (Ball), and Clara. They are members of the Christian church. Mr. Beckwith was justice of the peace 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 719 

four ypars. school dirf ctor and constable eight years. He owns 170 acres, all under cultivation. He enlisted in Co. 
H. 104th 111. Inf. in 1862, as musician, and served until 1863. when he was mustered out. owing to disability contract- 
ed in the service. He lost one son, L-^ondias, who died of disease in the army. His oldest living son, Putnam, serv- 
ed until the close of the war. Was wounded at Lexington. Mo., in 1861, and captured there with Col. James A. Mul- 
ligan. When exchanged he re-entered the service. 

Robert Henry. 

Mr Henry is a large farmer, living on section 29, Evans township. Postoffice, Wenona. He was bom in 
Westmoreland countv. Pa . in iei6, and moved to Ohio with his parents in 1820. They located in Harrison county, 
where he lived until 1813, and then went back to Washington county, Pa. He came to Marshall county, 111., Dec, 
1H51. He married Mary Hathaway in 1863, a native of Kentucky. She had two children by a former marriage- 
David L. and William A. Smith. Mr. Henry is a member of the U. P. church. She is a member ot the Christian 
church. He was assessor and road commissioner several years. He owns 166 acres of land, all in a good state of 
cultivation . 

Joseph Reynolds. ^ ^„ . ,^^^ „ 

Mr. Reynolds was born in Franklin county, Mass., in 1834, and located in Putnam county. 111,, in 1845. He 
moved to Marshall county in 1858, and married Miss Emily Anderson the same year. She was born ako in Franklin 
conntv. Mass, They have two children-Charles A., 16; and Ella May, 8. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is 
engaged in the purchase and sale of grain, hogs, cattle, etc., of which he handles large quantities. His elevator at 
Evans has a capMcity ot 8,000 bushels. Shipments are made to Chicago. 

Andrew J. Bishop. ,^ , ^. ^ . „ ^ 

Mr. Bishop was born in Washington county. Pa., in 1830. and came west in 1853. locating first in Putnam 
Co., where he married Eliza J Champ the same year. She was born in Hennepin. They haye 4 children-Charles 
W.. Mary E.. Lydin L. and Lyman H. Th3y are members of M. E. church. He has been school director some eight 
years, and ovsrns eighty acres of land under good cultivation, and with good improvements. 

Edward Clifford. . ^ ^^. .^. .. 

Mr. Clifford was born in Brook county. Virginia, in 1806. He moved to Harrison county^Ohio. with his par- 
ents in 1811, a-id married Miss Bebecca Dunlap in 1831. She was bom in Harrison county. Ohio, in 1807 They 
have six children living-Sarah (Mr.. Phillip). Nancy, Samuel D., Martha J. (Mrs, Dunlap), Margaret and Susan 
(VIrs. Hamilton). Are members of the U. P. church. He was road commissioner six years. He owns 336 acres in 
hiB homestead, all improved. Mr. Clifford was an early settler in the township, and by his own exertions has grown 
to wealth and the possessorship of one of the finest farms in the township. 

John Algoe. ,,,... ,qoc .:. . ^v,^ 

Mr. Algoe is a farmer living on section 32. He was bom in county Donegal. Ireland, m 1826 and came to the 
United States in 1846. locating in Marshall county . He married Miss Ann Boyd in 1856, a native of the sarne county 
in Ireland as himself. They have two children, George and Martha J. They are members of the U. P. chnrch. He 
owns 80 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, and is a public-spirited, liberal man. 

F. H. HOLETON. . ,„^, ^ . . 

Mr. Holeton was born in Muskingum county. Ohio, in 1819, and located in this county in 1857. He married 
Hannah Cockerel previous to coming to this county. She was born in Loudon county Va. They have two children. 
James W. and George H. Are members of the M. E. church. He ha« been road commissioner and school trustee 
and was postmaster at Evans station nearly two years. Mr. Holeton owns a very fine property near the station, and 
his farm is one of the best on the prairie. He is well posted in all the affairs of the day, has a plenty of this world s 
goods, and takes the world easy. One of his sons is publisher of the Chilhcothe Review. 

Joshua Evans. ^ . . u. ^a i,- *.+>,». 

Mr. Evans was born in Loudon county. Virginia, Jan. 5th, 1793. When he was about e.ghtyears old, his father 
Thomas Evans, died, leaving his mother, Rhoda, a widow with ei-ht children six sons and two daughters, the eldest 
of whom was not over sixteen years old. A tract of land was owned by the family, but very little bad been done 
iu the way of clearing off the heavy timber that covered it, and when cleared the soil was sterile. In 180d the wia- 
ow abandoned the Virginia home, not having been able to effect any sale, and removed with her family to Licking 
county. Ohio. At the age of 19 Joshua enlisted in the army and served in the war of 1812-13. He belonged to the 
regiment commanded by Lewis Cass and during the latter part of the war served as quartermaster. He was among 
the unfortunate victims of Gen. Hull's treacherous and cowardly surrender, and could never refer to that incident 
of the war without expressing his indignation In 1816 he was married to Elizabeth R.d cliff by whom he had three 
SODS and «x daughters. His three sons, William, Albert and Rev. J. G.. nre still livmg, and now reside in Lvans 
township. Three of the daughters grew to womanhood and are still living. The eldest, Mrs Alexander resides in 
Magnolia, Putnam county, one in Nebraska, and the third in Michigan. In 1824 Mr. Evans joined the M E. church 
of which he remained a member until his death and most of the tiire held some official relation in the church. 
In 1830 he removed to Hlinois and settled at Cherry Point, then in La Salle county. His undoubted and unques- 



720 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

tionable veracity won the confidence of his neighbors amoni; whom he always maintained a high standing. He 
had no advantages for an education, his entire school privileges extending through only a part of one winter. He 
was, however, a man of very sound judgement and was very accurate in his business. His memory was unusually 
good, and he read men so readily that he was not often deceived. He was industrious and economical, and was 
among the best of the early farmers in Evans township. He settJed at Cherry Point because he thought the prai- 
ries around the grove would not be ssttled for many generations and his descendents could have ample range for 
their stock, but he lived to see every quarter section for many miles from his residence occupied. He was very 
accomdating to those who bethought deserved help,and determined that question wholly by the answer to two inqui- 
ries. Is he honest? Will he work? If he thought a man to be lazy or dishonest he would give him neither sym- 
pathy nor assistance inany way,but if he believed him honest and industrious he was always ready to accommodate. 
He was for many years before his death the oldest settler in the township and was honored as such by his neigh- 
bors. In 1850 when the township organizatiot in Marshall county was effected, the people at a public meeting, 
chose the name of Evans for the town as a compliment to him In politics he was an ardent whig and usuaUy took 
an active interest in the political campaigns. He was one of the delegates from Marshall county to the senatorial 
convention at which Robert Boal was nominated for the .state senate' When the Whig party was abandoned be 
became a Republican and voted that ticket until his death, He was widely and favorably known among the early 
settlers of this and surrounding counties. In 1853 Mr. Evans married Mrs. Elizibeth Jones, by whom he bad one 
child, now Mrs. Brown, a resident of this township. He died January 15th, 1869. 

William Trimble. 

Mr. Trimble is a well to do farmer, who was born in Fayette county, Pa,, in 1839. He came to this county less 
thanoneyear ago and commenced housekeeping, having just married Dalinda Hill. Sue was born in Pennsylva- 
nia. He owns 80 acres of excellent farming land. 

William S. Wood, 

Farmer, La Salle county, postoffice, Wenona, 111. 

Levi M. Quaintance. 

Mr. Quaintance is a farmer living on section 2. Postoffice, Wenona. He was born in Caester county. Pa., in 
1818, came west in 1854 and located first in Magnolia, Putnam county, and in this county in 1861. In 1844 he married 
Catherine Bren, born in Maryland. They have three children living— Thomas D., Sarah J. and Lf^vi Watson, and 
two deceased. They are members of the M. E. church. He was school director eight years. He owns 113 acres 
of land, all under cultivation. 

Edwin Gants. 

Mr. Qants isa son of Nathinieland Nancy Gants, The latter is a sister of the well knovni Judd Bros., of 
Evans township. Nathaniel Gants was bom in Pennsylvania Jan. 17th, 1820, came to Illinois in 1844, and was mar- 
ried Dec. 31st, 1847. They have four children— Thomas, born May 19, 1849. Edwin, born Nov. 19, 1852, Emma, born 
March 19, 1854, and Preston, born July 29, 18c6. Edwin lives in Evans township, and in April, 1879, married May 
Disosway, born in Virginia. They have one child, Mark Edwin. Mr, Gants is a member of the Masoi.ic order, and 
owns 100 acres of land . 

William H. Parkinson. 

Mr. Parkinson was born in Licking county, O., in 1841. H^ came to La. Salle county. 111., in 1856, and to Mar- 
shall county in 1864. He married Isabella Gibson, born in Marshall county, in 1865, They have four chilren— Lucy 
J., James W., Edgar and Mary. Mi . Parkinson is a fdir representative of the gentleman farmer class of Marshall 
and Putnam counties, both in appearance and intelligence, which is above the average of other states. He owns 160 
acres of land, all under cultivation. 

Benjamin Wilson. 

Mr. Wilson was bom in Franklin county in 1826, and came west in 1836 and located with his parents in Cherry 
Grove. Belle Plain township, Marshall county. Here his father purchased a farm upon which there was an old log 
hut with the roof nartially off and grass gro^ng on the floor. They lived in it ten year.'. His father loaned out 
money to his neighbors that year, and the hard times of 1837 coming on. he could not get it back, to build. Ben- 
jamin married Margaret A. Cunningham in 1855, a native of Fayette county, Ohio. They have three children. S. 
Thomas, George E. and William H. They are consistent members of the M. E. church. Mr. Wilson was justice of 
the peace 20 years in Belle Blain, also school director and trustee several years. He owns 320 acres of land in Ford 
county and 150 acres in Vermillion county, all in a good state of cultivation. He is a pleasant, sociable gentleman, 
and a good friend and neighbor. 

Rev. Jarvice G. Evans, A. M. 

Mr. Evans, pastor of the M. E. church at Wenona. was born in Evans township, Marshall county, Dec. 19, 1883, 
and received his education at the Peoria Wesleyan Seminary, Judson College, Mt. Pa'aMne, and at the Ohio Wes- 
leyan University, and received his degree of A. M. from Quincy College in 1870."' He commenced preaching in 1854. 
Continued in the pastorate until 1872, and was then elected president of Hedding College, at Abingdon, HI., and in 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 721 

1878 was elected president of Chaddock College, Quincy. He resigned during the year and returned to the pastorate. 
He married Nettie Gardner June 14 1857, born in Delaware county, Ohio, The have one child living, Ida, and one 
son deceased. Miss Evans is now a teacher of Latin in the Streator high school. She is a graduate of Hedding 
College. He has published a number of lectures and sermons in pamphlet form, including ' Pulpit and Politics," 
"Tobacco." "Thanksgiving Discourse," "Funeral Sermon of Lincoln," and several others. He has served as secre- 
tary of Central 111. annual Conference for several years, and was, in 1876, a delegate to the General Conference, 
Baltimore. 

August Appleton. 

Mr. Appleton is a farmer living in Evans township, section 35. and was bom in Sweden in 1846, came to 
(h? United States in 1868, and located in Putnam county, where he marriedJMatilda Colson in 1S79. She' was bom in 
bweden, He rents 160 acres. Like most of his countrymen Mr. Appleton is a good farmer, industrious and 
hard working. These are the elements of success and lead to riches and honor. 

Porter Moore. 

Mr. Moore was born in Brown county ,Ohio,1846 and came to La Salle county in 1856 with his parents. Married 
Martha Grimes in 1867, born in Indiana. They have six children-Bessie L.. Maud May, Kittie, Fletcher P.. Mat- 
tie and Edna. Are members of the M. E. church. He is a member of the Grange. He has been in the short horn 
cattle business for the last ten years, and is now engaged in raising Holstein stock, the only one id this section of 
the country. He also carries on a meat market in Wenona. The Holstein [breed have many points of excellence 
and are destined to become great favorites and in corresponding demand. 

Francis H. Bond. 

Mr. Bond was born in Worcester county. Mass,, in 1821 and came west in 1846 where he became a very success- 
ful teacher. Choosing law as a profession he qualified himself for its practice, and was admitted to the bar in 1861, 
and has followed it successfully ever (.ince. He married Lucy Broadduslin ]848,born in Virginia. They have had one 
child which no longer survives, Mr. Bond has been city attorney, town clerk, and served as justice of the peace 
for many years. He is likewise real estate agent and can give valuable information to buyers or sellers. 

Henry Winter. 

Mr. Winter is a farmerjliving on section 17, Evans tovmship, and was born in Ottawa, La'Salle county. 111., in 
1856. Moved to this county in 1877 and married Florenee Wilson Feb. 9, 1879. She was born in 1858 on the farm 
she is now occupying with her husband. He is a very iudustrious young man,possessei of all the vim and go-ahead- 
ativeness required to make him a successful man of the world. Commencing early in lite, he and his young wife 
have bright prospects before them. May they continue to brighten. While providing for the wants of the body he 
does not neglect the mind, 

Robert Mann. 

Mr. Mann |was bom |in Roxburyshire. Scotland, in 1846, and came to the United States when 20 years old 
and located in this township. He married Anna Alexander in 1870, born in the house she is now living in. They 
have two children -Wilbur and Isabella, He is a member of the Masonic order. He is engaged in breeding short 
horn cattle of superior grades, and fine horses. He owns the celebrated horse. Silver Wave, bred in Kentucky and 
said to be the finest roadster in Marshall county. He runs his farm exclusively as a stock farm, known as the "old 
Fort stock farm " His cattle are all sired by thoroughbred bulls. His farm is the site of the old fort. 

Austin C. Garvin. 

Mr. Garvin was born in Monroe county. Indiana, October 4, 1815, and moved to Putnam county in 1849, with 
his mother. He married Eliza Simmons in 1868, born in Maryland. They have three children— Clara E., Bertha 
and Austin C. He is school director, and owns li7 acresof land which be cultivates in good style. Mr. Garvin is a 
gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet. He is kind, hospitable and courteous. 

David M. Hall. 

Mr.Hall is a farmer livin? on sections 2 and ll,Evans township. Postoffice. Wenona, 111. He was born in Fayette 
county. Pa., in 1837, and located in this county in 1861. Married Elizabeth Smith in 1865, bom in the same county. 
She died in 1868 leaving two children- Robert and Will Emmett. He married his present wife, Augusta Jones, in 
1869, born in this county. Four children have been born to them— Susie, Kittie, Josie and Rubby. He owns 248 
acres, all under cultivation. His wife's father, Mr. D. Jones, is one of the oldest settlers of this county. 

G. W. Gray. 

Mr. Gray was born m Muskingum county, near Zanesville, Ohio, in 1817, and came to Illinois and located in 
Putnam county, near Magnolia, in 1845, where he engaged in farming. He married Miss Juliann Wilber, Feb. 4. 
1837. She was bom in Connecticut, and died July 12. 1877. They had five children- Thomas Ligget, died in the 
army from disease contracted there, Ageline, George W. Jr., William H. Charles, Wesley and Mary R. His present 
wife, Elizabeth Conard, was bom in Licking county, Ohio, in 1833. They were married in May, 1878. Are mem-" 
bers'of the M. E. church. He was assessor in Groveland township, LaSalle county, the first time it was assessed ; 



722 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

was school director and trustee several terms. He is steward ot his church, aud has been a member some 40 years, 
Mrs. Gray has also been d, member of the M. E. church since childhood. 

A. Beckworth. 

Mr. Beckworth was bom in Onondaga county. New York, in 1812, He came west with hisfparents and located 
in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1816, and came to this county in 1835, He learned the trade of bricklaying and 
plastering in Cincinnati in 1832. and worked at it up to 1859, when he engaged in farming in Stephens township. 
He married Miss Margaret Gilmore in 1861, born in Fayette county. Pa., in 1840, They have three children living — 
Otto Q, Orson E. and Omar 8. Are members of the Christian church. They moved into Wenona in 1869. He owns 
400 acres of land in Livingston county, under good cultivation, and has a residence in Wenona. 

Thomas Reilly. 

Mr. Reilly was born in County Cavan. Ireland, in 1827, He removed to England in 1847, and came to the 
United States in 1852, settling in this county. In 1861 he married Marv Martin, from his native place, who died in 
1869. leaving him three children In 1870 he married Miss Maggie Breese. She was born in County Kerry, Ire- 
land. They have four children— Annie, Thomas, Henry and Maggie, and by his first wife— Katie, John and Mattie. 
Are members of the Catholic church. He has been school director for the last ten years, and owns 240 acres, all 
under cultivation. 

Edward S. Gould. 

Mr. Gould was bom in the State of New York in 1832, his parents moving to Detroit when he was five years 
old, where he obtained an education, and he became a bricklayer. In 1852 he wedded Lotta Castello, also born in 
New York, who bore him one child— Ella E., born December 5, 1853. This daughter grew up and wedded William 
H, Parrett They have one child and its name is Bessie. Mr. Gould is a member of the Masonic order. 

Charles H. Turner. 

Mr- Turner was born in Fayette county, Pa., and came west in 1858. He first located in Clay county. 111,, and 
moved to LaSalle county in 1859. He married Sarah J. Quaintance in 1869. She was born in Pennsylvania. They 
have three children— John W., Hattie aud Irene. Are members of the M. E. church. He is a good and industrious 
farmer working on rented land. 

Alfred Judd. 

Mr. Judd is a farmer (bachelor), living on section 6. PostoflRce, Wenona. He was born in North Carolina in 
1822. He came to this county (then Putnam) in 1831, with his parents. After his father's death, his devotion to his 
widowed mother bound him to her whilst she lived, to whom he gave his undivided attention up to the time of her 
death, a few months ago. Hence he has never married. He owns 725 acres of land in a prosperous state of cultiva- 
tion. He is a pleasant, social gentleman. 

Mrs. Gilley Cowen. 

Mrs. Co wen is widow of William Cowen, who was born near Hagerstown, Md., in 1798, and emigrated to Ohio 
at an early day. He died in 1863 She was born in Monongahela county, Va., in 1805, moved with her parents to 
Ohio in 1808, and married in 1824. She has had seven children— Hermil, Cynthia (Mrs. Letts), Minerva (deceased), 
Lucinda (Mrs. Morse), Robert A., Isabella (deceased), Theresa and Zilpha, Malvina (Mrs. Stevenson), William, 
Delbert and John (deceased). They are members of the M. E. church. Mrs. Cowen comes from the Dents, and is 
a cousin of John O. Dent. They moved to Putnam county in 1831. During the Black Hawk war Mr. Cowen was a 
soldier under Colonel Strawn. 

F. A. Packingham. 

Mr. Packingham was born in Wayne county, Pa., in 1838, and began business as a merchant at Evans in 1876. 
He married Nancy Burgess in 1877, born in Connecticut. They attend the M. E. church. He was appointed post- 
master in 1876, express agent in 1877, and station agent in 1879. He enlisted in company F. 53d 111. Volunteers in 
1862 and served until mustered out at Springfield, 111., in 1865, He was detailed in the Military Telegraph Corps as 
mounted orderly during 1864-5. 

David Moore. 

Mr. Moore was born in New Jersey in 1813. and came to Ohio with his parents when two years old. He mar- 
ried Anna Borradail in 1836, born near Bennington, N. J. They had five children— Rebecca B. (deceased), Arthur, 
(deceased), Mary, Elizabeth (McAdams), Martha T. (deceased), and Anna. Arthur was a member of Capt. Vaughn's 
company and died at Balivar, Tenn,, in 1883. He was a good soldier and much respected. Mr. Moore owns 206 
acres of well improved land. 

Mrs. Lucy Gibson, (widoiv.) 

Mrs. Gibson (Gaylord) was born in Bradford county. Pa., in 1803 and came to this township, then a part of La 
Salle county, in 1831, removing to her present homestead in 1833 or 1834. She married George Martin in 1833, a na- 
tive of Connecticut, who located in this neighborhood in 1830. He died in 1838 leaving two children— Aaron G. and 



iBiOGiRAtitlCAL DEPARTMEKT. 



^2S 



Sylvia A. (Kirkpatrick). She married her second husband, James Gibson, in 1842. He was born in F.fshire. Scot. 
Und He died in 1855 leaving two children -Isabel and James. Mrs. Kirkpatrick s husband died in 1862 in the 
a> my, of disease contracted there. Mrs. Gibson has 200 acres of land, all under cultivation. She is believed to be 
the oldest settler in Evans township. She remembers when the family were notified to pack up and getaway 
from the Indians during the Black Hawk war. Lemuel Gay lord, her father, was one of the Revolutionary soldiers, 
and was at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was retained in the service for a year after the close of the Revolution. 
He helped to haul away the cannon captured from the British army. He died at the age of 89 years and ^as burud 
in the Cumberland cemetery near the house of Mrs, Gibson in this township. 

C. P. Morgan. „ ^ , , ^ . ^ « „ 

Mr. Morgan wa.s born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1831, and removed west in 1853. and located in La Salle 
county where he lived until 1866 and then came to Evans townshir- He married America Dillman in 1855. She 
w«s born in in Gallia county. Ohio, and they have eigh> children- Mary E., Adeline, Mattie, Jesse, Frank Marcus 
P., America and Clara. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Grange. He has been school director six 
years snd owns 160 acres of land, all under cultivaion, with good buildings. 

William T, Hamilton. ,^ , ..• • t? v ^ 

Mr. Hamilton was born in Union county. O.. in 1840. and came to Marshall countv in 1854. residing ^ Rober J, 
township with his parents on the Burns farm and in Evans township until 1867 He mamed husan Clifford in 1862. 
She was born in Harrison county. Ohio. They have four children-Luetta. John K., James E. and S-mue O^ Are 
members of the Presby tc rian church. He is an elder in the church. He served two years as sheriff pro tern, fill- 
ign the place with entire acceptability. He is directing his attention to raising graded cattle, Cotswold sheep and 
line hordes. 

Benjamin F. Turner. 

Mr. Turner lives on section 21, Evans township, and was born in Muskingum county, Ohio in 1825 He came 
to Magnolia in the spring of 1845 and purchased his pre,,ent farm in 1856. He married Han^iahL. Miller in 1850, 
born in Stubenville, Ohio, 1830. They have six children- William E. , born Sept. 1, 1851, Martin M. Dec. 8. 1853, Ar- 
th"", March 22 1856. Charles M.. Oct, 27, 1860, Huldah J.. July 6, 1863. Estella M., May 17, 1870. Are members of 
the M. E. church. He has 240 acres in a high state of cultivation, with very pleasant residence and tasty sur- 
roundings. 

^1tf^.^C^L w^ ttn'in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1838, and came to Illinois in 1858, finding a home in this 
county, and lived three years, and then returned to Ohio. He came back t«M-ball county in 1865^r^^^^^^ 
Ohio in again in 1866, and once more came to Hlinois in 1871. He married Miss L. J. Smith m 1861-born in^Ohio, 
same county. He has seven children.-William H., Charles A., Louis S., II. S. Grant James J., Milinie E. and Es- 
tella. He cultivates 160 acres of land. In 1863 made a trip to California, returning the toUowing year. 

'^^^l^^i^^trn in Batler county, Ohio, in 1824, and came to Marshall county inl855. He n^arried Eliz- 
abeth Reeves in 1847 in Indiana. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1828. They have six «l"^ren-- Albert V^^^^ 
Clara B Lilly M., Rosland, Frank E. and E. O., and three deceased. Mrs. Jenkins is a member of the Baptist 
ciurch He owns .08 acres ,.f land in Evans and IVO acres in Roberts township, all in cultivation. He is one of the 
best of farmers, and respected by all who know him. 

A (t Fverley 

' Mr'. Everley was b^rn in Mongahela county, Va.. in 1837. Came west in 1868 and locate^ '•\ "^"vrrhi^lins' 
listed in the 3d West Virginia cavalry in August. 1862, and served until 1865, ^'^^^ ^^ ;^^ ^^!l':;^^^'X^^ 
West Vir.nnla. Married Mis. Carrie DiUiuer in 1860. She was born in Queen county, Pa. They have *o«Y^';°^^°' 
Wordan D Mary F., Reason A. and Sarah Ann. He is a member of the M. E. church. He cultivates 160 acres of 
land. 

Aaron ilXLINE. . v„ ,-,,i8iq h;.. father removed to Muskingum county. O.. in 1826. 

Mr. Axline was born in Loudon county, Va., m 1813. His tatner '^^oveu l j ^lu s 

-hen he was only 13 yean, old. Came to this county in 1854. In 1842 he -™'*/»^VlTa A DanTel Alary E and 
Muskingum county. O. They have seven children.-John W.,Catherine ^^Theodore Clara A Dan^l^^^^^^^^^ 
Clarence A Are members of the M. E. church. He has been school director six year.-. He and his whole ta mi ly 
Se mer^bers of t^temperance society. He owns 336 acres of land, all improved with good buildings. Few old 
families show a fairer record. Mr. E. is deservedly proud of his intelligent sons and daughters. 

^"^ mI Aui^tLwn in New York City in 1823. Came west with his uncle, and ^^^^^^l^^^^l^'^^^^,', 
in Adams county until 1850. when he went to California and remained about two ^f ■^•. "^'J'^^'X^, JeZ^^^ 
sides in 1853, de married Miss Cecilia M Cross in 1867. She was born in Pennsylvania, and when two years old 



724 



RECORDS OF The OLt)EN TIME. 



came to DixoD. havine made the trip f rem Pennpylvania in a one-horse wagon. Her father was a minister iii the 
Baptist church. They moved to Rutland in I860, They have three children,— Charles A., Grace M. and Mary E» 
Are members of the M. E. church. He has been school director several years, is clerk of the board, and trustee of 
the M. E. church. Miss Amelia Allen is residing with her brother. He owns 360 acres of land, all improved. He 
was in Evans before ihe I. C. R, R. was in operdtion. There were no houses in Wenona when he came there — only 
the raflroad company houses. His farm was run for several years without fences. 

Elizabeth Evans. 

Mrs. Evans was born in Granville county. North Carolina, in 1810. Removed to Illinois in 1843, and to this 
county in 1846. ShH married Mr. Justus Jones in that year, who died in 1849, leavins one child, Augusta. She mar- 
ried Mr. Joshua Evans in 1852, who died in January, 1868, leaving her with one child, Frances. She has been a mem- 
ber of the M. E church for over 52 years. Mrs. Evans is now 69 years of age, yet is smart and active, and in the 
possession ol all her faculties. A lengthy biography of her husband is given elsewhere. 

S. C. Griffin. 

Mr. Griffin was born in Payette county. Pa., in 1853 and came to this state in 1865. He married Miss Isabella 
Cusac in 1877— born in this county. Thev have one child. Lena May. Are members of the M. E. church. He is a 
member of the patrons of husbandry and of the temperanc i society. He cultivates 50 acres of land. Comes from 
fi, family noted for their ability to make money, and is bound to get along. 

T. D. QUAINTANOE. 

Mr. Quaintance is a farmer, living on section 10. He was born in Ch'ister county, Pa., in 1816, and came west 
with his parents in 1855, first locating in Putnam county (Magnolia), and in this county in 1851 . He married Anna 
Mc Adams in 1874. She was born in Harrison county, Oaio. They have two children —Jessie and Edna, and are 
members of the M. E. church. Mr. Q. is a member of the temperance society. He cultivates 216 acres of land. 

Aaron G. Martin. 

Mr. Martin was born in Caledonia, Putnam county, 111., in Decembar, 1835. and came on to the farm he at 
present occupies when but a child. He married Sarah Parkinson in Fehruary, 1863. She was born in Licking 
county, Ohio, and has brought him three children living— Harry G., Edwin P. and Helen S., and one child de- 
ceased. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Martin is school dir -ctor of district No. 3, and is secretary of the 
board. He owns 360 acres of well improved land. 

Putnam Beokwith. 

Mr. Beckwith was born in Marshall county. 111., in 1842. He married Miss Francis Dagan in 1869. She was 
born in Franklin county, Ohio. They have four children— Bertha M., Herbert H.. Charles P, and Miry. He is first 
Jie-'tenant of Co. B. 10th Bat'l I. N. G. Enlisted in the Ist 111. Cavalry July 3, 1861. and was discharge I July 14, 
1862. Ke-enlisted in 14th Cavalry, September 4, 1882; discharged July 30, 1865. Hs was w.>unded at Lexington, Mo., 
twice, in a charge to recover a cannon that was captured by the enemy, and at West Plains, Mo., in Hay, 1862. He 
still carries the ball in his bodi. He was on the Morgan and Stoneman raids, and in many other engagements. He 
also assisted at the capture of Indians who were in the nbel army-whm they release! the chief and medicine 
man and sent them back only to return and fight us again. 

Albert Evans. 

Mr. Evans was born in Licking county, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1827, and* came to Putnam county in the fall of 1830 
with his parents. The township was named after his father. He marriel Miss Harriet Springer in 1855. She was 
born in Putnam county. They have six children living,— Winslow, Ella, Lincoln P., Charles E., Charlotte Bell and 
Ada. They are mempers of the M. E. church. He was justice of the peace ten years, assessor seven years, and has 
been township treasurer twent/-six years, de owns 2^1 acres ot: land, all improved. He was in the lumber business 
for awhile in Wenona. 

H. E,. Griffin. 

Mr, Griffin was born in Fayette county. Pa., in 1823, and came west and located in this county in 1865. He 
married Nancy Casaady in 1851. She was born in the same neighborhood in Pennsylvania as himself, in 1822. They 
have six children,— Mary E., Ann M., George W., Rebecca S., James L. and John D., and are members of the Cum- 
berband Presbyterian church. He owns 320 acres of land, all under cultivation. Miss Sally Moats, who has been in 
his father's family since a girl, is now 75 years old, and is kindly provided for by him, in compliance with his 
father's will. 

Dr. Cornelius Perry. 

Dr. Perry was born in Connecticut in 1823. He studied medicine in Litchfield, and graduated from the New 
York Medical University in 1846, and settled in Hope, New Jersey, where he practiced medicine for some seven 
years, and married Lucy M. Swayze. a native of New Jersey in 1848. Two children have been born to them— Frances 
and Evelyn. When he first came west he settled in Lacon, where he lived three years, and then moved to Evans 
township, where he had made extensive purchases of real estate. His wife disliking the prairie, he removed to 
Chicago, where he remained until 1869, their home being shared this time by the parents of Mrs. P., she being their 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 725 

only child. After going on to the prairie the Doctor gradually relinquished his profesgion, and devoted himself to 
the care of his large real estate interests. Besides valuable property in this state, he owns some 2,000 acres in Kan- 
sas. Mr, Swayze was a graduate ot Princeton College, and for years practiced law in New Jersey, until he lost his 
voice and then learned surgery. He owns 500 acres of valuable land in this state. Dr. Perry has been largely 
identified with the Wenona Fair, and is an active, well informed, substantial citizen. In his house are four 
generations. 

Benjamin Judd. 

Mr. Judd was bom in North Carolina in 1829, and moved with his parents to Illinois in 1831 and located in this 
township. He married Francis Talbot in 1851. She was born in Chester county, Pa , in 1834. They have seven 
children-Elizabeth, (Mrs. Kemp), Nelson P., James A., 'Thomas B„ Clara J„ Mary F. and Julia Dell. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and the Star Chapter. He is secretary of the Local Protection society and member of the 
Grange. He owns 160 acres of land, all under excellent cultivation. 

Mrs. R. M. Cahoon, Dress and Cloak-7naker, Wenona. 

Mrs, Cahoon was born in Barnstable county, Mass., in 1828. She married Mr. L. Cahoon in 1847. He was born 
in New York State, Moved west in 1860, and located in Osage township, LaSalle county. 111, They came to Wenona 
in 1871. They have three children living— Sarah J.. George W. and Charles. She has been engaged in the dress- 
making business since 1846, and lived in Wenona since 1862. She keeps on hand a full stock of all kinds of fancy 
trimmings, and is an accomplished and competent dressmaker. 

N. F. Brown. 

Mr. Brown is a farmer, and was born in Fayette county. Pa. in 1S31, He located in LaSalle county with his 
parents when quite young, and married Miss Matilda Judd in 1855. She was born in Evans township, Marshall 
county, Illinois. She is the youngest child of Thomas and Elizabeth Judd, two of the oldest settlers of Marshall 
county. They have three children- AlmedaE., May A. and S, Benton. They own 160 acres of land. They have 
two children deceased— Alice A. and Fany— the former died when between five and six years old, and the latter 
between two and a half and three years old. 

Adam Brunner. 

Mr. Brunner is a shoemaker, engaged in business in Wenona. He was bom in Wurtemborg, Germany, in 
1850, and came to the United States in the fall of 1870, locating in Dwight. Livingston county, where he lived until 
he came to Wenona, in the spring of 1873. He commenced business at his trade, which he learned in the old 
country, and has been working at it since 1865. He owns a house and lot in Wenona, and is well to do. He is mas- 
ter of his profession, and enjoys the reputation of a first-class shoemaker. 

Peter G. Defenbaugh. 

Mr. Defonbaugh lives on his farm in Evans township, but his postofflce is Magnolia. He was bom in 
Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1821. and moved to Marshall county in 1851. and married Sarah A.LWalter. bom in Penn- 
sylvania. They have nine children- Zachariach, Eluchie, Allan, Durriah, Mary, Emma. Francis, William C. Ed- 
win and Louisa (deceased). They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He has been school di- 
lector several times and is trustee now. He owns 139 acres of land in Marshall county, and 80 acres in La Salle 
county. He is a kind, generous hearted man, and a good citizen and neighbor. 

Mrs. Euphemia Croft. 

Mrs. Croft, widow of H. Croft, whose biography is given elsewhere, was bom in Durbin county, Indiana, in 
1832, and moved to Marshall county when a child, with her parents in 1833, and located on the farm she is now oc- 
cupying. She married Hutchison Croft in 1850. He died in March, 1878, leaving four children -Samuel M., Emma 
(Mrf . Kirkpatrick), Julia A, and James. Are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The estate con- 
tains about 1200 acres of land, all improved. Her fine residence was burnt down in April, 1880. 

Miss Susan Woolf and Mrs. S. P. Hallam, Dress-makers, Weno7ia. 

The subjects of this sketch, having opened up their establishment in August, 1879. are prepared to do all kinds 
of dress-making, plain and fashionable, at the shortest notice. Miss Woolf is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, 
and came with her parents to Marshall county in 1858 She is a memb r of the M. E. church. Mrs, Hallam is a na- 
tive of Guernsey county, Ohio, and moved to Richland county. 111., in 1861, and to Rutland in 1866. She married 
Ml. S. P. Hallam in 1867. He is a native of Washington county. Pa. They have three children- Anna M., Myro L. 
and Henry G. They are members of the Methodist church. 

E, M. Hunter, {tvidow). 

Mrs. Hunter was bom in Philadelphia, and came to Ohio with her parents when seven years old. and to La 
Salle counts two years later. She married William Phillips in 1850. She was only 13 years old. He was bqrn in 
England. They have three children— Nelson Clara, and Fannie. He died in Oct. 1864. Mrs. Hunter owns a farm 
at Lostant, La Salle county, of 62 acres and a house and 4 lots. She sold a farm of 160 acres, in 1876. which she dis- 



726 RECORDS o^ The olden ttime. 

tributed among her children, who are all married. Mrs. Hunter is a dressmaker and follows her business Indus'- 
triously, although having no necessity to do so. She prefers business to occupy her mind, i^he has purchased the 
property she is now occupying, subject to minor's claim, having rented her own large residence at Lostant, as si e 
did not require so large a bouse since her children married. 

John I. Parsons. 

Mr. Parsons was born in Putnam county, near Magnolia, in 1848. He is a son of Isaac Parsons, who moved 
from Missouri and settled in Putnam county at an early day. Mr. Parsons raarned Ada S. Hopper in 1873. She was 
born in Sangamon county, near Springfield, 111. Their children are Hallie, Annie, Edwaid H. and Mary Ada. Ate 
members of the Presbyterian church. He has the management of his father's property, which, including his home- 
stead of 50 acres, embraces six farms, consisting of 1030 acres in this state, and 455 acres owned by himself. 

L. A. McCuLLM. 

Mr. McCullm is a hair-dresser living in Wenona. He was born in Putnam county in 1852, and come to Wenona 
in 1874. In January, 1874, he married Miss Emma Carson, born in Andrew county, Mo. They have two children, 
Clara Bell and Mary Louisa. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has a first-class establishment, and is the only 
one in Wenona. Has been nine years in the business, and makes money. 

Mrs. H. N. McClanahan, Widow. 

Wenona, Illinois. 

William M. Hamilton. 

I was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 13, 1816. My father was Rev. Wm. Hamilton I am the sec- 
ond son of twelve children, ten sons and two diushters, all of whom grew up to be men and women. The psalmist 
says, " I have been 5 oung and now am old. yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread." 
I always considered my father a righteous man, and he must have been such, for I never knew of any of his seed 
begging bread. Five of his sons followed farming, three were doctor,«, one preacher, and one was an editor— also a 
member of the Ohio legislature for a number of years ; at the time of his death he was a representative in Con- 
gress. One son, Dr. J. W. Hamilton, has obtained some notoriety as a surgeon in Columbus, Ohio. His son. Dr. T. 
B. Hamilton, was surgeon of the 104th Illinois regiment, and died at Nashville, Tenn. My father died in the 78th 
year of his age. His sons ranged in height from five feet six inches to six feet two. I being the nearest the ninth 
part of a man, my father bound me to Hon. James Henderson, of Zanesville, Ohio, for the term of six years to 
learn the tailoring trade. Nothing unusual or strange took place in my life until I was in the 11th and 12th years 
of my age In those days almost every family kept liquor to be drank as a beverage. My father, though averse to 
drunkenness, kept whiskey in his closet by tne barrel and a bottle in the cupboard, thus affording a chance to take 
a dram when I wanted it. My visits to the old cupboard became more and more frequent, till at length it was 
noised around that little Bill Hamilton was a drunkard. My sister, becoming alarmed, convened to my father the 
sad news. He called me to him and in an affectionate tone of voice said, " William, your sister tells me that you 
have become a drunkard. My son, I would rather follow you to your grave than you should become such." Thus, 
through the watchful care of my dear sister and the timely admonition of a loving fatljer, I was as a fire-brand 
plucked out of the burning. This occurrance took place in harvest time just after the organization of the first 
temperance society in that region, and my father had a number of hands employed. It was my office to wait on 
them with water and whiskey. One evening all the hands got ready to go to a temperance meeting, and I asked 
permission to go with them. On the way father's admonition kept ringing in my ears—" [ would rather follow you 
to your grave than have you become a drunkard." After the lecture was over an opportunity was given to sign the 
pledge. The lecturer requested those who would sign to give their names. One of the young men that went with 
me sat in the seat in front of me, and I said, "Charles, I wiil sign," when he exclaimed in a loud voice, " Bill Ham- 
ilton." We returned home at a late hour I had to pass through my father's bed-room to get to mine, and he was 
awake. Perhaps.the sad news that he had learned from my sister had drove sleep from his eyes, and he may have 
been praying, as thousands of fathers and mothers are to-day—" Lord keep my son from the vices of this world 
and save him from going down into a drunkard's grave and a drunkard's hell." The first question he asked was, 
•■ William, were there many at the temperance meeting." "Yes, sir: the house was full." " Who signed ?" I named 
all I could recollect, and closed by saying I signed. He asked no more question.-^. I don't know how he passed the 
balance of the night, but think he must have felt like the old father who said, " This is my son that was lost and is 
found," and he, with those that were invited to the supper, began to be merry. In the fall of that year my father 
built a large barn, and in asking his neighbors to help him raise it he told them he would not have any liquor on 
the occasion. All came that were invited, and the frame went up nicely. Never after this did my father keep 
liquor in his house to be drank as a beverage. In the 13th jear of my age I joined the Methodist Protestant church, 
that was in derision called radical's church. A few years previous to this some of the leading spirits of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal church published a paper styled Mutual Rights, contending that the laity should have an equal voice 
in church government with the ministry. For publishing such views they were silenced, if not turned out of 
church. This transaction gave rise to the Methodist Protestent church, which now has a membership of over 100,000 
in the United States. The day 1 was 15 years old I went to Zanesville to learn my trade, and seryed as an appren- 
tice until I was 21. After working at my trade in Ohio until early in the spring of 1843 I took passage at Marietta, 



BIOGEAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



72-7 



on the Ohio river, for Cincinnati, remained one week, and then started for St. Louis where I arrived with 25 cents 
remaining in my pocket. While standing on the deck, up came a peddler with a basket of jewelry, aiid my last 
quarter went for a watch-key. I engage H board in the city at $2.50 per week, and at the end of three weeks I found 
myself $7.50 in debt, but I 2ot a job and soon paid up my board bill, and commenced business m the upper part of 
the city and remained there unt*l October, then took a trip up the Illinois river to visit my relations about Mag- 
nolia. ■ In this month I was 27 years of age. Being highly pleased with the country, I commenced business m Mag- 
nolia, and continued it from the fall of 1843 to the summer of 1851. During this time made four trips to Ohio, one 
via the lakes, two by wagon and one on horseback. During my third visit 1 traded my spring wagon and a lot of 
clothing I had with me f..r three more h.rses. bought on time eighteen mules, and started for New Jer.sey, where I 
s..la one-half interest in my drove at a very nice profit. Being late in the fall we did not find sale for our stock un- 
til near spring. Notwithstanding our heavy expenses, I returned to Ohio $250 gamer. I there bought another drove 
of 33 pastured them until the next November, and returned to Illinois. The latter part of August I started on 
horseback for Ohio. On my way through Indiana I bought seven he«d of mules and one horse. This made me a 
drove of 49 mules and two horses. At ZanesviUe, Ohio, I sold about one-half of my arove to California emigrants 
and the balance I took to New Jersey. On this trip I cleared above all expenses $1002. I returned to Ohio and 
bought another drove of 40 mules and two horses, and hired their keeping until the latter part of that winter, and 
then drove them to Uartisburg, Pa., where I sold them at $800 profit, and then returned to Ohio. After giving away 
$500 I leturned to Illinois with something over two thousand dollars, with a view to invest my funds m reserved 
lands of the Illinois Central R. R. They not coming into market as soon as expected I bought a farm of 160 acres 
three mihs northeast of Magnolia. I farmed one year, and then sold out to Daniel Horram at a handsome profit, 
1 entered my Wenona lands January 10th, 1853, and my Chenoa lands Sept. 24th 1853. ^, ^ . „„ 

I was married to Rebecca Burn., daughter of Andrew Burns, Oct. 18. 1855. five days after I became 39 years 
of age. Should we live until Oct. 18. 1884, we mav give our friends an invitation to attend our silver wedding. I 
voted the abolition ticket in 1838. After the organization of the Republican party with a plank in their platform 
opposing the extension of slavery. I became identified with that party, as did the majority of the abolitionists. 
My father once remarked to an aunt, 'I am afraid that William will render himself unpopular on this abolition 
question." Truth is mighty and will prevail. It was not long until father and all my brothers were ranked among 
the abolitionists. In those days men were egged, stoned and shot dead tor expressing their views. I once made the 
remark to a fellow stage passenger, "I believe the black man has just the same right to his freedom as you or I. He 
drew back his fist to strike me, and said, "you may compare yourself to a negro, but you shan t me. In the win- 
ter of 1833, I heard a minister lecture on temperance who advocated the enactment of municipal state and na- 
tional prohibition laws, I have been of the opinion ever since that the strong arm of the law as well as every other 
lawful means should be brought to bear against this soul destroying traffic. In the winter of 1874, the Wenona 
temperance society elected Rev. Morrow and myself asdeligates to attend a state prohibition convention at Bloom- 
inaton. Since then, as opportunity affords. I have voted the prohibition ticket, but, as did the old abolitionists, 
hold m>self ready to become identified with a party that can bring about the desired object quicker than the one I 
now suppoit, IQ the winter of 1873 1 drew up an amendment to section 2 of the dram shop act, making it unlawful 
to sell liquor in any quantity without first obtaining a license, also making it unlawtul for the supervisors to grant 
license to sell liquor within three miles of any city, town or village. Previous to this time it could be sold by the 
quart without license. 1 sent the bill to Senator Baldwin, which he introduced. It was referred to the Judiciary 
committee and reported hack to the Senate amended, making it unlawful to sell in less quantities than one gallon, 
and debaring the supervisors from granting license to sell liquor within two miles of the corporate limits of cities, 
towns or villages. Thus amended it passed both houses. Before the assembling of our last legislature I drew up 
another amendment to section 2, by adding, "provided cities, towns, and villages may enact ordinances prohibiting 
the sale of intoxicating liquor in any quantity, thus giving us a local law by which we could avoid the evils of sel - 
ing by the gallon. This bill I sent to my nephew, J. M. Hamilton, senator from Bloomington district This bill 
v^as printed and ordered to the second reading. While thus pending I wrote to my nephew to amend the bill be- 
fore its passage so as to give cities, towns and villages jurisdiction two miles beyond their corporate Ijniits in pro- 
hibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors. In due time this amendment was presented, and referred to the Judiciary 
committee and there met the same fate of a number of other prohibition bills. I Hope to live to see the day when 
the people of Illinois will elect representatives that will press the passage of such bills. . ^ ., , , 

I served as school director in Wenona ten years, and was re-elected for a three years term At the close of 
oae year I resigned I was once a candidate for mayor of the city of Wenona on a no-license ticket, and was beaten 
In the spring of 1872 I was nominated by the RepubUc^n party for county supervisor. Not feeling disposed to treat 
or leave money with saloon-keepers, to buy votes, and through the circulation of a lie that i was opposed to a poor 
man having a vote, I ran behind my ticket, and was beaten fivevotes. In the fall of ^f ^ --* \^.^ f ^^^^^^^^ 
my family, consisting of my wife and four children, with a view of remaining there five years ^fte^ ° "^^'^^ 
there one year, along the coast from Clear Lake, 80 miles north of ^^^^ ^/'^'^'^^f ^- *« ^.'^'^ °"f °' ^™^^^^^^ 
became fully satisfied that the climate had been misrepresented, and returned ^^^^ '^ *^^ /^^ «7 J'^^' J^^^^^^^^ 
the statement once made by David Law, who died at Henvy a few years since was true. Said ^^' [^^J'^^f^ 
in every state in the Union, and I tell you, takii^g everything into consideration, there is not a better country in 
the world than this portion of Illinois." Oa my return l^--«' ' ^^^-^^ /'^^^^r "f ''''^ > .nTsirthS ! W 
on the morning of my departure. When I heard Gcor.e Mc Adam and other highly esteemed «'J^^«^^^f/ *^* ^,^*** 
never been more highly honored, I felt still more joyf al in this tribula'.ion. Two years since, Dr. Reynolds^ of M- 
Paso. in an introduction said to Rev. MiUsap: " Hamilt.m was one of the pioneers in the tempemnce ^"^k: thai 
we are now occupying grounds chat he occupied forty yenrs ago;" and aided, "Don t you recollect the time you vis- 



728 



RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



ited me at Bowlingreen, Woodford county, some twenty-five years ago, that Elder R. invited ua home with him on 
Sunday to take dinner, and that he had wine on the table, and how you opposed the practice?" At this writing I 
have just entered on the sixty-fourth year of my age. In reviewing my past life I can see where I have erred and 
misimproved time, and some acts of my life are brought to mv recollection that gives me great satisfaction, of 
which I never will have an occasion to write. WM. M. HAMILTON, 

William P. Ditman. 

Farmer- Postoffice, Wenona. 

William McQuaid. 

Painter, Wenona. 




BIOGBAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 729 



HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 



Joshua D. Bullman. . u ^ . 

Mr. Bullman was born in Morris county. New Jersey, February 21, 1806 He enjoyed the advantages of a 
common school education, and labored on a farm until twe-ty-two years old, when he married Catherine Hall, 
born May 30 1608 and started west the same year, in company with his mother and younger brother Lot. They 
found a stopping place on the Wabash until the spring of 1832, when they came to Marshall county and selected the 
place where he has ever since lived and hopes to die. He was a good worker, and so was his wife, and the prairie 
was soon transformed into a thriving farm, with fields loaded with wheat and corn. In course of time children 
were born to them, five in number-Hattie, Theodore, Mortimer, Clementine and Theresa. After a long and useful 
liJeMrs. Bullman, the faithful companion of his better days, died, and they laid her beneath 'the daises. Mr. 
Bullman still lives at the old farm, which his son Mortimer carries on, and where his children and grand children 
come to visit him. Of the latter there are five. 

August Quiram. 

The subject of this sketch is a farmer in Hopewell township, born in Germany, March 23d. 1848. He came to 
Marshall county in 1862, and married Miss Rosey Beabshler. She was born in Germany, Sept. 25th, 1846. They have 
five children,— William, Mary, Emma. Edward and John, 

Margeland Jason. 

Mrs, Jason is widow of the late John Jason, and was born in Germany in 1819. She came to the United States 
in 1843, and the following year was married, in New York city. She lived there four years, and came with her hus- 
band to this county in 1848. He was for several years a ferryman, and lived some time at Sparland. He was born 
at Dane, Germany, in 1820. came to the United States in 1843, and died in 1877. He was a prudent, industrious man. 
and accumulated a large property, owning six hundred acres of land at his death. They had seven children,— Mary, 
John, Peter, Frederic, Charles and Elizabeth. 

Edgar Myers. * 

Mr. Myers is a son of William Myers, and was born in Edgar county. III., Sept. 24th, 1857. He came to Mar- 
shall county in 1873, and married Addie Cora Strawn, June 3d, 1879, and in about six months after she died, leav- 
ing him a widow at 22. She was a daughter of Enoch Strawn, and was born in Hopewell township, July 19th, 1859. 
Mr. Myers is a good worker and an honest man. 

Luther Hancock. 

Mr. Hancock was bom in New Hampshire, Sept. 7th, 1815, and married Martha J. Colby, March 27th, 1844. She 
was born July 10th, 1825. They have three children, Lydia A., James and John, living, and two deceased. 

Jacob Pursel. 

Mr. Pursel was born in Huntington county, N. J., in 1834, and located in this county in 1857. He mained Miss 
Mary Cole in 1S26. Shs was born in Somerset county. New Jersey. They have five children, -Peter, Rebecca, 
Belinda, George and Jane. He owns 80 acres of farm land and 20 of timber. His farm is in a good state of 
cultivation. 

Mrs. Mary Vernay, {iridow). 

Mrs. Vernay is a resident of Hopewell township, and was born in Baltimore county, Md., Jan. 11, 1809. She 
married David Vernay Oct. 18. 1832, and located in Marshall connty in the spring of 1833. He was born in Hartford 
county Md., June 20, 1799, and died Sept 17.1865. They had two children. James, born Dec 34, 1834, and Wilbam 
(deceased), Mr. V. was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Verney owns 80 acres of land in her homestead 
and 60 acres of timber land. She rents her farm and lives on the income of her property. 

William Strawn:. 

Mr. Strawn was bom in Ross county, Ohio, in 1814. and came to Illinois in 1829. He manned Helen M. 
Broaddus in 1840. bom in Caroline county. Va., in 1821. They have ten children-Lucy B.. Jacob, Leland. L^roy, 
Caroline V., John J., Helen and William (twins;, Ralph. W. E. and Alford T. Me members of the Congregational 
church. He was assessor one term, has been a school director several years, and road commissioner. He owns in 
his homestead 160 acres. Also a farm in Iroquois county, and one in Bennington township. He gave his children 



730 EECOEDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

each a farm. He served in the Black Hawk war and was granted a section of land as bounty. He has been a noted 
hunter in his day and remembers the prairie when from the Illnois river to' Washington, 111., there was not a single 
white man. His ten sons and daughters were all born here, and he has seen them grow up to men and women and 
comfortably provided for. 

August Coleson. 

Mr, Coleson is a farmer in Hopewell township, who was born in Sweden in 1855. He came to the United States 
in 1869. and located In Marshall county. He married Anna Lindgen in 1877, born in Germany. They are members 
of the United Lutheran church. He rents 160 acres of land which he cultivates, and is a hard working farmer. 

Joseph St. Claie Bullmaist. 

Mr. Bullman is a son of Lott Bullman and was born and reared in Hopewell township. He has a good farm 
of his own, and a pleasant home, is industrious and knows how to take care of himself. He married Susan, daugh- 
ter of Henry Wier, Sept. 22, 1875, and to them has been given one child,Ullman J. 

T. W. Stonee. 

Mr. Stoner was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 2, 1841, and came to Illinois in 1864, finding a home 
in Marshall county, where he has a splendid farm of 240 acres in cultivation and 100 acres in timber. His wife was 
born in Putnam county, and his five children are Wilbert L., Effie M., John R. and Edna A.. Mr. Stoner is much 
respected in his township, where he has held the office of town collector and school director. 

William F. Myers. 

Mr. Myers was born in Ohio, October 14th. 1833, and was married in 1856, his wite being a native of Ohio, and 
born in 1832. He first settled in this state in Edgar county, and removed from thence to Indiana and stayed two 
years, lived in Michigan one year, cime to Marshall county and lived three years, was in Kansas three years, and 
returned to Marshall county. They have ten children— Edgat, Italy L., Robert, Riley, Jacob. George, Laura, Lilly, 
John and Rosej". He owns a fine saw mill and cultivates a large farm of 120 acres. Mr. Myers is industrious and 
honest, but has been very unfortunate, having had his mill burned down and his leg broken through accident. 

Feedeeick Jason. 

Mr. Jason is by occupation a farmer, and lives on section 16, where he owns and cultivates sixty acres of land. 
He was born in Sparland, April 1st, 1853, and married Miss Emma Jones in 1877. She was born in Missouri, July 26, 
1857. They have one child, whom they call Andrew Jackson. 

A. W. Jones. 

Mr. Jones is by occupation a farmer, owning and cultivating 2*10 acres of land in Hopewell townsh ip. He was 
born in Chillicothe, 111., in 1835. and has lived in Marshall county since 1844. He enlisted in Co. B, 17th III. Vol., 
was elected lieutenant, and badly wounded at Fort Donelson, from the effects of which he has since been a suffer- 
er. Being debarred from active service, he resigned in 1862 and returned home, where he married Miss Emma M. 
Hall, a very accomplished ladv, born in Marshall county in 1842. They have two children, Julian Charles and James 
Hall. Mr. Jones is a man of influence in his township, has filled important local offices and is a gentleman of 
good address and, more than average abilty. Mrs. Jones was well educated, and in 1879 was a candidate for county 
superintendent of schools, for which she is well qualified. 

Philip Maetin. 

Mr. Martin is a farmer by occupation, living in Hopewell township, where he cultivates fifty acres. He mar- 
ried Mary Berry in 1868, and they have five children, John, Mary, Catherine, Philip and Charles. 

LoTT Bullman. 

Mr. Bullman was born in Morris county. New Jersey, July 9th, 1811 , and came west in 1830. He stopped on 
the Wabash river one season, and came to his present location in 1832. He married Ann Babb, daughter of Joseph 
Babb, of Somerset, Ohio, in 1836. She was born in 1815. They have four children, Eleanor Ann (Mrs. Blackstone), 
Margaret Jane (Mrs. Hancock), Joseph Si. Clair^and Clarissa Frances (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Bullman have led 
long and useful lives, and their good deeds will be remembered after they have paid the debt of nature. Besides 
their own children they have reared several orphans, giving them good educations and otherwise aiding them. Few 
persons are so widely known, and fewer still so generally respected. 

William W. Hancock. 

Mr. Hancock was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 17th. 1813, and comes from an old Protestant fam- 
ily. When 15 years old his father died, and he was sent to his grandfalher, a large farmer, to be eaucated, where he 
made himself useful, and was promoted to keep the books of the farm. He remained until 20, and then embarked 
for the new world, landing at Philadelphia. Letters of introduction found him friends, and upon their recommen- 
dation he went to the country and bargained with a man named Walker to labor a year and a half for the privilege 
of learning the mysteries of farming, but all he learned was that Walker got his services free and learned him 
nothing. Then he hired one year to a neighbor for $140, after which he joined a young man named Chapman and 
came to Dayton, Ohio, where he made the acquaintance of Ira and Norman Fenn and accompanied them to 



iBIOGRAtHiCAt DEtARTMEKT. 731 

Illinois, embarking on board the steamer Paul Jones, and paying $18 for a cabin passage to Columbia (Lacon). 
This was in 1836. He found board with Dr. Kffner, who lived in a log cabin north of John Hoffrichter's, and after 
lo iking about some time purchased a claim enSt of L4,'on frojQ a man named B irnhart, where he has ever since re- 
sided. That year he married Miss Elizabeth Orr, and after more than 40 years ot wedded life has never regretted his 
chr)ice. She vas born in Cecil county, Md., and their children are James W-, William E., Andrew R. and Ira Fenn. 
Are members of the Presbyterian church. He has filled the office of supervisor, assessor and other positions, has 
often been chosen to settle estates and the confidence of the public in his honesty and integrity has been shown 
in various ways. Mr. Hancock has been successful in business and secured an ample competence for the fu- 
ture. His children have grown to man's estate and developed traits of chiracter that shows they do not belie their 
training, and i roved themselves worthy descendants of good parents. One event darkens their lives, the loss of 
their favorite and only daughtei, but her place is filled by a grand daughter, Nellie, who remains with them. 

George Myers. 

Mr. Myers is a farmer, and lives on section 33, Hopewell township. Po^toffice, Lac in- Was bora in Green 
county, Ohio, in 1847. Located in this state in 1864, and in this county in 1874. Married Miss Alice Hunt in 1869. 
She was born in Fulton county. 111. They have three children. Otto M., Lulu V. and Andrew P. He cultivates 120 
acres. 

James W. Hancock. 

Mr. Hancock is a son of William Hancock, one of the early settlers of Hopewell, and belongs to a family bear- 
ing a deservedly high record. He was born in Hopewell township, November 26. 1842. and married Margaret J. Bull- 
roan, daughter of Lot and Ann Bullman, January 25, 1863. They have three children— Bruce, Blailche and Pearl. 
Mr. Hancock is an industrious farmer, who minds his own business, and knows how to make money. He served 
one term as sheriff, performing his duties conscientiously and well, and is much respected in the community. 

JoHK Johnson. 

Mr. Johnson is a farmer of Hopewell township, who was born March 6, 1837, and came to Marshall county in 
1867, He married Mrs. Pearson in 1858, a native of Ohio, born in 1838. Ttiey have four children— Mary E., John L.. 
Ella D. and Rossie. Mr. Johnson is a good farmer and cultivates 120 acres. 

WiLLIAlVl W. FeAZLE. 

Mr. Feazle is a farmer by occupation, and cultivates 120 acres on section 36 of Hopewell township. He was 
born in Ohio, June 6, 1830 and came to Marshall county in 1845. He was married in 1842, and his wife died Jan- 
uary 11. 1879, leaving four children — Ebza C, Melford F,, George W. and Andrew J. He comes from a family well 
known in Marshall county, as energetic, pushing and money-making. He is a good farmer, keeps his premises in 
good condition, drives a good team, and likes his friends. 

Christian Pontow. 

Mr. Pontow is a farmer, living on section 35 in Hopewell township. He was born in Prussia in 1815. He 
came to America in 1864, finding a home in Marshall county. He married Augustina Dagander in 1859. She was 
born in the .same place. They have three children — Hennstein, Gustav and Albert. Are membsrs of the Evangel- 
ical church. He rents 160 acres of land, which he has under good cultivation. 

John McNeel. 

The subject of this sketch was bora October 15, 183S, and was a son of William McNeel, one of the oldest citi- 
zens of the county, an accoant of whose brutal murder in his own house in the fall ot 1862 is given elsewhere in 
this book. The subject of this sketch married Miss Malinda Davis, born in 1850. and by her he has two children— 
Merty I. and William H. He is a good farmer, and cultivates 50 acres of land. 

Henry E. Rowley. 

Mr, Rowley was born in Columbia county. New York, in 1841, and came to Bloomington, 111., in 1865. He came 
to Lacon the following year, and has established with his brother one of the finest nurseries in the county. They 
are largely engaged in the cultivation and sale oE small fruits, supplying the home market, and sending large sup- 
plies abroad. Mr. Rowley served throughout the war in the 89th New York, making a good record as a soldier. At 
its close he came west and married Margaret E. Bell, born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 9, 1846. 

Daniel Winter. 

Mr. Winter lives in Hopewell township, and cultivates 150 acres. He was born in Pennsylvaois, February 15. 
1836, and came to Illinois in 1856, finding a home in Whiteside county. He raarried Martha S. McNeal. April 10th, 
1862, born in Marshall county in 1840. They have six children,— William C., John, Araminta, Nellie, Viola and 
Daniel E. One child, Franklin, died in 1872. 

Daniel Fowler. 

Mr. Fowler was born in Butler county Ohio, in 1834 and located in this county in 1852. He married Miss 
Lucy A. McM'hinney February 27, 1855. She was born in the same county in Ohio. They have four children- 
James E„ Alice, William and Frederick. They are members of the Baptist church. He is collector of his township. 



732 



llECORbS OF THE OLt)ElSr TIME. 



He was one of Illinois' gallant soldiers, with the scars of battle on his person, and will carry them to his grave 
He enlisted in Co, D, 77th 111 Vol. Inf., in 1862, and served actively until wounded at the battle of Arkansas Post, 
January 11. I863.« He then went to the hospital, and when convalescent was transferred to the Invalid Corps at St. 
Louis, where he remained until 1865, when he was mustered out at St. Louis. He is pleasant sociable, gentle, kind 
and hospitable, a loving husband, kind father and a good neighbor, as he was a faithful soldier of his country. 

William Boys (deceased). 

Mr. Boys was born in Monroe county. Pa., February 23d, 1805, and married Leuticia Morgan, a native of the 
same county, born June 8th, 1H08, They came to Marshall county in 1834, settling in Hopewell township, where Mrs. 
Boys died in 1880 Six ch.ldren were born to them, of whom three are still living,— Charles, Ellen, Emily (Mrs. 
Ramsey);, and John, Mary (Mrs. Norton) and Morgan, deceased. Mr. Boys died October 2d, 1869. He left a 
beautiful residence and a fine farm of 160 acres. 

James Antrim. 

Mr, Antrim was born in New Jersey. July 2l8t, 1808, and came to Marshall county in 1853. He married Jane 
Hinds in 1840, born in Ohio, February 11th. 1821. They have nine children,— Elizabeth A., Francis, John A., Aman- 
da, Mary, Thomas, James H., Minard and Richard. Mr. Antrim lives on section 26, and has 80 acres of land under 
good c u Iti vatioQ . 

Mary Roche. 

Hopewell. 

Enoch Sawyer. 

Farmer, Hopewell township. 

H. F. Stoner. 

Mr. Stoner is a native of Ohio, where he was born October 27. 1854. He came west in 1877, and found a home 
in Marshall county. Illinois, where he has under fine cultivation eighty acres of land. He married M iss N. A* 
Owen, March 13, 1879, born in Ohio in 1853. 

D. F. Sunderland. 

Mr. Sunderland is a naiive of Putnam county, Illinois, and was born July 18th, 1847. His occupation is that of 
a liveryman, and he has a good stock of horses and carriages for hire at all lime''. His wife was formerly Jennie A. 
Read, born in Hennepin, September 24th, 1852, and they have one child, Walter, born February 23d, 1876. 

Lemuel Russell. 

I was born in North Carolina, February 11, 1800, and set out for the west by sea by the way of Savannah, Mo- 
bile, and New Orleans in 1829. I worked some months as a carpenter in Mobile, went west to Vicksburg, Miss., 
and from there in 1830 I came to Louisville, Ky. ; from there to Vincennes, on the Wabash, in Indiana. Went north 
to Honey Creek, Otter Cree^^, Fort Harrison, Terre Haute, north near Lafayette, west or north-west 80 or 90 miles to 
a place called Amboy. I was pleased with the trip, and traveled back that fall by the way of New Orleans and 
Charleston. My step-father and mother and the family of Jesse Sawyer were getting ready to move, and we set out 
with wagons and teams for Illinois. Alter a long and tiresome travel arrived in Putnam county in October, 1831. 
My parents settled on the north side of Round Prairie. I helped build two log houses. The country looked gloomy ; 
no roads, no mills, not much to eat but Irish potatoes. I visited the site where Lacon now is, There was no build- 
ing in it, but saw a few Indian graves and an Indian trail up and down the river. The beautiful grass was unmo- 
lested till Colonel Strawn hauled a log through the village to designate where the streets should be, and made a 
sale of lots. I bouyht two lots. So little was doing here that I went down to Pekin, and got employment for the 
winter on a boat for Yazoo or Vicksburg. The previous summer was wet and cold. There was no good seed corn. 
Seed brought from the Ohio River sold as high as $3.0J per bushel. I brought seed from New Madrid, Mo., got sugar 
and corn and some dried fruit at St. Louis, bought plows at Naples, and the boat brought my freight to Peoria and 
put it out. I found a man in Peoria that had a large sailboat, which I chartered to bring my freight to Columbia 
landing. We could not obtain a loaf of bread, and matches were not in use, so we rowed the boat, for we had a 
head wind, all the way, and eat sugar for 36 hours. By watching the way we found the entrance to the lower basin. 
Mine was the first freight landed that I knew of where Lacon now is, in April 31, though there had been trips made 
to Hennepin. Hennepin had a few houses when I came. After I got back the Black Hawk war commenced, and i 
went out as a ranger on the frontiers, drew rashions, got a land title and drew wages, and at the close of the war I 
entered some land three miles east of Lacon. I married February 23, 1833. My wife was born in Davis county, Ky., 
1809. Her name was Sarah Ann Edwards. We raised eight children -Willis Russell, Margaret Ann, Love, Sarah 
Cathrine, Lemuel, Mary, Amanda Emma, E. Russell. Four survive, and four have passed from here. 

My occupation has been farming. Of late years I have tried to preach, because I thought I could point out 
to man the plan of salvation. I belong to no visible church. I believe in the church built upon the foundation of 
the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief f^orner-stone. Where the Bible speaks we speak; 
where it is silent we are silent. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 733 

by Him. The gospel teaches that God's children should speak the same thinss. We cannot unite only by the gos- 
pel- we cannot walk together except we are agreed. I would like to be a peace-maker. Offences will arise, but wo 
unto him by whom they come. I do not permit myself to be called "reverend," because it don't belong to man; 
reverend and holy is His name, meaning God. Of late I have traveled extensively, north, south, east and west. 

LEMUEL RUSSELL, 

John Wier. . ^ . ^ ,, , .- 

Mr. Wier comes from a Scotch ancestry, and his father was a British soldier in the war of the Revolution, 
who came to this country about 1777 and served during the war. the regiment to which he belonged being stationed 
at Castine Maine. After the close of his term of service, he was granted a tract of land in the province of New 
Brunswick, but the cold, inhospitable climate prevented its acceptance, and he went down into Maine and bought 
apiece of heavy timbered land near what is now MontviUe, where with the help of his sons he cleared a large farm. 
Here the subject of this sketch was born and grew to manhood. When 19 years old the war of 1812 was raging, and 
wishing to enlist, he obtained the signature of his father, and writing above it permission, presented it and was 
accepted. He served one year. When 21 years old he walked to Wheeling, Va., and worked by the week until he 
earned §500, when throu-h the rascality of a man from whom it was due, he became involved in a suit for the 
value of a negro who had ran away, and was obliged to pay $1000. He stayed here 20 years, and accumulated 
$3 000 which he brought to Illinois. He reached here in the year 1830, paid $500 for 160 acres, entered another 
quarter beside it, and went to work. While living in Virginia he married Catherine Byrne, and two children were 
born to them, Henry and Benjamin, the latter of whom was accideatally killed after coming to Illinois. Daniel 
B. was born heie. Mr. Wier was a hard worker and took good care of his earnings, which he invested m land. He 
never profited by the necessities of the poor, nor speculated on the rise and fall of grain, though his ready means 
gave ample opportunity. He planted large orchards, raised large numbers of cattle and hogs, putting his surplus 
into land. At the time of his death he owned some 1200 acres, and his estate was valued at from $60,000 to f 75,000. 
Besides his own family he raised and educated six or sev -n orphan children, caring for them as he did for his 
own, and dealing by them with justice and liberality. No man was more generally and justly esteemed for nis 
many virtues than " Uncle Johnny," by which term he was universally kno^'u, and the noblest and highest tribute 
that could be paid him is the simple inscription upon his monument. " He was a friend to the poor." 

Henry Wier, a son of the above, succeeded to the home estate, which he still retains, He is an extensive 
farmer and manufacturer, raising an average of 4500 bushels of apples annually. In 1877 he began the manufac- 
ture of vinegar, with a capacity for turning out 3.000 barrels annually. I? '.Iso an extensive stock raiser and ship- 
per. He was twice married, his first wife being Caroline Broaddus. who bore him one child. Susan; and the second 
time to Adelia McKinney, hy whom he had two children. Mr, Wier is perhaps the largest land-holder in the 
county, owning 1540 acres. 

Enoch Strawn. 

Mr, Strawn was born in Perry county, Ohio, January 18th, 1822, and moved to what is now Marshall county in 
September 1829 His father was the first settler in western Marshall county, and when he came the Indians were 
in full possession. The subject of this sketch, although but ten years old, has a very distinct recollection ot events, 
and being an active, ambitious lad, had opportunities of seeing and observing not accorded to many. He had many 
notable hunting experiences, saw much of Indian life, and at one time joined a party of youag fellows in a canoo 
trip to Peoria, then having but verv few white inhabiUnts. He obtained a bounty for services in the Black Hawk 
war. He married. April 7th, 1853. Hester Ann Buskirk, who brought him two daughters, one of whom is married 
and lives in Iowa, and the other is Hessa, reared by Mrs. McManigle. She di«d Janu«y 10th, 1857, and he married 
Juliette Gore, June 14th, 1858. to whom were born ten sons and daughters, -Ad iy, Cora (dead), Enoch Landon. Clara 
AUce, George W., Milan (dead), Marian, Glenn, Levicy, Julia (Pearl), and Matilda. His wife died in January, 1^. 
Mr. Strawn has 360 acres of land under cultivation, a good house and barn, and a fine display of stock, etc. His 
daughter Addy married Mr. Myers, and died in a few weeks after marriage. He has served many years as justice of 
the peace and filled other public offices. Is a man looked up to in the community, and "well to do." 




734 H^coliDS of I^Hi: oLden I^ime. 



ROBERTS TOWNSHIP. 



Julia A. Malone. 

Mrs. Malone, widow of Hartley Malone, deceased, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1810, her maiden name 
being Trout. She was married in 1831 to Hartley Malone, born in Indiana, and came to this county in 1836 along 
with Henry L. Crane. The first Methodist meeting in Lacon was held at their cabin, and ol the original M. E. 
class first formed here Mrs. Malone is the sole survivor. For several years Mr. M. worked for Jabez Fisher and then 
moved to Roberts township where he opened a large farm and was noted for his disinterested hospitality. For many 
years he was iustice of the peace and was the first postmaster of Varna. He was an earnest Christian all his life, 
served as class leader and superintendent of Sabbath schools, was a man of peace aud averse to litigation. He died 
of cancer in the face. They had two children— William S. and Emily E., married tj Albert Davis, Mrs. Malone 
lives at her home in Varna. 

PiiEBE Mayes. 

Mrs. Mayes, who^e maiden name was Wright, was born in Ohio, March 18th, 1826. and came to Marshall county 
in 1844, where she married Benjamin Mooney Sept, 12, of that year. He was born in Jackson county, Ohio, July 1, 
1818. and died January 17. 18G4. One child, Anna S., was born to them, married to H. C. Little. She married George 
Mayes, October 3, 1869. He had six children by a former marriage —Franklin, Laura, Helen, Wilmer, Isabel and 
George D. Mr. Mayes died January 29, 1875. 

G. F. SwANSON. 

Mr. Swanson is a butcher in Varna and was born in Sweden. Aug. 7th, 1851. He came to Illinois in 1869, set- 
tling in Marshall county. He keeps a good supply of meats and attends closely to his business, 

Abel Tidmarsh. 

Mr. Tidmarsh was born in England, December 27, 1821, and married Elizabeth Witts, in January, 1856, and 
came to the United States in 1865, locating in Whitefield township. After living there four years they removed to 
Uoberta township, which has since becH their home. They have four children— Sarah E. Rowe, Emma W., Clara J. 
Henry W. They also reared and educated two children named Day, Mr. Tidmarsh has a fine farm under a high 
state of cultivation, and has one of the best residences in the township. 

Alexander Wright. 

Mr. Wright is by occupation a farmer, and lives on section 18 of Roberts tovraship. He was bom in Madison 
county, Ohio, in 1821, came to Marshall county in 1844, and married Sarah Jane Myers, January 1, 1846. She was 
born in the city of Philadelphia November 23. 1824. They have two children— John B., born October 11, 1856, and 
Daniel, born July 17, 1859. Mr. Wright is a successful farmer and stock raiser, and owns a very pleasant home. He 
is a Democrat in politics, has filled numerous offices of trust and responsibility, and been honored by his party with 
a nomination to the legislature, but the Republicans being in the ascendancy he was not elected. He is much 
respected by his townsmen. 

Enoch Sawyer, 

Hopewell, 111. PostofBce, Henry. 

H. V. Crossland. 

Mr. Crossland is a farmer and school teacher residing on section 16. He is a native of Marshall county, born 
April 29, 1848. April6, 1876, he married Cynthia L. Broaddus, who was born in this township. May 6, 1847. They 
have one child, George M., born July 11, 1878. Mr. Crossland owns 320 acres of land, snd has filled various local 
offices with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the community. 

Mrs. Minerva Broaddus, Widow. 

Mrs. Broaddus was born in Ohio, January 25, 1828, being the eldest daughter of James Hall, one of the pio- 
neers of Marshall county, and came to this state with her parents in 1831. She was married to Christopher Broad- 
dus, who was born September 20, 1819, and died July 19, 1871. Their children were Cynthia L., Helen M., Jesica H., 
Lucy J., Florence E., Marshall H., Alice V., James H. and Almedia. Mr. Broaddus left his family in excellent cir- 
cumstances, owning some 1500 acres of land at the time of his death, and the delightful residence now occupied by 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 735 

Mrs. Broaddus is one of the most desirable in the county. After her husband's death, Mrs. B, assumed control of 
the large estate, and has managed it with skill and profit. She has considerably improved the grounds, and the 
old home has been rebuilt at a cost of $2,000. Uer children have married well, and to her the clouds of the future 
have a silver lining. 

John a. Peterson. 

Mr. Peterson was born in Sweden. January 31, 1849, being one in a family of six children, of A. P. Peterson, 
who was bom in Sweden in 1817, married Marv C. Isaacs in 1845, and immigrated with his family to the United 
States, locating in Marshall county in 1S70. The other children are Charles August, Andrew, William. Clara C. and 
Augusta C. Mr. Peterson is a farmer by occupation, and cultivates 190 acres of land in this township. His parents 
are still living. 

W. H. Olin. 

Mr. Olin is a farmer by occupation, born in Ohio, August 7, 1842. August 7, 1865, he married Miss Ann Helm, 
and three children have blessed their union, viz,: Frank, born April 24,1868; Grace, born August 13, 1872; and Aaron, 
bom June 4, 1875. 

S. M. Glenn. 

gr. Glenn belongs to a family that settled in early times in Putnam county, where his father died and several 
of his brothers still live. He was born in Crawford county, Indiana, May 22, 1822. moved to McLean county in 1857, 
remained there two years, went to Schuyler county in 1848, and came to Marshall in 1859. He married Caroline 
Conrad in 1843, born in Indiana in 1829. They have four children-Mary Roberts, Julia Disosway, Charles W. and 
George J. Mr . Glenn has been supervisor three years, and assessor eight years. He is a good farmer, and the best 
bee-kc-eper in the county. He is generous to his friends, just to his enemies, and liked by all whose friendship is 
worth having. 

Wm. L. Fisher. ^. ^ .,,„ 

Mr Fisher is a carpenter by occupation, living in Vama. He was born in Fulton county, Indiana, AprillA 
1843, and came to Marshall county in October. 1849. April 7, 1864, he married Sarah A. Bowers, born in West Vir- 
ginia in 1847. They have three children,- Alonza U.. born September 22. 1866; Mary Medrith, born December 20. 
1868; Bertha, born October 5, 1871. 

HiRAM Myers. 

Mr .Alyers is a farmer, whose fine homestead of 300 acres is in section 16 of Roberts township. He was bom 
here in 1833. and it has since been his home. His residence, one of the finest on the prairie, is surrounded by ever- 
greens and fruit trees, and embellished without and within with evidence of wealth and good taste. His wife, for- 
merly Celia H. Hamilton, was born June 8ih, 1858. and their four children are named Leonora, born July 14. 1861 
David Samuel. Dec. 4, 1869, Alvira. April 21. 1869, and Iva Dell, March 11. 1875. Mr. Myers is one of the live men of 
his township, and comes from a family noted for thrift <ind enterprise, and likewise for being the oldest and most 
extensive nurserymen in this part of the state. 

John Wallace. . ^ „. 

Mr. Wallace is by trade a harness-maker, which he abandoned for the more profitable occupation of selling 
and putting up pumps of all kinds, but speciHlly the celebrated rubber pump for which he is agent. He was bora 
iu Ireland in 1833, and came to the United States in 1859. and married Mary Dillon in New York City, her native 
place. I hey have an adopted daughter, Nellie, born October 3. 1864. Mr. Wallace is an energetic agent, truthful in 
his statements and successful in his business. 

John McCluskey. . ^ 

Mr. McOlui-key was boru in West Virginia, November 25th, 1838. and cime to Putnam county in January, 1864. 
He married Mis^ Lucicda Steward. February 25th, 1867, born in Putnam county May 22. 1847. They have six chil- 
dren.- Mary L.. Frances 8., John, Franlc B., Virginia, and one daughter not named. Mr. McC has served one term 
as collector and filled other offices. 

E,EUBEN Broaddus. 

Mr. Broaddus is a large farmer, owning 940 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, and one of the finest 
residences on the prairie. He is an extensive stock grower likewise, and is credited with sending ^"^^^^^o the 
best herd of fat cattle ever shipped from the county. He was bom in Fayette county, Indiana. July 6th 1831. came 
to Marshall county in 1834, and married Miss Mary J. Forbes. Nov. 21, 1855. She was born 1° Hopewell township, 
Sept. 12, 1835. Thev have five children.-Lawrence W., Minnie A.. Warren A.. Mary H. and Andrew K. 

Jahu Buckingham. . . o , • u * *k» 

Mr. Buckingham was bora in Woodford county, Dec. 20. 1840. and is a son of Judge Buckingham, one of the 
early settlers and large land-holders of Woodford county. After completing his education be enlisted in the 7.th 
regiment Illinois volunteers, and did his full share of fighting, never shirking duty and never besitaUng to follow 



736 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

where any dnred to lead. In 1863 he wedded Miss Carrie M. Jenkins, of Cayuga county, New York, born Mny 7th, 
1840. 8he was highly educated and a very successful teacher, eminent for her social worth and many virtues. They 
have four children living and three are dead. The living are William F., Benjamin J., Frank 1. and Ada E. Since 
his return from the army Mr. Buckingham has been in the stock bmsiness. 

Martin King, 

Varna, 111. 

La Fayette Brown, 

Varna, 111. 

Mrs. E. B. Neville. 

Mrs. Neville is a well known teacher of the piano and organ. She is daughter of Oeorge H. Sh.aw, one of the 
tirst settlers in the county, and widely respected. She married E. B. Neville, January 19, 1862, a graduate of Eureka 
college, and attorney at law. They reside on the old homestead. Mrs. N. is sister of the Hon. V. M. Shaw and the 
talented Mrs. Dr. Tesmer, of Sparland, and is widely respected and beloved. 

F. F. Myers, 

Varna, 111. 

P. Carlson, 

Varna, III. 

William Scarborough. 

Mr. Scarborough is a painter by trade, living in Varna, Illinois. He was born in New Jersey, March 29, 1853. 
and came to Marshall county in 1857. Married Rachel A. Williams. May 19th, 1879, born in Livingston county. 111., 
February 14th, 1855. Mr. S. is clerk of the village of Varna. 

Peter Bowman, 

Varna, Illinois. 

James B. Davis. 

Mr. Davis was born in Ohio, August 20th, 1816, and came to Marshall county in 1849. January 11th, 1844 he 
married, in Ohio, Miss Nancy Hiland. They have four children living and one deceased, the living being Eunice A., 
Daniel, Clara and Mary E. William M. died July 19, 1854, in the tenth year of his age. Mr. Davis is a farmer by 
occupation, and has been a justice of the peace for a number of years. They are members of the M. E. church. 

O. p. Nelson. 

Roberts township. 

Oscar Sturmborg. 

Roberts township. 

Abraham Belong. 

Mr. Delong is a resident of Varna, and a mason by trade. Hewasbtrn in Pennsylvania, October 7tb, 1805. 
Moved to New Jersey in 1830, vhere he lived three ^ears; thence moved, in 1833, to New York City, where he re- 
mained nine years, and came to Maishall county in the spring of 1842. February 22. 1836, he married Anna E. Con- 
ley, by whom he had ten children.— George, Isaac, Henr^ , Albert, Adrian, Emily E., Adaline, Margaret, Joseph N. 
and Mary. Albert died May 11th. 1864. Mrs. Delong died October 4th, 1864 and in June, 1867. he married Mrs. 
Caroline F. Taylor (Hester), who died in August, 1871, leaving two childrtn,— Lucinda and Albert. January 1. 1873, 
Mr. Delong married Miss Martha Malone, a native of Indiana, born August 4, 1829. 

Henry Delong. 

Roberts township. . ' 

John C. Shields. 

Mr. Shields is a farmer, and cultivates fifty acres of land. He was born on Ox Bow Prairie, Putnam county, 
August 31st. 1856, and is a son of Calvin Shields an old settler and wealthy Jarmer, born in Indiana. 

John Myers. 

Mr. Myers was born in Ohio, and was a son of John and Nancy Myers, who came to this county in the spring 
of 1832, and during the Black Hawk troubles were •' forted up " in the Jesse Roberts place. His father purchased a 
claim of a man named Redmond, opened a large farm and lived and died here. Their son John succeeded to the 
homastead, which he greatly improved and lives upon to-day. When arrived at man's estate he married Mrs. 
Bell, a widow, with an only child, Andrew J., now a leading lawyer and political writer of Peoria. They had 



BIOGKAPIIICAL DEPARTMEN:T. 



737 



six children bom to them, viz., Phebe, Laura, Amanda. Henrietta. Douglas and Mary. Amanda and Henrietta are 
married. Mrs. Myers died inLacon a few years ago, and Mr. M. married Sarah Oliver, of Clinton, 111. Mr, Myers 
has been very successful, and owns in addition to his home farm and others in this county, large tracts in Kansas. 
He has served many years as supervisor, and tilled various offices with entire satisfaction. He is a large reader and 
well informed on ttie various topics of the day, is energetic, knows how to drive a good trade, and seldom forgets 
his friends. 

Livingston Roberts. 

The father of Mr. Roberts was the first settler in Marshall county, and he is the oldest surviving resident, hav • 
ing come here in 1829. He assisted in making the large farm he occupies, and upon the death of his father succeed- 
e I to the property. Ilis wife was a Miss Dent, and he raised a large family of sons and daughters, to each of which 
he gave a farm. Mr. Roberts is yet hale and hearty, and labors daily in the field. He has a large estate with good 
buildings upon it, and is very comfortably fixed. lie has filled various offices in the township, and no man is more 
widely known or generally respected. A more extended sketch of his settlement here is given elsewhere. 




738 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



BELLE PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 



James Shanklin. 

Mr. Shanklin is a farmer of Belle Plain township, who was born in Kentucky in 1810, and moved to Marshall 
county in 1853. In 1827 he married Miss Sarah Bsnnington. They had four children— William, Ann, Joseph and 
Margaret Jane. The first three are dead, Mr. Shanklin has eight grand children. His present wife was Mrs, Per- 
melia Bell. They were married October 1, 1869. He has a fine farm of 165 acres, and has a pleasant home. 

Charles D. Hodge, 

The subject of this sketch is a farmer, living in Belle Plain township. He was born in New York, and came to 
Marshall county in 1855. He married Miss Mary Du.sten, in the State of New York, in 1853. She was born in 
Grafton, New York, November 22, 1828. They have eight children living— Dora Charles Homer, Myron, Elmer, 
Chalmers, Sumner and Annie. Joseph died September 13. 1856. Mr- Hodge cultivates 23 acres ef land. 

Horace C. Tiiarp. 

Mr. Tharp is a farmer, living in Belle Plain township. He was born in Ohio, May 2, 1836. He married Miss 
Barbary Vandament, March 1, 1860. They have four children— Junisa J., Sarah E., George E. and James C. Mr. 
Tharp came to Marshall county in 1856, moved to Cedar county, Mo., in 1866, remaining there three years, then went 
to Joseph county. Mo., living there three years, and returned to Marshall county in 1874. 

Elam J. Snow. 

Mr. Snow is a farmer, living on section 29 in Belle Plain township. He was born in Ohio in 1843, and married Mrs. 
Mary Perry (McKinney). She was born in Brown county, Ohio, and died in February. 1876, leaving two children — 
William H. and Andrew J. Mr. Snow moved to Indiana in 1849, and came to Marshall county 1856. He has 160 
acres of land under good cultivation. 

John F. Hatton. 

Mr. Hatton comes from an old family that settled here early in the history of the countv, and has furnished 
citizens who have filled important positions. He was born in Virginia in 1823, and came to Marshall county along 
with his parents in 1835. He has bsen a farmer all his life, and owns one of the best farms on the prairie. He 
married Elizabeth McKinney, and they have eleven children— Mary Jane, Mark, Thomas, Jacob, Helen, Sarah E., 
Nancy A., Eda, Caroline, Francis, Tine. Mr. Hatton is well to do and takes the world easy. 

George Dorff. 

Mr. Dorff is a farmer living on section 2, and cultivates seventy acres of land. He was bom in Pennsylvania, 
in the month of February, 1847, and came to Marshall county in 1859. After remaining here nine years, he went to 
Missouri, where he lived nine years, and then returned to Marshall county. In 1870 he married, in Missouri, Miss 
Mary Geter, and they have had four children, two of whom, Mary E. and Emma E., are living. Etta May and 
Mary M. died in Missonri. 

Mrs. Nancy Perry. 

]Mrs. Perry's maiden name was Hattan, and she was bom in Virginia, in 1825. She came to Marshall county 
with her parents in 1831, and married Elijah Perry. October 9, 1847. He was an extensive farmer, and left a large 
family of enterprising boys, who have grown to men's estate and are reputable, useful citizens. She had nine chil- 
dren, viz., Mary M„ William J., Sophia J., Anna, Zachariah, Nellie A.. Maggie M., Elijah F., Andrew E. and Cora 
T. Her mother still lives at the good old age of 84 years, and has six children, 48 grand children, and 35 great grand 
children living. 

Robert Hester. 

Mr. Hester is a farmer, and his home is on section 36, where he owns 400 acres of fine farming land. He was 
bom in Boon county, Kentucky, and came to Marshall county in 1847, where he married Miss Lydia Davidson, bom 
in New York, by whom he had one child, Effie Z. Mrs. H. died May 14, 1863, and he wedded Nancy McKeever to 
whom has been born two children— Simeon L. and Cora V. Mr. Hester is one of the leading men of the county, 
and has filled various offices of trust and responsibility. Has served oue term as sheriff, has been a member of all 



felOGRAtHICAL DEPARtMEK^. 789 

Important conventions, and his name favorably mentioned as a member of the legislature. He took a deep interest 
in the war and emancipation, and always occupies the front rank in every movement that tends to elevate the 
human race. lie has just completed one of the best residences in the county. 

Mrs. Ellen A. McCune. 

Mrs, McCune is a resident of Belle Plain township, and owns 160 acres of land. She was born in Cumberland 
county, Pa., her maiden name being Gibb. She married Hugh McCune, also a native of Pennsylvania, and they 
came to Marshall county in 1856 She has five children living,— William, John W., Ellen J. (Bell), Mary W. (ltains\ 
and Elizabeth E. (Feazle); Elizabeth Emeline, an infant, deceased; and Samuel, a son, who went away from home 
and is supposed to be dead, not having been heard from for thirteen years, 

Jesse Drake. 

Mr. Drake is a resident of La Rose, and a dealer in grain, lumber and coal. He was born in Monroe county. 
Pa., and came to La Rose in 1872. In A.ugust, 1876, he mtrried A.niietta Welty. They have two children,— Mabel 
and Maud. 

John N. McNeff. 

Mr. McNeff was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois in 1854, locating in Marshall county in 1866. He is 
a stock broker by occupation, and lives in Li Itose. His wife's maiden name was Sarah E. Sander, and they have 
had seven children —Augusta A.., Sarah E., Sherman E., John G., Henry E., Vndrew C. and Nellie A. Sherman E. 
died March 16, 1874. 

JOU^ MlTLLEN. 

Mr. Mullen is by occupation a farmer. He was born in Woodford county. May 4th, 1850, and married Miss 
Elvira Crow, July 3d, 1876. They have one child, named Samuel Mullen. 

MosES A. Messenger. 

Mr. Messenger was born in New Pork, in March, 1840, and came to Marshall county in 1860. He is a justice of 
the peace, and is engaged in merchandising. In May, 1874, he married Margaret A. Martin, and they have one child, 
Leora I. Mr. M. enlisted in Co. F, 77th regiment III. Inf. Vols, during the war for the suppression of the rebellion, 
and participated in seventeen engagements, being wounded at Vicksburg. He served three years, and was mustered 
out at Wheeling, West Virginia. 

Jesse George, 

belle Plain township, Marshall county. 111. 

Richard W. Justice, 

Belle Plain township, Marshall county. 111. 

Elmira Justice. 

Belle Plain township, Marshall county. 111. 

Thomas Antrim, 

Belle Plain township, Marshall county, 111. 



740 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



A. J. Signer. 

Mr. Signer is a carpenter by occupation, and was born in Pennsylvania. He came to LaSalle county, Illinoie, 
in 1849, and to Marshall county in 1873. He served three years and one month in Co. C Fourth U. 8. Cavalry, and 
was in the battles of Culpepper Court House, the seige of Vicksburg, at Chattanooga, Fort Douelson, and numerous 
smaller engagements. March 28, 1870, he married Mrs. Irene Williamson, whose maiden name was Phelps. They 
have two children. Frank O. and Charles I., and Mrs. 8. has one child, George E. Williamson, by her first marriage. 
Mr. W lliamson Mrs. Signer's first husband, served three years during the war for the suppression of the rebellion, 
in Co. C, 72d Illinois Inf. He participated in 21 pitched battles, was wounded seven times, and died of wounds re- 
ceived in the battle of Shiloh. He held the rank of sergeant. 

E. H. Ward. 

Mr. Ward is a farmer living on section 18, and cultivates 165 acres of lard. He was born in Franklin county, 
Indiana, and came to Marshall county in 1859. October 1. 1874, be married Sarah A. Skelton, and they have one 
child, Robert A. 

Samuel Dorset. 

Mr. Dorsey is a citizen of Bennington township, and is by occupation a farmer. He was born in West Ver- 
ginia, in 1831, and came to Marshall county, Illinois, in 1869. He married Joanna HoUiday in 1851, and six children 
have been born to them,— William C, Samuel, James Fillmore, Mary Bell, Ortie and Charlie. During the war he 
entered the Union army and served in Co. G, 17th W. Va. Int. At its close he came to hutland, and for some time 
followed merchandising, after which he bought the farm he now occupies. He owns 240 acres of land, in a high 
state of cultivation .with a fine residenc ^ and outbuildings . He has been township supervisor, haii filled other official 
positions, and is a leading and influential citizen. 

R. J. Vaughn. 

Mr. Vaughn is a citizen of Woodford county, residing near the line between Woodford county and Bennington 
township, Marshall county. He is a farmer by occupation, and was born in Marshall county, June 18th, 1837. In 
1858 he married Annett Sweet, and two children have been born to them, Alva and Cora. Mr. Vaughn served one 
year during the war, in Co. D, Uth III. Inf., and was in the battle of Mobile and several other engagements. 

E,Ev. Harvey Trov\abridge. 

Mr. Trowbridge is an eloi^uent and influential minister in the Christian church, living in Bennington, of which 
township he was one of the first settlers. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, in 1826. and married Sarah 
Stafford in 1851. They have four children— Thomas L., Mary L. Evans, Nancy L and Sarah L, Thomas and family 
are members of the church of Christ. Mr. rrowbridge is among the very few ministers who are successful farmers 
or business men, and enjoy a competence earned outside of the profession. He has a large farm with good im- 
provements and wnen not at work for the Master follows the plow or the reaper, He is a good citizen, an eloquent 
divine and esteemed by all who know him. 

Mary D. Brooks. 

Mrs, Brooks was born in the State of New York, and there received her education. She was married in June, 
1837, to Mr, Brooks, and eight children were bom to them, viz., John D., Cordelia King, George W., Harriet M. 
Wilder, Charles E., Sarah E. Stratton and Mary A. Another daughter, Leonora, died September 17, 1851, Mrs. 
Brooks owns and cultivates 160 acres. 

Charles S. Edwards. 

Mr. Edwards was born in Maryland, and when five years old his parents moved to Kentucky. He came to 
Illinois in 1831, spending one season in Putnam county, and teaching the first school ever taught on Clear Creek. 
He came to Shaw's Point in the spring of 1832, and lived there 36 years. He opened a large farm, was successful in 
business, and retired with a competence. He sold out to Reuben Broaddus. In 1826 he married Mary B, Edwards, 
and ten children were born to them. Two died in infancy, three afterwards, and five are now living. William D. 
was a very promising lawyer who studied in Henderson, Ky., and began practice in Lacon, where he died. He 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



741 



died when 2? years old, and is buried iu the Lacon cemetery. Mrs. Edwards died in 1875. The living children are 
Robert B., a lawyer of Lacon; Charles S., superintendent of schools; John, a farmer in Bennington; Lydia A.. Bell, 
of Minouk, and Mary C. Brevoort, of Kutland. Mr. Edwards lives near Rutland, and is still in the enjoyment of 
fair health. He has filled many responsible positions, and iiaa been an influential citizen, highly esteemed, and 
deserving the good opinion of the community. 

Thomas J. Thompson. 

Mr Thompson lives on section 21, where he owns and cultivates 240 acres. He was bom in Belmont county, 
Ohio in 1825 married Amanda M, Cundiff, of East Virginia, in 1849. and came to this county the same season. 
They have eight children— John 8., Susan J., Thomas F., Lucy A... Isaac 0., Charles H., Eva B. and Willey W. He 
has served ten years as assessor, with satisfaction to all. He is a Democrat, but never blindly partisan, and sup- 
ports those he believes to be the better men. He wields a large influence in his township, in looked to as an advisor 
in neighborhood differenceo, and exerts a large influence for good. 




742 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 



Henry T. Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes is a farmer, residing on section 2G, bis postoffice beinj; Washburn. Woodford county. He was born 
in Marshall county, 111., in Bichland township, about two miles from their present homestead. He is a son of Robt. 
and Julia Barnes, natives of the state of Delaware, who located in Marshall county in 1830. Mr. Barnes married 
Miss Annis Little in 1857. She also was born in this county and township. She is the daughter of Nathanial and 
Mildred Little, who located in this county about 1834. They have three children living,— Charles N.. Annie P , 
George O.,— and three deceai>ed. Mr. Barnes is a member of the M. E. church. He is the owner of eight hundred 
acres of land. They are the oldest residents of the county. Mr. Barnes and wife have never been out of their 
native state. He was the second white child born in Marshall county, and is the first born in the county now living 

John A. Keedy. 

Mr. Keedy was born in Orange county, Indiana, in 1820, and came here along with his parents and brothers in 
1834. Some account of the family is given in the history of liichland township In 1841 he married Caroline M. 
Foster, born in Kentucky. They have one child living, Ambrose W-, born October 30th. 1842. Several oth- 
ers were born to them, and have passed to the other side. They have long been members of the M. E. church, of 
which he is steward and trustee. He has a fine farm of 300 acres, has tilled nearly all the local offices of the town- 
ship, settled important estates, and in various ways served the public. The trusts they have placed in his hands 
have never been betrayed, and when he dies there should be inscribed above his grave, 

"Hebe lies an honest man." 

Samuel H. Iliff. 

Mr. Iliff is a farmer, living on section 1 of Bichland township, with postaffice at Lacon. He was born in this 
county in 1852, and has ever since resided here, laboring on the farm. In 1875 he wedded Miss Nellie Clement, born 
in Titusville, Penn., to whom one child, VictorC, born in 1878. They are members of the M. E. church. His farm of 
160 acres is finely cultivated, and haa first-class buildings, Mr. Iliff is active and energetic, and if health is spared 
will in a few years become wealthy. 

William Sheobart. 

Mr. Sheobart was born in Germany in 1839, and emigrated to the U. S. in 1868, settling in Marshall coun- 
ty. He married Miss Augusta Lents, in Pennsylvania, in 1869. Shn was bom in Germany in 1831. They have 
one child, Louis D., born in February, 1870, 

Luke Keefe, 

Mr. Keefe is a farmer by occupation, born in Ireland in 1837. He came to the United States in 1862, and has 
been a resident of Marshall county since 1874. He cultivates 72 acres of land. In 1861 he married Mary Wright. 
They have taken a child to raise named Joseph Fox. 

George W. Kunkle. 

Mr. Kunkle was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, came to Marshall county in 1855, and is now a resident of sec- 
tion 8, Richland township, where he follows the occupation of a farmer and culiivates 80 acres of land, in 1872 he 
married Sarah J. Owen, daughter of Timothy Owen, and they have two children, Ralph and Lloyd. Mr. Kunkle 
has a beautiful residence, and his farm is in a high state of cultivation. 

Henry B. Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes was born in Sussex county, Delaware, December 4. 1803, His parents were descended on the pa- 
ternal side from an old English family, while on his mothers he traces his lineage to the Welsh. In 1808 his father 
moved to Sciota county, Ohio, in a heavy timbered country, where he labored at clearing land and on the farm 
until 1823, when he removed to Marion county until 1834. In 1831 he married Mary Dickinson, who died the suc- 
ceeding year, leaving him one child, now Mrs. Carrithers. An elder brother and sister were living in Illinois, and 
in 1834, accompanied by his mother and little girl, he came west, finding a home with his sister, Mrs. Dever, until a 
cabin was built on the site of his present home. In 1839 he married Jane J., daughter of Colonel Kilgore, a well 
known citizen who still survives, and has been to him more than a " companion " for over forty years. She is the 
mother of six sons and daughters, viz., Isabel, Louisa, Samuel M,, Henry E. W. (doctors of Fairbury, 111.), Oliver S. 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 743 

and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have led lone and useful lives, which liid fair to be duplicated 
in their children. They still live on the old homestead and carry on the farm, which he hfu? cultivated for nearly 
half a century. Their children are comfortably settled in the world, and the future it would seem has neither care 
nor sorrow for their aged parents. Mr. Barnes has served as supervisor, and tilled other responsible positions. 
Himself and family have been life-long members of the M. E. church. 

John M. Tlifp\ 

Mr. lUfTwas born in Perry county, Ohio, near Somerset. April 10. 1827. He came to this Stat« with'his par- 
ents in 1831, and located near Pekin, and moved to this county, near Lacon, in the spring of 1832. In the fall of 
1834 he moved with his father to section 14, where he lived until 1851. He married a Miss Caroline, daughter of S. 
P. Henthorn. in 1849. born in Perry county. Ohio, .Tune 30. 1828. by whom he had seven children- Robert W , Sam- 
uel 11., Clarissa J.. William T., Lewellen C, Mary E.. and one deceased. Mrs. Iliff died April 7, 1864, He married 
Mrs. Sarah A. Grove (Houck). December 18, 1867. She was born near Lancaster, Ohio. She died September 7, 1875, 
leaving one child, Lizzie, by a former marriage. He married his present wife, Miss Amelia Springer, June 27, 1877. 
She was born in this county in 1843, taught school nearly nine years in Evans, and six months in Sparland. She is 
a daughter of Isaac and Charlotte Springer. They have one child, Eddy, and are m« mbers of the M. E. church of 
which Mr. Iliff is steward and class leader, and has been delegate to conference meetings of the church at Peoria, 
Monmouth and Rock Island. He owns 561 acres of land, nearly all in cultivation His father, Robert, served in 
the Black Hawk war. He was born in Parks county. Pa., March 25, 1801, and died December 6, 1870, His mother, 
(Williamfi\ was born March 9, 1805, in Washington, Pa„ died March 18, 1862. Mr. Iliflf is the only child (of five) 
living. 

Jacob Rediger. 

Mr. Rediger was born in Woodford county in 1842 and came to Marshall in 1870. and married Miss Marj F. 
Duchense in 1849. He owns 160 acres of land in section 21. and is a substantial, hard-working, industrious and suc- 
cessful farmer. He has a beautiful residence and a pleasant family of four children— Elenora, William H„ Alford 
and Mary F, 

A. Pichereatt. 

Mr. Pichereau is a native of France, from whence he came with his parents when a boy, and first settled in 
Black Partridge in 1833. He was a mechanic, and worked in various places until 1840, when he came to Marshall 
county, litre he opened a large farm and married Levicy, daughter of John Strawn. He was a hard worker and 
good manager, and with the assistance of his wife they accumulated a handsome property aud removed to Lacon, 
where she died. Six sons and daughters were given them, viz., Victorene, Arcene, Josephene, Asahel, Frank and 
Hortense. Asahel is a rising lawyer of Galesburg the eldest daughter is Mrs. Joseph Wallace, and the second, Mrs. 
Moats. In 1879 Mr. Pichereau was married again to Mrs. Maggie Arnold, and moved to his farm, where he is doing 
well. He is widely known and as widely respected. 

William J. Ramsey. 

Mr. Ramsey is a native of Cecil Co., Maryland,where he was bom in 1834. and came to Illinois with his parents 
in 1837, locating on the farm where he now lives. He married Mary A. Dodds in 1859, bom in Montgomery county, 
Ohio. They have one child, John R., born in 1862. Are members of the Presbyterian church. He owns 148 
acres of land under excellent cultivation and a fine residence. Mr. Ramsey has a wide acquaintance and is much 
respected as a friend and neighbor, and Mrs. R. is a woman of much more than ordinary ability. 

William H. Gray. 

Mr. Gray is descended from an old family that came here previous to the Black Hawk war, and his mother, 
Mrs PoU.v Gray, is still living. He was born in 1839 and followed farming all his life. In 1858 he married Miss W. 
A. Kircher, born in Miamisburg, Pa., in 1841, by whom he has one son, John R., bom in 1858. They are members of 
the M. E. church at Phelps chapel. He has filled various township offices and owns 187 acres of good land in this 
township under excellent cultivation, and 160 acres in Bennington. 

Jajies Cain. 

Mr. Cain is one of the oldest living residents in this section, having settled here in 1835. He was born in 
Green county,Pa.,in 1808. He moved with his parents to Ohio county, West Va., the same year and lived there many 
years. In 1832 he married Mary Burns and emigrated to Illinois, then scarcely freed from the Indians. He opened 
a large farm, planted an orcharo, and in course of time has grown rich, but remains upon the old homestead and 
looks after his afifaira. Taey have one child, Mrs. Amelia Sliafer. Mr. Cain owns 400 acres of land. 



744 EECORDS OF THE OLPEN TIME, 



LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 



Esq. Edwin S. Jones. 

Mr. Jones was bom in Union Town, Fayette county. Pa., Feb. 9th. 1805. His father died when he was oiJy 2% 
years old, and his mother moved to Sciota Valley, Ross county, O., in 1808. He served his time as a tanner in Chil- 
licothe, Ohio, until 1&25, when he moved from there to Fort Finley, where he started a tannery, and was the 
first elected treasurer of Hancock county. He came out to Peoria, 111., Nov. Stb, 1831, and thence came up to Chi!- 
licothe, where he wintered, and in April. 1832, enlisted in Capt. Eads' company, of Peoria, for service against the 
Indians, participating in Stillman's defeat, an account of which is given elsewhere. He married Miss Emily Rrwit 
in Ross county, Ohio, Dec. 10th, 1827. She was born in Roxberrv, Delaware county, N. Y., May 10th, 1807. They 
have four children living. -Belle (Easton), AngelineC. (McCuilough), Albert W. and Julia J. (Edrainstcr); and fonr 
have died. Hattie (Foster) and Julius E. died after reaching maturity. Are members of the church of Christ. lie has 
been justice of the peace about 42 years, and held other local offices of the township. Mr. Jones' life has been lone 
and useful, and he is respected wherever known. Few men have been more before the public, and fewer still are 
they who have so generally won and merited the public confidence and esteem. 

Thomas Keller. 

Mr. Keller was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1806, and married Mercena Minor in 1837. She was born in 
Connecticut. Mr. Keller died in 1866, leaving six children — O. Martin, Emma R., Mary E. (Rathburn), Jane (Prary) 
Harriet E. and Sarah F. Are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Keller was an exhorter in the church ff.r several 
years previous to his death. His widow survives him, and owns 80 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. 
Miss Emma taught school eight years in the 4th district; Miss Harriet has taught nine terms in one district: Jane 
also taught five terms up to the time she was married. 

G. W. McLaughlin. 

Mr. McLaughlin was born in Marshall county. 111., in 1850, and has lived here ever since, with the exception of 
two years which he spent in 8treator and Kewanee. He married Miss Relief Bonham in 1871. She was born in 
this county, and is a daughter of William Bonham, one of the oldest residents of the county. They have three 
children living— Oscar M., Minnie E, and Albert Leroy — pnd three are dead He is school director of his district. 
He rents from his father 112 acres of land which he cultivates. Mr. McL. comes from "good stock" and is a hard 
working and successful citizen. 

John Currie. 

Mr. Currie was born in Northumberland, Eogland, in 1812, and came to the United States in 1851 locating in 
Marshall county. He married Mary Thompson in 1831. born in the same place. I'hey have four children living — 
Robert, Hannah, Mary (Mrs. Fleming), and James. He owns a farm in Ford county. Hannah married John Scoon 
in 1866. He was born in Scotland. They have four living children— Robert A., Mary E.. John Currie, and Minnie 
J. They are members of the C. P. church. He owns 160 acres of land, and is school director and tax collector of 
the township. Mrs. Currie died in 1877. His son. R')bert, lives in Ford county. Although classically educated ana 
possessing the ability to succeed in any of the profefsions, he prefers the quiec content of a farmer to the turmoil 
of political life. 

Robert Pringle. 

Mr. Pi ingle is a farmer, living on section 29, and was born in Roxboroughshire, Scotland, in 1821. He came 
to the United States in 1848, and settled York state, where he remained 4' j years, then came to Marshall county, 
where he has lived ever since. Married Miss Jeannette TurnbuU in 1852, born in the same place as himself. They 
have six children,— Lizzie, John, Andrew, Mary, Adam and Jeanette. He owns 300 acres of land, all in cultivation, 
with good improvements. 

Richard B. Frary. 

Mr. Prary was born in Steuben county. New York, in 1817, and moved with his parents to Cuyahoga county, 
Ohio, at the age of nine years. In 1838 he went to Peckatoaica, 111., lived there about eighteen months, and re- 
turned to Ohio. Again in 1841 moved to Illinois, locatin? in Peoria county, where he staid four years. From here 
he moved to Green county, and remained four years, returned to Peoria, and after two years sojourn in that county, 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 745 

located in Marshall in 1850. He married Miss Catherine J, Lowman in 1852, bom in Indiana county. Pa., March 7, 
1823. They have four children— Rebecca J., Merritt, Sarah W., James N., and two deceased. Mrs. F. and Rebecca 
are members of the U. P. church. He owns 180 acres of land. Mrs. Frary is a daughter of Andrew and Nancy Low- 
man. Her mother's maiden name was Hindman, also a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lowman died at 86 in Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Frary is a son of John and Rebecca Frary, his grandfather was a William Ilendricus, which is as far 
back as he can trace his family ; and his grandmother's name was Ball. He has in his possession an old Queen 
Ann gun over 200 years old, brought from England by some of the early emigrants. The barrel is about eight feet 
long, is in a perfect state of preservation, and will kill a deer at eighty rods— will carry either ball or shot, Mr. 
Fcary is a practical inventor, having invented the only gang plow extant— really practical., which he expects soon 
to begin manufacturing. 

Archibald Riddell. 

Mr. Kiddell is a farmer, living on section 25. Postoffice. Sparland. He was born in Scotland, came to the 
United States when a young man, and located first in Chillicothe, where he embarked in merchandising, until his 
removal to Marshall county, where he engaged in farming. His first wife was Miss Jennette Davidson, bom also in 
Scotland. Three of their children are living- George D., William and Archibald, and two dead. Mr. Riddle has 
been school treasurer, trustee and director, and held other local f)ffices. He owns 320 acres of land He is a man 
of liberal views, well posted in the political history of the day. and a firm lover of American institutions. To him 
more than any other is due the success of the Lacon Woolen Manufacturing Company. He first invested $10.f 00, 
and when this was exhausted and more was needed, voluntarily came forward with $10,000 more. Ue has always 
been a director, and much of the time has served as president of the company. 

Joseph J. Calder, 

Mr. Calder was born in Albany county, New York, in 1806. He came to Illinois in 1851, and located on the 
farm where he has ever since resided, He married Sarah Deddrick in 1830. She was born in Queen's county. New 
York. They have lune children livicg- Marion W., Alexander, Isaac D,, James, Naoma, Anna Amelia (Powell), 
MarshallJ., HellenC. (Stowell). and two deceased. Are members of the M, E church. He has held several of the 
local offices of his district. He owns 120 acres in Marshall county. 111., also a tract of land in Iowa. Few families 
are better known or so generally respected as that of Mr. C. He has been a prominent temperance advocate all his 
life, and taken deep interest in Sabbath schools. 

Elijah Stowell. 

Mr. Stowell was born in Chenango county. New York, in 1817, and went to Potter county. Pa., in 1847. Here 
he married Miss Louisa Sherman in 1847, and six years later removed to Marshall county, 111. She was born in Cay- 
uga county, Npw York, but her parents removing to Potter county. Pa., soon after, she was reared and educ-ited 
there. Her father was a surveyor and executed important contracts in surveying for the Government. Mr. Stowell 
owns and cultivates a good farm, he belongs to a family well known and well thought of, and is a man of more 
than ordinary ability. 

Charles Stone. 

Mr. Su>ne was born in Franklin county, Vermont, in 1813, where he lived until 1832, when he went to Troy, 
N; Y., staid there six years, and thence to Pittsfield, Mass. He came to Illinois in 1845, locating in Marshall county, 
where he has since resided. He purchased his present farm of 320 acres from a company with which he was iden- 
tified. He married Miss Margaret McElroy in 1836. She was bom in the city of Dublin, Ireland. They have three 
children— Charles H., Julia M. and Frank E. The latter is now engaged successfully in the manufacture of cheese 
on his father's farm, where he has a capacity of trom 300 to .''00 cows. They are members of the Congrepational 
church. Mr, Stone is one of the oldest residents of LaPrairie township, a liberal, generous man, a good neighbor 
and citizens. 

Calvin Stowell. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in 1837, and located with his parents in Peoria 
county. 111., about three miles from his present farm, in 1843. He married Miss PrecillaGreenhalgh in 1864, born in 
Lancashire, England. They have five children,— Mary A., Laura A., Annie M., Nellie May and Edith P. Ihey are 
members of the Congregational church, of which his father and mother were two of the original six members who 
formed the organization. Mr. Stowell served as supervisor of his township from 1870 to 1875, as well as in several 
of the minor offices of the township. He is well read on the leading topics of the day, and a successful farmer, 
with a pleasant, entertaining family. He takes a deep interest in all reforms of the day, is well posted in current 
events, does his own thinking, and forms opinions from what he sees and hears rather than from what he is told. 

Robert Turnbull. 

Mr. Turnbull belongs to the numerous company of Scotch emigrants hailing from Koxboroughshire, Scotland, 
who settled in this township. He was born in 1827, and came to the United States in 1851. He first settled in Gene- 
va, N. Y., and three years later came to Illinois. His wife was a Miss Mary Smith, born in Scotland, whom he wed- 
ded in 1864. They have five children,— Mina, John, Robert, Beatrice and Willie. Are members of the U. P. f^hurch. 
He owns 333 acres of well improved land, has served his town in several local offices, is a man of sound judgement 
and clear-headed. The name of Turnbull is derived from a well authenticated incident in the reign of Robert 



746 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Bruce. The king was one day hunting in the forest of Callander, when he encountered an enraged bison or wild 
bull, an animal of great courage and ferocity. It charged upon the party, the most of whom took to their heels, 
leaving the king nearly alone and defenceless!. At this juncture a forester or native of the place, whose name was 
"Rule," a man of great personal strength, threw himself before the enraged animal and with his battle axe en- 
countered and slew him single-handed. The grateful king, in recognition of the service, gave him a large tract of 
land and bestowed the name of TurnbuU— that is, "the man that turned the bull." The old coat-of-arms borne by 
the family in ancient times shows the legend. 

Adam Davidson. 

Mr. Davidson was bcrn in Roxboroughshire. Scotland, in 1833, and came to the United States in 1850, locating 
in Marshall county. He married Miss Jane Rae in 1872, also bom in Scotland. They have two children, Nellie and 
l^laggic M. lie owns .320 acres of choice land, in a raost perfect state of cultivation. He is a type of a large and in- 
fluential class of Americanized Scotchmen in this country, who, to the intelligence and thrift of the fatherland _ 
have joined the enterprise and push of the Yankee character. Mr. Davidson is a successful man, and owes it under 
Providence to himself alone. 

C. W. DODCE. 

Mr* Dodge was born in Sullivan county, town of Claremont, New Hampshire, in 1830. When he came west he 
first settled in Wisconsin, and in Marshall county in 1866, and has been postmaster at Lawn Ridge since 1873. Mar- 
ried a Miss Dennison in 1853, who was born in llenssclear county, New York. They have three children,- Alice, 
Florence and James E. He has been in business for himself since 1851. He is a boot and shoe maker by trade, 
working steadily at his business and making money. Mrs. Dodge has a decided love for flowers, and her home ex- 
hibits much taste and elegance. 

Melciii Grove. 

Mr. Grove was born in Union county. Pa., May 6, 1820, and moved to the western reserve with his father when 
4 years of age. He lived there until Feb. 8, 1842, when he married Miss Amelia Clemmer, born in Hottan, Upper 
Canada, in 1821. They have six children living,— John E., Henry A.. Reuben M.— who enlisted in the array and died 
from hardship and exposure at the age of 22. —Clara li. (Lapslay), Rosabella, Shirley Ann and Shindon. They are 
members of the Congregational church. Mr. Grove himself is a disciple of Alexander Campbell. He is a lover 
of his country, and proved his devotion to it by himself and three sons (the youngest being under age) enlisting in 
the army during the rebellion. He moved from Ohio in 1848 in a two-hor.se wagon, containing himself, wife and 
tour children, and all his worldly goods. They stopped at Trivola, Peoria county, until 1850, when he moved to his 
present farm. At that time there was but one house in view from it. He served as tirst lieutenant in company E, 
86 111. Vols., until incapacited by disease contracted in the service, when he resigned, and is since an invalid and 
always will be. Although suffering from the effects of his service in his country's cause, he does not regret the 
sacrifice. He is the same unyielding, staunch, outspoken lover of his country that he has always been, and always 
hopes to be while he is on earth. He has been always prominent in the local councils of the Republican party, and 
has filled the position of delegate to many important conventions. 

Alden Hull. (With portrait.) 

Mr. Hull is a retired farmer, born in Cheshire, N. H., in 1793. He left with his parents when ten years old and 
moved to Essex county, N. Y., and located in Illinois soon after. He staid one winter in Jacksonville and then 
moved to Pekin where he lived ten years. He then moved to Peoria county and remained until 1851, when he lo- 
cated in Marshall county where has lived ever since. Mr. Hull represented the county of Tazewell in the legislature 
three sessions, was justice of the peace, and also a county commissioner under the old law. He was a member of 
the legislature when it met at Vandalia, and during his term the seat of government was changed to Springfield. 
He was justice of the peace in Peoria county. He was supervisor and town treasurer 12 years. Since 1860 he has re- 
tired from active business, but retains full control of his affairs. He has been an active influential citizen, always 
laboring lor the best interests of the commuity, and his life would do well to pattern after. By industry and fru- 
gality he has amassed a large property. Mr. Hull was never married. 

John Martin. 

Mr. Martin was bom in Parish of Kirkmoho. Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 1814. He came to the United States in 
1849, and located fir.st at Peoria, where he worked at his trade as stonemason, some five or six years, at the same time 
improving his present farm. He married Margaret Anderson in 1839, born in Scotland. They have three children 
Jiving— Samuel, Thomas and Mary (Anderson). Are members of the U. P. church. He owns 600 acres of land in 
Marshall county. One of his sons married a daughter of Richard Geil, of Lacon, and is a minister of the M. E. 
church. Mr Martin has been very successful and accumulated a large property. Mrs. M. died in April, 1880, 

William Starling. 

Mr. starling was born in Herkimer county. N. Y., in 1834, and came to Peoria county in 1854 . He married 
Eliza Rulison in 1853. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. B. B. Hallock, of Mohawk, N. Y., who lost his 
life in the railroad disaster on the New York and Erie railway, having become fastened in the wreck, and although 
not injured he could not release himself and was slowly burned to death. A coincident in connection herewith is 
that Mr. Starling afterward moved to the town of Hallock, in Peoria county, and was postmaster there. When the 



BIOGRAPHIC At DEPARTMENfT. 747 

war broke out he went into the army and served under Gen. flallack. Mrs. Starling is a native of Parish, Lewis 
county, N. Y. They have seven children— George. Charles, Martin, Edgar. Emma, Rollin and J. ilia \. Mr. Starling 
enlisted in company K. 57th 111. Volunteers. Oct., 1861, He was promoted to Ist lieutenant .June 20, 1862, and served 
until Dec. 1864. He was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., returned home via New York, and located in Mar hall 
county, 111. He was engaged at Fort Donaldson. Pittsburg Landing, Corinth Ist and 2d battles. He is an ingenious 
mechanic, having invented a sulky plow which he is having manufactured. It carried off the highest honors at the 
Colmnbus (Mo.) Agricultural college, in 1878, at a test trial of plows, and the first prize at the State Fair of Iowa in 
1875. He has just invented a most simple yet ingenious machine for planting and digging potatoes. 

Adam Crawford. 

Mr. Crawford was born in Ayrshire, Parish of Kirkmichael, Scotland, in 1806, and came to the United States in 
1854, selecting and purchasing his present farm. He niaiTied Agnes Shearer in 1834. bom in Wictonshire, Scot- 
land. Eight children have been born to them— Margaret, .James, Adam. .John William, Agnes. Matthew A. and 
David R. Are members of the Congregational church, Matthew is a clergyman of much promise. Adam was a 
soldier for three years, and now holds a responsible position with an agricultural firm in Omaha. Mr. Crawfcud 
owns One of the best farms in the township and has been very successful in his business. 

Jesse W. Hurd. 

Mr. Hurd is a farmer, and was bom in Sullivan county. New Hampshire, in 1824. He moved to Monroe 
county, N. Y., in 1836, went to Wisconsin in 1842, lo Trivoli, Peoria county, in 1844. and located in Marshall county 
in 1848. He married Pntebe E . Porter in 1849, a native of Chenango county. New York. They have two '-hildren 
living, Mary E, and Elbert C.. and are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Hurd owns 80 acres of land in a 
prosperous state of cultivation, with good improvements. He has been supervisor for the last ten years, has been 
largely identified with the township in which his home is, and has taken a leading part in all the moral enterprises 
of the day. He is a strong temperance man, a Sabbath school worker, and a friend to religion. It is to such men as 
he that society and Christianiti are indebted for steady, successful nrogresa. 

C. S. Vincent. 

Mr. Vincent was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1810, and moved to Madison county in 1841. where he lived 
for over twenty years, coming to Mir.^hall county in the fall of 1863. He married Sarah Witdack in 1841, a native 
of New York. She died in 1866, leaving two children-Mary (Calder), and Gertrude (Palmer), now in Iowa; and 
three— children by a former marriage -Archibald. Mos^s. the latter resides in Michigan. Another son. Amos, en- 
listed in the army in 1862, and served to the end of the war. He was wounded in the hand and disabled for work. 
He died in 1868. Mr. Vincent owns 160 acres of land, which he cultivates. 

George Aitchison. 

Mr. Atchison was bom in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1833. and came to the United States with his brother in 
1855. and located first in McHenry ciunty, and afterward in Marshall. He worked by the month tor some time, 
and then purchased his present farm. He married Miss Elizabeth Shearer, March 28, 1873. She was born in Ayr- 
shire, Scotland. Four children have been given them— George F.. Jane E., John H and William A. He owns 80 
acies of land in a high state of cultivation, with good improvements. 

Daniel Wean. 

Mr. Wean was born in Mahoming county , Ohio, in 1825, and with his parents moved to Hillsdale county. Mich- 
igan, where they lived until 1867, when he came to Marshall county, where he has lived since. He married ^liss 
Harriet Clemmer in 1866. She was born in Medina county, Ohio. Their children are Gordon C, Elsey A., Leota 
M. and Harriet. Mr. Wean enlisted in Co. B, 4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry in 1864, and served to the close of 
the war. Was mustered out in Detroit in 1865, having done his duty and seen his country saved from all her foes. 

Richard Davidson. 

Mr. Davidson was bora in Eoxboroughshire, Scotland, in 1830, and emigrated to the U. S. 1850, locating 
in Marshall county. He married Miss Mary Scott in 1857, born in the same place in Scotland, and they have been 
ble.ssed with six children— James .4., Thomas S.. John, William H., Richard G. and Mary S. Mr, Davidson is serv- 
ing as Justice of the Peace, has been commissioner of highways, assessor, collector and school director. He is pop- 
ular everywhere and has many friends in the county. He owns 320 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, 
which in fact may be said of nearly the entire township. 

Leonard Kittredge. 

Mr. Kittredge was born in the town of Bedford, Hillsboro' county. New Hampshire, in 1812. He came to Illi- 
nois in 1850 and purchased his present farm. In November, 1838, he married Mary Hurd, a native of Newport, New 
Hampshire. They have one child, Samantha. Mrs. Kittredge is a member of the Congregational church. At a re- 
union of Mrs. K.'s family which was held at the Kittn dge mansion on the 2nd of January, 1880, being the fiftieth 
anniversary of the birth of Owen, the youngest child of the late Stephen Hurd. there were seventy-two members 
present. They had an enjoyable time, as might be expected upon such an occasion. Eating, singing, friendly dis- 
cussion and a general exchange of views on all topics interesting to the assembly was the order of the day. Able 



748 RECORDS OF THE OLBEN TIM:S. 

addresses by the Rev. Hall, Congregational minister. Mr. George M. Lock aad others wound up the business and 
pleasures of the day. The evening was spent at the Congregational church, where a social reunion of the members 
was held and a large amount of musical talent displayed, to the enjoyment of all present. Mr. Kittridge owns a 
farm in Stark county, immediately adjoining tiis residence, which, with its grounds, comprising some ten acres, is 
located in Marshall county. 

Robert Scoon. 

Mr. Scoon was born in Roxboroughshire, Scotland, in 1812, and came to the United S*;ates in 1853. He lived 
one year in New York, moved to Michigan, where he remained live years, then moved to Marshall county in 1859. 
He married Mary Nichol in 1837. She was born in the same place in Scotland, They have ten children— Margaret, 
Jane, John, Jessie, James, William, Charlie, Minnie, Elizabeth and Robert. They are members of the U. P. church. 
He owns 160 acres ot land handsomely located. Mr. Scoon is a hard worker and a shrewd manager, the two elements 
leading to success For several years few men have made money so rapidly by legitimate farming. He has a large 
force of boys, all working in unison, and each striving for the general good. Besides raising grain, he is largely 
engaged in st<ick raising. 

David Aitciiison. 

Mr. Aitchison was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1833. He came to the United States in 1855, and located 
in McHenry county. III., and moved to Marshall county in 1863. Ho married Miss Agnes Shearer in 1869, born in 
Ayrshire, Scotland. Their children are Elizabeth, David 8., Mary, Gracie. Kate and Henry. They are members of 
the U. P. church. lie has served as path-master and school director, and owns 80 acres of land, which he has sub- 
stantially and tastefully improved, with good buildings handsomely located. Like most of his countrymen in La 
Prairie, he is energetic and indefatiguable in the prosecution of his business, hence successful. He is a pleasant 
gentleman and a good citizen. 

L. H. Wetmore. 

Mr. Wetmore was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1824, and moved to Marshall county. 111., in 1849. He mar- 
ried Miss Geneva Hill in 1850. also a native of New York. Their children are Francis, Carrie and Lillie. They are 
members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Wetmore is deacon and trustee, and has been for the last 18 
years. His daughter Francis is the wife of a native Grecian missionary, and is now in that country assisting her 
husband in the duties of his mission. They sailed from the United States February 4, 1879. Mrs. Wetmore died in 
1874. He married his present wife, Cornelia Sanford, in 1876. She was also bom in Oneida county, N. Y. Mr, Wet- 
more owns 173 acres of land with good improvements. 

Natiianial p. Green. 

Mr. Green is a prosperous farmer, and was born in Albany county. New York, in 1826. He came west and lo- 
cated on his present farm in 1851, and married Miss Hannah Powell in 1854. She was born in Green county, N- Y. 
They hav; two children,— John W. and Ann E. They are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Green is also a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order. He has served as road commissioner and school director, and is trustee in the church. 
He owns 280 acres of land, with fine improvements. Mrs. Green's father and mother reside with her. Henry Smith 
their oldest child, diea when two years old. 

X. C. WiLMOT. 

Mr. Wilmot was born in Cattaraugus county. New York, in 1827, and came west with his parents in 1845, first lo- 
cating in Adams county, where they remained one year, then !removed to Peoria county, from whence he came to 
his present farm in 1847. He married Miss Mary E. Waughop in April. 1868, a native of Tazewell county, III. They 
have three childreen.-Rosa May, Arthur X. and John \. He has two children by a former marriage,- Vestula Ann 
and Stephen D. Mr. Wilmot is a member of the .Masonic order, and his wife belongs to the M. E. church. He has 
served as assessor and filled other positions. He owns 160 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, and one of 
the most pleasant residences in the county, on either side the approach to it being bordered with evergreens artis- 
tically and tastefully arranged, affording shelter and a most pleasing effect 

Michael Dodd. 

Mr. Dodd was born in the county of Durham, in England, in 1824, and came to the United States in 1853, and 
to Marshall county in 1854. He married Matilda Arkless in 1852, born in England, in 1829. They have nine children 
hving,-Thoma8, Hannah (Currie), Edward, Ellen, Frederick F.. James C, Robert W., Walter H. and Wallace H 
He owns 160 acres in his home farm, with first class brick house, and 320 acres in Ford county, all improved. He 
owns the only brick residence in the township, of any pretensions, which was erected in 1858, and is as substantial 
now as then. 

Mrs. Ann C. C alder. Widow. 

Mrs. Calder was born in Green county. New York in 1818. She married James Calder in October, 1842 also a 
native of New York State, who died in 1853, leaving three children-Marion C, L, G. and Clarence. Mrs. Calder is 
a member of the M. E, church. She purchased her present farm of 160 acres in 1853, when she first came to this 
country, her husband having died in the fall of that year. She has devoted her life to the interest of her children. 



BtOGtlAPSlCAL BE^ARTCMEl^rT. 749 

\loi whom 8he has handsomely provided for. She has very fine improvements upon her well cultivated farm, 
and is surrounded with every comfort ot this life Mrs. C. has been successful beyond most men or women under 
like circumstances. Deprived of her husband when her children were small, and his help and counsel most needed, 
she has reared, educated and aided them,and seen them comfortably started in life. 

Andrew Smith. 

Mr. Smith is a farmer, and was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 1827, and came to the United States with hi<» 
parents in 1840. He first settled in Peoria county, where he lived until 1847, and then moved to his present location. 
His father died in the winter of 1843. His mother is still living with him. and is smart and active at the advanced 
age of 77 years. She is an active member of the U. P. church. He owns 160 acres of land in the hiahest state of 
cultivation with first-class improvements. He has been o ne of the most successful men on the prairie, and this is 
not due to chance, but persevering industry and the steady following out of certain Irules that always lead to a 
competence. Mr. Smith is widely known and everywhere respected. 

Robert Riddell. 

Mr. Kiddell was bom in Lanark, parish of Glassford, Scotland, in 1819, and came to the United States in the 
fall of 1842, locating first in Chillicothe. He went to St. Louis and worked at his trade the first winter, then pur- 
chased a claim and went to farming on section 25. When the gold excitement raged in California he tried his for - 
tunes there, and lost both money and health. Returning, he went on to his present farm and regained both. In 
1863 he married Elizabeth Cameron also born in Scotland. They have four children.- John, Harriet, Margaret and 
Flora A . Are members of the U. P. church. He is a school director, has held other local offices, and owns 160 acres 
of land in a high state of cultivation, with a good house and beautiful surroundings. He has a pleasant family, is 
well off so far as this world is concerned, minds his own business, and lets the world wag as it will. 

Cyrus Root. 

Mr. Root belongs to a family of pioneers that settled in Peoria county at an early day, and whose home is just 
across the line of Marshall. He was born in 1838, and came to this county in 1872. In 1869 he married Mary C. Sto- 
well, likewise born in Peoria county. Te have one child, Weber S. Mr. Root enlisted in Co. C. 86th 111. Vols. August 
27. 1862, and was mustered out June 6, 18H5. He was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw mountain, June 27, 1864, and 
was confined in hospital some time. When he became convalescent he served in a brigade of picked men made up 
from other detacnments, which was engaged in the battle of Nashville, under General Thomas. He served in this 
command two months, and then rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro', N. C. He owns 100 acres of land, with good 
improvements, is a good citizen, and his wife is a lady of refinement. 

David Shearer. 

Mr, Shearer was bom in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1812, and came to the United States in 18.52. He first settled in 
Peoria county, and came to Marshall county in 1858. He married Miss Nancy Manock in 1870. She was born in Eng- 
land. He has six children by a former marriage. Are members of the Presbyterian church. He owns 800 acres of 
land now, and ha.s given his children 320. The farm he now occupies is one of the best in the township, and he paid 
for it $62.50 per acre in 1868. Mr. Shearer is a very intelligent man, and keeps well informed of events transpiring 
around him. 

James Smith. • 

Mr. Smith is a native of Dumfreishire, Scotland, born in 1825, and came to the United States in 1840 along with 
his parents. He was brought up on a farm, and owes his success to good management and hard labor. Is one of the 
best farmers in the township. He married Miss Lucy Canterberry in 1856. She was a native of County Dublin, 
town of Rathdrum. She died in 1878 leaving 5 children— Fannie, Minnie, Mary B,, Sarah and Lucy. He has served 
aa supervisor, road commissioner and school director several terms. He owns 480 acres of land in the highest state 
of cultivation. The Smiths, of LaPrairie, are alike noted for industry, thrift and intelligence. They are wealthy, 
and use their large means in improving their farms and embellishing their homes. They are one and all temperate, 
order loving citizens, and their example is worthy of imitation. 

E. S. Bell. 

Mr. Bell was bom in Virginia in 1815, and came to Ohio in 1846, when he located in Muskingum county. He 
lived there ten years and came to Marshall county. 111., in 1856. He married Miss Ellen McCoy in 1841. She was 
born in the same state. They have five children living— Samuel McC, Robert H.. William W., Ellie and John B. 
Are members of the U. P. church, of which he has been elder 30 years. He owns 400 acres of excellent land, all in 
cultivation. Mr. Bell's large property was made by honest labor. He has defrauded no man, aad he owes no man, 
and when himself and wife go to their last home their places will be hard to fill. 

John McGillick. 

Mr. McGillick was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1833. and came to the United States in 1857, and located in 
New York State. He married Lucinda Holmes in 1865, her maiden name, Hansell, She was born in Suffolk county, 
Mass., and raised in Plymouth county. She came wpst with her brother in 1843, and lived in Brimfield, Peoria 
county. In 1844 she married Levi Holmes. He was bom in Herkimer county. New York, in 1813, and died in 1864, 
leaving four children -Morris, Milon, Ada (Mrs. Doyle), and WiUie. She married Mr. McGillick in 1865. They have 



750 BECOtlDS OF THE OLDEN TBiE. 

one child by that marriagp, George F. Mrs. McGillick is a member of the M. E. church. He is a member of the 
Catholic church. They own a farm of 160 acres, all in cultivation, 20 timber, making 180 acres. Mr. McGillick en- 
listed in Co. A, 113th 111. Vol. in the spring of 1862, and served until the close of the war. Be was promoted through the 
different grades up to orderly sergeant, and was mustered out as such in Memphis, Tenn. He was attached to the 
provost guard at Memphis in 1864-5. 

Joseph Bakee. 

Mr, Baker was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, in 1819, and moved to Massachusetts when thirteen 
years old, and from thence to Delaware county. New York, ^hile here he learned the printing trade, and worked 
some time for Horace Greely, but in 1839 took the latter'a advice and came west, substituting the hoe and the spade 
for the "shooting stick." He first located in Stark county, and came to Marshall in 1862. He married Miss Hen- 
rietta Weaver in 1814, born in Delaware county. New York. They have four children living— Josiah B. William H., 
Mary A, (Doran, and Nanoy E. (JiUett). One child is dead. He is a good farmer, owning 160 acres of excellent 
land under good cultivation, has held various local offices, and has a pleasant family. 

William Smith. 

Mr. Smith is a farmer, living on section 10, He was born in Dumfreishire, Scotland, in 1823, and came to the 
United States in 1840. He married Miss Ottilia Fosbender in 1859, born in Prussia. They have seven children- 
Mary C, Christiana F., William A., Charlotte J., Charles T.^.Minuie J. and James C. Are members of the U. P. 
church, and is one of the trustees of the church. He has served as supervisor, and in other local offices of his dis- 
trict. He owns 320 acres of land in cultivation. Mr. Smith is one of the most successful farmers of the township, 
and one of its leading citizens. He owqs a princely residence, and his home is the abode of comfort and happiness, 

Amos F. Leigh. 

Mr. Leigh is a farmer living on section 9, and was born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1826. When two and a half 
years old his parents moved to Illinois and located in Tazewell county near Peoria. They came to Peoria in 1842 
and to Marshall in 1848. He married Caroline B. Choate the same year. She was born in Switzerla-d county, Ind. 
They have ten children— Olive (Meyers), Alvin L , Elwin R., Anna (Bradford), James, Cassius A., Alda L., Lauella, 
Haven R, and Charles, Tney are members of the M. E. church, in which he has been class leader for the past 31 
years. He is commissioner of highways, has always been a solid Republican and lover of his country, and although 
not in the army during the late war, he sustained the government by his money, his example, and his personal ex- 
ertions in the community in which he lives, and is respected by all. He is widelv known, and his name is the syn- 
onym of truth and justice. He owns a large and well stocked farm, and his property was honestly earned by the 
sweat of the brow. 

Hubbard G. Hurd. 

Mr. Hurd was born in New Hampshire in 1808, and came to this state in 1839, locating first in Fulton county, 
then in Peoria county, and in the spring of 1840 he went to driving stage from Peoria to Farmington, Fulton Co. He 
went to Trivola in the same year, and in 1850 he moved to Lawn Ridge, Marshall county, and has lived in this 
county most of the time since. In the winter of 1860 he went to Michigan, Mendon, St. Joe county, where he con- 
ducted a hotel, and in 1862 he went to Waterloo City, Ind,, where he run another hotel, and in 1863 sold out and 
went to Goshen, thence to Lazinaier. He then went to Kendalville, Ind., where he run the "Air Line" hotel, and 
remained thero until 1865, when he came te Chicago and run the "Jarvis House" until 1866, when he returned to 
Marshall county, where he improved his property and has since lived. Married Miss Mary D. Hoyt in 1835, bom in 
New Hampshire. They have four children,— Horace, Caroline D., Mariam L. and W. Owen. Himself and son own 
240 acres ot land with good improvements. 




BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 751 



STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 



WiLLARD OdELL. 

Mr. Odell was born in Alleghany county. N- Y., in 1847, and located in this county with his parents in 1852. 
His father purchased the farm Mr. Odell is now occupying. He married Jane Newingham in 1867, She was born 
in Brown county, 111. Their children are Lewis C, Mary A.., W. E., Maud E. and Wilson N. Mrs. Odell is a mem- 
l)or ot the Baptist church. He owns 372 acres of land, which he cultivates well and receives good returns. His 
farm is eligibly situated and very valuable. 

L. B. Thomas. 

Mr. Thf»mas was born in Kentucky and moved from there when a child with his parents and located in Indi- 
ana and then to Edgar county. 111., in 1842. He came to Woodford in 1844, where he learned the carpenter trade 
which he follow^ d in MeUmora, Spring Bay Washington and Marshall until 1850, He started to California with 
)iis brother in 18.52 and got as far as Missouri, remained there that winter and finally settled pemanently and 
bought a claim and entered other lands. He married Sarah Campbell in 1853. She was bom in Missouri* They 
have three children living — James Monroe, John. W, and Louis W.— and two deceased. Mrs. Thomas died in 1861. 
He married Elizabeth Bishop in 1863, born in Ohio. They are members of ths M. E. church. He located in this 
county in 1851 and owns 140 acres of land, well improved. 

James Charles. 

Mr Charles was born in Monmouthshire, EnglanrI, in 1817, and came to the United States in 1851, stopping 
a while at Danville, Pa., and coming to this county in 1858. He married Mary Lloyd in 1834. She was born in the 
s ime place. She died in 1875 leaving six children -Mary, John, Susan, Sarah A., William and Elizabeth, He owns 
81 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. He has one son, a deaf mute, whom he Las given a liberal educa- 
tion. The young man is astached to the occupatien of farming and is successfully engaged in that business. 

Charles Schulz. 

Ml. Shulz was born in Prussia in 1824, and came to the United States in 1854 an located in Marshall county. 
He married Mrs. Barbara Bassett. (Wolfla) in 1859, a native of Baden,Grermany. She had six children when he mar- 
ried her—John, Mary, Christian and Jacob— and two by a still earlier marriage, Henry and Canrad, and by the 
present marriage three— Elizabeth S., George L. and Fred M. They are members of the Lutheran church. He is a 
member of the 1. O. 0. F. He owns 220 acres of land in good state of cultivation. He is hard working, industri- 
ous and knows how to make money. 

Aaron C. Fosdick. 

Mr Fosdick was born in Washington county, New York, February 28, 1808. He moved to Alleghany county in 
1830, and came to Marshall county in 1844, His wife was Alice D. Moon, whom he married in 1827. she was a na- 
tive of New York also. She died February 13, 1873, leaving seven children— Reeny, Levi, Joel, Delphia, Ruth A. 
(Webster), Alphea M. and ^Varon J. His present wife was a Miss Electa Allen— widow Chapman when he married 
her. She had four children by her first husband— Samuel, Delia. Sophia and Laura. Mrs. Fosdick was bom in 
Vermont, December 16, 1808. She is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Fosdick served as postmaster of Steu- 
ben from 1851 until it was abolished at his suggestion in 1865, as he declined to hold the unprofitable office longer. 
He owns 260 acres of land, having sold 160 some time ago, which made his farm, previous to the sale, 421 acres. His 
property is in a prosperous state of cultivation, with good improvements. He is one of the oldest settlers of the 
coonty, respected by all his acquaintance, and is kind, generous and hospitable. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Orr. 

Mrs. Orr was born in Lawrence county. Pa., and came west with her parents in 1850 and located in Marshall 
county where she married James W. Orr in 1852, He was a native of Mary land and came to this county with his 
parents when a small boy. They located about one mile from Lacon. Mr. Orr died in 1868, leaving four children- 
Nellie, Annie, Jennie, and Hattie. Mrs. Orr and daughters are members of the M, E. church. They own 153 acres 
of land. Although left alone, with four daughters, by good and careful management and business tact Mrs. Orr 
surrounds herself and children with every comfort from the proceeds of her farm. Her house is the picture of 
neatness and careful attention, herself and daughters bearing the impress of culture and refinement. Of Mr. Orr's 



752 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

sad fate brief mention can be made. He left home in the morning, bidding his family a cheerful good bye. to go 
to Lacon and transact some business, and never returned. A year previous he had sold a farm and taken notes due 
about this time, and it is supposed unknown parties suspecting the purpose of his visit was to collect those notes, 
laid their plans so effectually that they were able to murder him and conceal his body so as to ever after escape 
suspicion. Although twelve years have elapsed no light has been thrown on the mystery. His domestic relations 
were of the pleasantest kind, and as no possible motive existed for absenting himself, the conclusion is irresitible 
that he was foully murdered, 

James Bussell, 

Mr. Bussell was bom in Somersetshire, England, in 1820, and came to the United States in 1844. He first set- 
tled in Ohio, then removed to Peoria ccunty, and came to Marshall county in 1851. He married Miss Johannah 
Howard in 1862. She was born in Ireland, and is a mtmber of the Catholic church. lie owns 560 acres all in culti- 
vation, except 80 which is timber. He is one of the solid old farmers of LiPrairie township, influenced only by 
that which he believes to be right. He is a good neighbor and kind friend. 

H. Tesmer, M. D. 

Sparland, Illinois. 

John J. Duncan. 

Mr. Duncan was bo-n in Indiana county, Pa., in 1825, his father being a soldier in the war of 1812. He came 
to Marshall county in October, 1869. His wife was a Miss Eliza A. Davidson, whom he married in April, 1853. I heir 
children are Thomas, Annie, Robert, John, Agnes, James. William, Dollie and George. They are members of the 
U. P. church. He owns 158 acres of very choice land, beautifully located, with fine improvements. Mr. Duncan de- 
sires to sell his elegart home, with a view to purchasing a larger place, as he has a large family for whom he wishes 
to provide. 

H. J. Adams. 

Mr. Adams is superintendent of the county poor farm, and was born in Prussia. Germany in 1820 He came 
to the United States with his parents when ten years old, and located in Ohio, where he remained until 1857, and 
then came to Lacon, Marshall county, 111. In 1849 he married Ann Holt, born in Shadfield, England. They have 
six children,— Anna A. (Mrs. Moreland), Rosena A. (Mrs. Sands), Edward A., Martin A., Una Bell and John H. 
Mr. A. is a member of the Masonic order and I. O. O. F.. and has been for thirty years. He has been superintendent 
of the county poor farm since 1876, filling the po.<ition to the satisfaction of all concerned. Both himself and wife 
are eminently qualified for the place, and while the dictates of humanity prevail they will be continued. 

Samuel E, Thoimpson. 

Mr. Thompson was born in Athens county, Ohio, in 1812, and came to Marshall county in 1835, where he has 
lived ever since. At that time there were only a few families living west of the river. In 1836 he married Sarah 
Drake, born in 1817, in the same county and state as himself. They have two children livinsr, George F. and Delia 
A., and two deceased. Joseph C. died in hospital at St. Louis in 1861, while serving in the 47th 111. Vols., Capt. An- 
drews. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the M. E. Church. He has filled several local offices, and cultivates 156 
acres of land, besides owning other tracts. Mr. Thompson and his wife are among the few first settlers of the 
county who still live. When they came the country was a wilderness, and most of their neighbors have moved else- 
where or sleep in the cemetery. Their lives have been long and useful, and when they die they will not be forgotten. 

Amasa Garratt. 

Mr. Garratt was born in Washington county. Ohio, in 1817, and came to Putnam (Bureau) county, along with 
his father, in 1836. and to this county in 1850, and located on section 9 in Steuben township where he remained 
twelve years, then moved to section 17, where he now lives He married Sarah A. Orr in 1851. She was born in 
Maryland. They have five children living— James O , Josephine. Augustus. Clara and Alison. He served as super- 
visor of his township, and has served as justice of the peace some fifteen years. Has filled other local offices, 
attended closely to business, accumulated a handsome property, and owns nearly 900 acres of land. 

Henry Sargeant, 

Mr. Sargeant was bom in St. Clair county. III., in 1824. where he lived for 31 years, and settled in Marshall 
county in 1855. He married Miss Amelia F. Williams in 1854, bom in Ohio. They have eight children,— Williaai H., 
George F., Charles T., James, Sarah, Electa, Amelia E. and John L. They are members of the M. E. church. He 
owns 300 acres of land, about 175 of which is in cultivation, with good brick dwelling. Mr. Sargeant is one of the 
representative men of his neighborhood, and a successful farmer. 

A. J. Baughman. 

Mr. Baughman was born in Chambersburg, Franklin county. Pa., in 1829. lie moved to Ross county, Ohio, 
with his parents when five years old, and to Marshall county. III., in 1858. locating in Steuben township. He fol- 
lowed his trade as carpenter down to 1871. when he became identified with the furniture business and followed it 
successfully until 1878. when he associated with him his brother-in-law Mr. Tarbill. and embarked in the hard- 
ware and farming implement trade. The firm is doing a large business in all branches of their trade. Mr. Baugh- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 



753 



man married Miss Elizabeth Tarbil in 1817. She was born in Pickaway county, Ohio. Their children are Cather- 
ine U. and Angle F., and one, Nanoy J., deceased. They are members of the M. E. church, and Mr. B. is also a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F. He is a good business man, pleasant, sociable and reliable. 

Robert WAurrH. 

Mr, Waugh was born in Selkirkshire, Scotland, in 1838 He came to the United States in 1850 and remained 
some time in Ontario county, N. Y.. and came to Marshall county. 111., in 1853. He worked by the month on a farm 
in La Prairie township for three years, and then farmed on his own account in that township until 1862, then moved 
to Steuben township where he worked one year, and two years in Longpoint, Livingston county. He entered Col. 
Biker'slstcavalry, of the District of Columbia, in .Jan,, 1865, and served until December of the same year, when 
ho was mustered out through disease contracted in the service. He commenced peddling dry goods, etc. in 1867. 
and established his present business in 1870. He married Lina Stevenson in 1877. She is a native of Woodford 
county 111. They have one child, James. He carries a very full stock of boots, shoes clothing and dry goods suit- 
able to his trade. He is a liberal, pleasant business man and reliable, 

Henry Hoskins. 

Mr. Hoskins was bom in Pickaway count v, Ohio, in 1822, where he livjd until he was twenty years old. and 
then settled in Steuben township. His wife was Mary A. Bonham whom he married in 1852. She is a native of 
Boss county, Ohio. They have eight children— Clayton, Eveline, Clarissa, Eliza, William. Louis, Thomas and El- 
mer. They are members of the M. E. church. He has served as road commifsioner 12 years, and school riirector 
several terms. In the dark days of the rebellion, Mr. Hoskins being unable himself to give his personal services to 
the government, he furnished a substitute to whom he paid $800 He owns 254 acres of land in Marshall county 
and 300 acres in Livingston county. He is not in good health but is reconciled to the will of Providence. 

William J. Duncan. 

Mr. Duncan is a farmer, living on section 6, who was born in Indiana county. Pa , in 1820. He entered the 
service of the United States during the war of the rebellion, and served until disabled in the Signal Corps. On one 
occasion he got within the rebel lines and encountered a " gray back," who presented his shooting-iron and told 
him to " come in." Suspecting the Dutchman couldn't read, he told him he was a spy going through the lines, and 
showed an old letter f s his authority The intelligent soldier turned it upside down, looked it carefully over, 
" hefted " it, and drawling out, " Yas, dat ish goot," allowed him to pass on. In 1842 he married Elizabeth Clark, 
and there was born to him A. Jackson. George, Matilda, Sampson, Annie, Estep, Watson and Mary. Jackson en- 
listed in a Pennsylvania regiment when 16, and wa.s killed at the battle of Bull Run. George also enlisted and lost 
a leg in the service. His wife having died, he married Martha Parks in 1864, by whom he has one child, Maggie. 

David Watkins. 

Mr. Watkins was born in Athens county, Ohio, in 1818, and moved to Marshall county. 111., in 1837, when there 
were but few settlers on the prairie near him. He married Miss Eliza J. Hoskins in 1844. She was born in Picka- 
way county. Ohio. Their children are Wesley, Albert W. and Eliza Jane. Mr. Watkins owns some 560 acres of 
choice land, the fruits of an industrious life. It is all in cultivation, except 40 acres of timber. He has good 
buildings, and personally oversees its cultivation. 

James Garrett. 

Mr. Garrett was born in Steuben township in 1850, and comes from a family whose ancestors fought in the 
Revolution, and one of vfhom fell at the massacie of Wyoming. He married Miss Charity Newingham in 1878, bom 
in Brown county. III, They have one chiH, named Emmett, born Au?. 26. 1879. He is a member of the Masonic 
order, ^nd owns 150 acres of land. Is principally engaged in raising sheep and hogs. He has about 200 sheep at 
present, and will increase his herd. Mr. Garrett is a good farmer and citizen. 

James Tanquary. 

Mr. Tanquary was bom in Washington county, Ohio. June 17, 1831, where he lived until 1855. In 1853 he wed- 
ded Mrs. Lucinda Blackwell, and to them was bom one son, Nathan Q- Another member of their family is Ehial 
J. Keyes, a boy whom they raised. Mrs. Tanquarv's maiden name wa-* Watkins, she having married in 1846 a Mr. 
Blackwell, who became the father of two sons, William R. and David R., now grown to man's estate. Her parents' 
names were Josiah and Mary Watkins. Are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Tanquary and his sons have a fine- 
ly cultivated farm of 240 acres. He is a substantial citizen, well known and widely respected. 

James Gallup. 

Mr. Gallup was bom in Windham county, Conn., in 1825, and moved to this state in 1840, locating in Peoria 
county, and in Marshall county in 1852. where he purcha-sed a farm in La Prair e township, and put up a house and 
moved into it that year. He had occasion to return to Peoria for part of his goods, and left Mrs. Gallup alone m 
their new house on the prairie three days and three nights. The first night a pack of wolves invaded the premises, 
making the night hideous with their terrific cries. It was new music for the ears of Mrs. Gallup, who had but re- 
cently left the refined civilization of Rhode Island, where she was born and brought up. But she came out all 
right. He lived in La Prairie about 11 years. Engaged in the meantime in the grain business at Sparland, and in 



754 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

1870 he associated with him Mr. Noon, and added the lumber trade to his business. He married Miss Patience C. 
Stone in 1849, She was born in Rhode Island. Aug. 31, 1826. They have five children,— George H., Benjamin, 
William, Juliette and Charles F.; and three deceased. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been through all 
the chairs and encampments. lie left home at the age of 15, was superintendent of the large woolen manufactory 
of Fox, Rice & Co., Worcester, Mass., at 20, and was the first to produce fancy cassimeres in the United States of 
home manufacture. The king of England had a pair of pants made from the first piece produced in England of a 
fancy pattern. Mr. Fox had a portion of the same piece sent him, which he submitted to Mr, Gallup, with the 
question if he could make it, which he set about and successfully produced. This gave him great prominence in 
the manufactory, fle owns 160 acres of land in La Prairie township and some seventeen lots in Sparland. Having 
made his " pile," he takes the world easily, and hunts, fishes or travels as fancy dictates. Last year he ascended to 
the headwaters of the Missouri and floated down in a canoe to its mouth. 

Mrs. Mary P. Thompson. 

Mrs. Thompson is widow of the late Asa Thompson, and daughter of James and Sarah (Ramsay) Orr. She 
wasborn in Cecil county, Md., and^tame with her parents to Danville, 111., and in 1833 to Lacon, going upon the 
old homestead, one mile above town. She married Mr. Tbompson, February 8, 1834. He was a sojj of Joseph and 
Jane (Ewing) Thompson, natives of Virginia, but removed to Athens county, Ohio, in an early day, where their son 
Asa was born. Mr. Thompson first settled in Chillicothe. and worked at bis trade of wagon making, but removed 
to Steuben township in 1835, where he lived until his death, Feb. 15, 1874. He left behind him a good name and six 
sons and daughters— Norton, who resides in Steuben; William E., in Lacon; Margaret (Mrs. Boys), in Livingston 
county; Melford T., in Blandinsville 111.; Joseph A, and Mary at home, Mr. Thompson was a man of ability, and 
accumulated a large property, owning nearly 800 acres of land when he died. He held various local offices, and was 
respected by all who made his acquaintance. Since his death Mrs. T. has managed the estate with good judgment 
and prudence. One of the sons is treasurer of Marshall county, and another is a successful grain dealer. They 
inherit their father's prudence and their mother's executive ability, and are sons any parent would be proud of. 

Samuel B. McLaughlin. 

The subject of the following sketch comes from an old Scotch covenanter family that some 250 years ago lived 
on the coast of Scotland, and followed the occupation of millers as had their fathers before them.' It was a time 
of bitter religious persecutions. When Catholics were in power they persecuted Protestants without mercy, whip- 
ping, branding and murdering, and when the di&ciplcs of Calvin obtained the upper hand they paid off in like kind. 
The McLaughlins were Covenanters, and would not belie their religion. Through persecution and threatened death 
they clung to their faith, and when grim old Claverhouse, who was never known to show mercy, ordered the head of 
the family to recant, he stoutly refused, and told Black John to do his worst. Eleven times they strung him up, but 
life did not desert him, and still he refused to give up his religion. But it was not the Papist leader's purpose to 
take his life. Good millers were scarce and could not well be spared, so they left him more dead than alive, swear- 
ing to return again. Far in the distance across the blue channel the Irish coast was visible. The miller knew his 
vindictive enemies would surely return and then unless he recanted no mercy would be shown, so making his ar- 
rangements hastily and secretly, he embarked in an open boat with his family and such goods as he could carry and 
bade adieu to his native land forever. He found an asylum in Ireland, where he lived and died, with his wife also. 
The family here became farmers, and nearly a hundred years later one of the name, bidding his relatives adieu, 
sailed for the new worla and settled in Virginia. Of their history there little is known in detail. The name is prom- 
inent in the annals of the time, and several members served in the war of the Revolution, fighting manfully on the 
side of the Co'onists. After its close they drifted to the "dark and bloody ground," and one became a noted Indian 
fighter. After the border tribes were defeated and dispersed they settled down to peaceful' pursuits, oae branch lo- 
cating on Green River, where, on the 17th day of Feb., 1813, Samuel B., the subject of this sketch, was born. His 
father was a tanner rind likewise cultivated a small farm. The country was new, the people poor, and though soil 
find climate were unsurpassed, the imperfect means for tilling the earth made life one continued struggle for ex- 
istence. Imagine the artistic steel plows of to-day transformed into a clumsy affair, with a short beam, a 
blunt iron point, and a wooden mould-board, warranted never to scour, and you have the "Clipper" plows 
of our forefathers. It was commonly drawn bv a mule, the lines and traces made from homespun and twisted 
hemp, passing through the wooden hames and tied with a knot; a shuck collar, and the whiSletrees fastened with 
withes of hickory bark to the plow. Wagons were unknown, a clumsy sled being the only means of conveyance in 
summer or winter. Good schools there were none. During the winter months some tramping pedagogue would 
gather a few scholars, and ply the birch and ferrule in some out of the way cabin until cleaned out by the larger 
boys, which usually happened about the middle of the term, when there would be no more school that year. The 
knowledge obtained under such circumstances could not be great, yet he learned sufficient to transact ordinary 
business, and it must be a sharp one who can profit by his want of information. The food of those days was plain 
and simple, corn bread and bacon, or "hog aud hominy," formed the living of rich and poor, the luxuries of wheat 
bread and home-made coffee being indulged in only once a week— on Sunday mornings. Very little sugar or coffee 
was used or to be had if desired. Books and newspapers in that benighted region were unknown, and information 
from the outer world came through those adventurous voyagers who made annual trips by flatboat to New Orleans, 
and for six months thereafter were the self-appointed oracles of the village. When sixteen years old his father 
promised, as a reward for extra labor, that all the corn raised, besides filling a certain crib, should be his. It may 
be believed the weeds had little show that season, and his labors were rewarded with a surplus of 150 bushels. A 
Christmas, and then left me. On this day commenced what has ever since been remembered and designated as the 



BtOGtlAPHiCAL DEiPARTMENT. 755 

neighbor, Ihe proprietor of a keel-boat, was going on his annual voyage to the gulf, and young McLaughlin bar- 
gained, in consideration of the aid he should give, for ten feet of space therein. In addition to his share of the 
corn, he loaded it with a thousand hoop-poles, while his mother sent along a venture of chickens, ducks etc , with 
many admoniiions as to the careful expenditure of the proceeds, which were to be laid out in such products as 
most delight the maternal heart. The question of gdfting the hoop-poles on board involved much thought and la- 
bor. A team t» haul them to the boat was out of the question, so a place was selected as near the river as possible, 
and thea cut, conveyed by hand, and rafted to where the boat lay, tour miles helow. For a sixteen-year boy this 
was an undertaking, unairled, of no small magnitude, but it was accomplished after infini e labor and pains, and 
the craft was got afloat. \.ll went well until it struck a sand-bar, and refused to budge another peg. Throwing off 
his ciotties, although it was November, he swam ashore, walked tour tailes to where a six-foot brother-in-law lived, 
and by their united efforts at lifting and pushing, the raft was afloat again. Che venture was a succecss, the corn. 
Loop-poles and chickens finding a ready market, and with the proceeds laid f>ut in a suit of store clothes, some su- 
gar and coffee for his mother, a drawing-knife for his father— a wonderful implement in those days — he returned to 
enjoy his well earned laurels, and relate his surprising adventures. For the next three years h'* lived at home 
When 19 he started on Horseback for Illinois, ostensibly to see the country, but in reality to find the possessor of a 
pair of bewitching eyes that had stolen his heart away and had it in her keeping. Both were found, and during 
the season he was married to Racbel L. Hammett. His choice was a good one, and to her industrj , frugality and 
careful management he is indebted for much of his after success. 

After the wedding he went back to Kentucky with his wife and worked on a farm, built a boat. etc.. in which 
he returned to Illinois in 1833 with ten dollars in his pocket. He took up a claim above Chillicothe, put a cabin of 
primitive construction, which to its owners seemed a p.alace. The floor was made of puncheons, the roof of shakes, 
and the windows of greased paper. Wooden stools sufficed for chairs, a store box in which their goods were packed 
answered for a table, and tbe cradle— soon needed, was hollowed out from a log of wood. In this primitive style 
many of the now wealthy families of Marshall coanty began housekeeping. During the winter he cleared five or 
six acres of land, which with the aid of his wife he planted to corn and potatoes. A severe cut in the foot disabled 
him. but tbe corn was properly cultivated and produc-^d a good crop, though he was obliged to labor supported by 
a crutch. They lived here four years. Markets were too distant and transportation too exp nsive to make the 
raising of grain profitable, so h^ turned his attention to raising cattle and hogs, marketing the latter with Jabez 
Fisher, at Lacon. It was a great event to him, when after paying all his [debts he had a clean surplus of $50 left. 
He has sold wheat for 15 cents and corn for 8 cents a bu.shel. Occasionally a trip was made to Chicago, loading in 
with grain and out with lumber, salt and hoasehold necessaries. When lands came into market there was much 
difficulty in raising the entrance money— mnnv losing their homesteads. McL. had little money, but he had two 
yoKe of oxen and a cow, with which he otcirted for Galena, hoping to convert them into money. A cash cuslomer 
cou'd nofbe found, and he sold them on credit with the solemn promise that payment should be sent down betore 
the sales. 1 here were no banks or expriss, and the money must be risked by mail, carried by a tow-headed boy 
on a blind horse for a hundred and fifty miles. But those were days when men were honest and women virtuous, 
and the cash was duly paid according to promise, and safely arrived. The homestead was saved, and from this 
time prosperity was theirs, and riches came almost unbidden. In due time the old cabin gave way to a showy 
house with all the modern improvements. The homemade chairs were replaced with costly mahogany; the old 
spiuning-wheel to a thousand dollar Knabe piano; the puncheon floor to costly carpets; the gourd cup and tin 
plates to cut glass and china. He owns nearly 13(0 acres of land, is out of debt, has corn and wheat in the crib, 
hogs in the pen, and "' cattle on a thousind hills." To himself and wife thirteen children have been born, nine of 
whom survive. Their names are Martha J., John B., Andrew J., Jefferson M., Jennette C, Susan li.. !?amuel A., 
Hairiet A. and George W. Are members of the Presbyterian church. He has filled various local offices, and is a 
good neighbor and citizen. 

Mrs. Rachel L. McLaughlin. 

My maiden name was Hammett, and I was born in Warren county, Ky., six miles from Bowling Green, in 
1812, My father was a farmer, and likewise a blacksmith, cultivating a few acres of ground on which the necessary 
food for a numerous family was grown, together with the cotton for our clothing and tobacco for home consump- 
tion. Money was scarce in those days, and with many mouths to fill we were early taught to work, and I remember 
when but ten years old of carding and spinning sufficient cotton to make half a jard of cloth. It was my duty to 
attend to this department, and I early learned to plant and tend the cotton, to pick it when the time, and separate 
the seeds. This was our summer labor, and the winter was devoted to carding, spinning, coloring, weaving and 
making up, leaving but little time for going to school. My father had a numerous family, and was anxious to get 
where land was cheap and the boys could each get a farm. We heard much of Illinois; many of our neighbors 
went, and they sent back such glowing accounts that in the year I was twenty he started with his family. We had 
two large wagons, five yokes of oxen, with sheep, horses and cows. My.self and sister drove the sheep, my younger 
brotheis drove the cattle and horses. After a long but not eventful journey we reached the hoped-for land of 
promise and settled on Senachwine creek, one mile north of Chillicothe, where the railroad now crosses. Father 
and my brother-in-law immediately set about preparing for a crop, and succeeded in breaking, fencing and plow- 
ing sufficient for a few acres of corn. A rough cabin was made out of rails, into which we moved until a larger and 
better one could be built. We had been here but two weeks when all but father and mother were taken down with 
the ague. Peoria, twentj-one miles distant, was the nearest place where either doctors or drugs abounded, and I 
thought I should surely die; but a good constitution pulled me through. My attack of fever and ague lasted until 
"great snow storm." On the 1st of February there came a heavy rain, carrying off the snow and creating a great 



756 llteCOEDS OF *HE OLbEN TIME. 

flood. The Senachwine overflowed its banks, and the back water from the river came up so rapidly that our stock 
was like to drown. At ten o'clo'^k at night my brother and sister waded out to the canoe and made their way 
through the driftwood to Brother John's, while the rest of us climbed on the beds t'j keep out of the water. My 
father was not at home. When he returned he entered the house m his canoe and took us off. In the spring we 
made sugar, and the next summer succeoded in raising a vory good crop of all kinds. 1 here was no mill in the 
country at that time, and our corn and wheat was ground on a hand mill made by my father, and the bran separa- 
ted by a sieve. My wedding cake was made from flour ground in this manner. In the fall of 1831 I was married to 
8. B. McLaughlio. We returned to Kentucky and lived there two years, but didn't get ahead much, and determined 
to return to Illinois. We reached my father's with ten dollars in cash and a pair of ponies, gave five dollars to a Mr. 
Jones for a claim, and paid five doilars for dishes. Oar first labor was to build a cabin, after which we cleared ten 
acres and built a fence. After the land was "logged" and the brush piled, my husband cut his foot and could do 
nothing, so the burning them up devolved on me. Women of now-a-days. with a young babe and no "hired girl," 
if left in similar circumstances would have very likely sat down and cried, but I had no time for that, and so set to 
work and burned the log heaps and brush and hired the ground broken up and laid off, and then planted it, my 
husband being able to stand on one foot and assist some. We raised a good crop, and have since been, on the 
whole, quite succe&.sf ul, for which I sincerely thank the Lord. In course of time the cabin on the bottom gave place 
to a more convenient house on the place where we now live, and this in its turn has been replaced by one of more 
modern style, yet after all I think 1 found as much true enjoyment in the little cabin where we began housekeeping 
as I have since. I have had thirteen children, nine of whom survive ; seven are married, and I have fourteen grand- 
children. Kachel L. McLaughlin. 

Mrs. Delia Doran. 

Mrs. Doran was born in Athens county, Ohio, in 1824. Her father was Frank B. Drake, the pioneer settkr of 
Drake's Grove, from whom it received its name. When ten years old she came to this county, and in 1853 married 
Thomas Doran, a native of the Isle of Man. They came to the old homestead to live, and have ever since remained 
there. Two children have blessed their union, Mai and Lessie. When Mrs. D. came to this country it was almost a 
desert, and their journey here is best described by herself. The journey was made in company with her parents, 
two brothers Frank and George, and the children of the latter, one of whom is now Mrs. Sherburn and the other 
Mrs. C'ottim. of Sparland. The little company passed through a wild and uncultivated couutry, infest^'d with game 
and innumerable snakes, and often made a reluctant halt beside swamps in place of a better locality. F. B. Drake, 
who is noted for his able rending of a good yarn, describes the traveling as endured with less fortitude when some 
poor soul would startle them with a deafening yell of "Get off my head !" Their team being part oxen and not de- 
ciiledly fleet, were forsaken at one point by Mrs. D., who describes the self importance with which she set forth, 
r. marking she would walk to the next house and wait till they arrived the following day, but was met with the 
withering reply there was not n, house within 15 miles. Thev intended wintering at Springdel I, but could find no 
habitation excepang those whose former inhabitants had all died of the cholera, and not liking these, 
they pushed on 8 miles further to a settlement of southern people, who tiad been there for 20 years, and owned 300 
acres of splendid land and large droves of cattle, feeding them on unhusked shocks of com, which the following 
spring was burnt if not consumed by the stock, preparatory to another crop. Their food consisted of bread ground 
on an ox or horse mill, and pork fried to a cracklin over their fire-places — stove « being unknown — no fruit or vege- 
tables, excepting a very few sweet potatoes. Their school house, 12 by 14 feet square, furnished light from one 
window having but four small panes of glass, and scholars numbering about 60, all of whom, both boys and girls, 
had learned to chew tobacco. In the winter these resolute emigrants received a visit from Dr. Wm. Thompson, who 
having some acquaintance with the country and being most pleased with what is now Marshall county, advised 
their removing there, which they accordingly did in the year 1835 and found the country very sparsely inhabited, 
save with wolves, deer, wild hogs, prairie chickens and wild turkeys. 

They settled on Benachwine Creek, what has since been called Drake's Grove, in honor of Mrs D''s father, F. B. 
Drake, sr., who was the first white settler. Their nearest neighbor on the east was a Mr. Graves, living where Spar- 
land now stands ; on the west was Gen . Thomas, at Wvoming, a distance of 16 miles: on the north lived Elder 
Cnenoweth, a Baptist minister, this being 15 miles distant, lu Lacon there was but one house, though there were 
several scattered along the river bottoms. The wild animals were fierce and quite dangerous, wild hogs sometimes 
"treeing" settlers and keeping them there until friends came to their relief, which might not be until starvation 
seemed imminent. Deer were so plenty that the hunters killed several a day, while the Indians were peaceable, but 
caused much anxiety from their peculiar mode of association, coming into the house and searching for something 
they wished, and upon finding it, would offer to swap their venison and wolf meat, the latter of which the settlers 
invariably declined. The distance to mill being twenty-.lve miles, the trip, including detention at the mill, would 
often occupy a week, while those at home would pound corn upon which to subsist during their absence. Obliged 
to travel over a trackless prairie, they often became lost from wandering round and round, supposing they were 
taking a direct route for home. To pay for their land they took iheir cattle on foot to Chicago, receiving $6 to $10 
a head for the best, while Mrs. Drake's mother took cheese, etc., to St. Louis to lighten the family expenses. 
Mr. Drake was once employed by William Fenn, then engaged in merchandising, to plough a furrow from 
Sparland to Wioming, to direct people here. It may be set down as the longest advertisement ever made. While 
living in the state of New York himself and two others discovered a den of rattlesnakes, and destroyed 300. One 
of the men fell in convulsions from the poisim inhaled and died on the ground, the other died not long after, while 
Mr Drake was ever after-subject to cramps, and finally died from cancer in the face, the effect, as stated by physi- 
cians, of inhaling the poison. 





felOGRAPltlCAL DEPART]\tENT. 757 



SARATOGA TOWNSHIP, 



William J. Townsend. 

Mr. Townsend is a merchant residing in Camp Grove, Saratoga township. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, 
n 1850, and came west with his parent"? in 1853. His father located at Gamp Grove the same year. Mr. T. married 
Miss J. E. Houghtaling in 1875. She was born in Beardstown, and have had three children, one of whom died in 
December, 1879. Stella and Henry Everet are living. Mr. Townsend has been in the mercantile business since 
1876. He carries a general stock of all goods suitable to his trade. He owns a fractional 80 acres of land where he 
is doing business.— section 31. lie has been postmaster since 1877. He is a successful young business man. 

Peter Gary. 

Mr. Gary is a fanner, living on section 33. Postoffice, Sparland. He was born in Albany county. New York, 
in 1830, and located in this county in 1854, where he has followed farming ever since. He married Miss Henrietta 
Ilalsted in 1869. She was born in Albany county. New York. They have one son. Charles D. Mrs, Gary is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church. Mr. C. is justice of the peace at the present time, and has been for the last seven years, 
and has also been school trustee. He owns 160 acres of land, all in good cultivation. 

Joseph Ray. 

Mr. Ray was bom in Ohio county, Va., in 1815, and located in this state in 1853. He married Miss Mary Becks 
in 1837, born in Washington county. Pa. They have three children,— Elizabeth, Newton and Luther. He is an old 
resident of the township, owns a good farm of 160 acres, and is very pleasantly situated. He has filled several local 
offices, and is well known aad widely respected. 

Patrick Doran. 

Mr. Doran was born in county Meath, Ireland, in 1827. He came to this country in 1851, locating first in New 
York, and in Illinois in 1854. He married Miss Ellen Mornan in 1854, also born in Ireland. They have eight chil- 
dren,- Ann, Walter, Philip, Johanab, John, Ellen, Patrick and Bridget E. They are members of the Catholic 
church. He owns 80 acres with fine improvements. Mr. Doran is a successful farmer, generous and hospitable. 

George Scholes. 

Mr. Scholes was bom near Manchester, England, in 1826, and came to the United States when only two years 
old with his parents, who located in Providence, Rhode Island. They came to Peoria county in 1838, and to this 
county when he was 18 years of age. He married Miss Lola Wilmot in 1848. She was born in New York, and moved 
to this state when 18 years old. They have five children living— Ann, Elizabeth, Clarissa F. (Faris), William and 
Walter (twins), and George. Has served as justice of the peace for 12 years, school dii-ector and trustee, and road 
commissioner, etc. Mr. Scholes owns one of the finest farms in the township, and his home is the abode of every 
comfort. He is a leading citizen in the county socially, politically and financially, and his family is one of which 
any parent may be proud . 

Mrs. Nancy Camery, Widoiv 

Mrs. Camery was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1801 . She married Mr. Christopher Camery in 1821. 
He was bom in Winchester county, Va.. in 1791, and died March 11. 1875, leaving nine children— John, James. Chris- 
topher, David, Isaac, Elijah, Samuel, Mary and Armand J. Her maiden name was Nancy Messick. Sir. Camery 
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served with distinction, and Mrs. C. claims a pension on his account. She 
owns 160 acres of iand with good improvements. 

Patrick Collins. 

Mr, Collins was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1829. He came to the United States in 1847, when only 
18 years old, and at once assumed his position in the world as a man prepared to battle for his share of God's gifts, 
clothed with integrrity and armed with the strong bow of determination and perseverance. He first worked at daily 
labor at $6.00 per month, but his aim was upward" He soon discovered that under the bright rays of the western 
sun— under the glorious constitution of this free republic the young shoots of honest labor would bloom for all 
men alike, the foreigner a^ well aa the native born. He has successfully demonstrated by his grand success, that 
the narrow-minded prejudice of the few can in no way impede the progress of the many who come to this 



758 RECORDS OF ^HE OLDEN TBlE. 

country to enrich it by their labor. He first located in Chester county, Pa., and in 1851 in Marshall county, 111. He 
married Miss Margaret Monier in 1858. She is a native of the Isle of Man. They have eight children— Sarah J., 
Thomas, Charles, Annie, James, Charlotta, John and -Edward. Mr. Collins owns 240 acres of land, all in cultiva- 
tion. He has just completea undoubtedly the finest residence in the township, furnished in the most elegant and 
substantial manner from cellar to garret, including all available modern improvements. The location is a very 
desirable one, commanding a view of the entire country in every direction. He has sold off most of his other prop- 
erty, as he believes that a farm of 240 acres, well managed, is better than a section neglected. He was one of the 
first in this part of the country to introduce the great improvement of tile draining, and has reaped a large interest 
from the investment. And lastly we can say, that Mr. Collins is not carried away above his fellow men by his suc- 
cess, like too many. He is the same plain, unassuming, kind-hearted, hospitable man he always was. He truly 
retains in a practical manner the characteristics of his native land. His latch hangs outside the door. 

John Carver. 

Mr, Carver was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1828, and came to the United States in 1853. He first 
located in Connecticut, came west in 1855, and settled in Bureau until 1859, and then located in this county. He 
married Mary Sullivan in 1857. She was bom in County Kerry. Ireland. They have had two children, both de- 
ceased. Are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Carver owns 80 acres of land, aad is a thrifty, industrious, lib- 
eral citizen, taking an active part in all matters of general interest in his neighbornood. He might be classed as 
an Americanised Irishman. 

Ferdinand Yerger. 

Mr. Yerger was bom in Baden, Germany, in 1828, and came to the United States in 1856, locating in Marshall 
county, 111., where he married Nancy Harenden in 1864. She was born in this state. They have two children, Wil- 
liam and Robert, and are members of the Catholic Church. During the war Mr, Yerger could not leave his busi- 
ness to serve in the army, and furnished a substitute. He is a good citizen, owns 160 acres of land, and is a 
thrifty farmer. 

Moses Hertley. 

Mr. Hertley was born in England iu 1826, and came to the United States with his parents when only three 
years old. They located in Wheeling, Va. He went to St. Louis in 1845, and in 1854 came to Henry, 111., where 
he followed his trade of bricklayer until 1861. He purchased 160acr^sof land and removed to his present home- 
stead. He married Jane Maxwell in 1851, born near Wheeling, W, Va. They have three children, Britt, Annie 
J. and Adna. He has served as school trustee several terms. He purchased 80 acres in Saratoga in 1861, and 80 
acres in Whitefield township in 1871, which he maintains in excellent cultivation. 

Henry Applen. 

Mr. Applen was born in Peoria county. 111., in 1848 and moved to Henry, Marshall county, with his mother in 
1851. He is a Bon of .Job and Elizabeth Applen, who came o Peoria county in 1833. Mr. Applen, sr, died in 
1850. Henry Applen married Mary Wilcox in 1869. She was born in New York in 1850. Thev have five children- 
Harry. Frank, Alice, William and Lane. Mr,.. Applen attends the M. E, church. He owns 80 acres of land with 
good improvements. He is a good blacksmith and the ring of his hammer is heard early and late. 

Michael Dougherty. 

Mr. Dougherty was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1830 and came to the United States in 1852, where 
he located in Marshall county. He lived in Senachwine township, Putnam county, 14 years, and married Mary 
Mulhern in I860. She was bora in County Donegal, Ireland. Their children are Sarah, Jane, John, James, 
Charles and Mary. They are consistent member.^ of the Catholic church. Mr. Dougherty is school director. 
He owns 80 acres of land in a prosperous state of cultivation. He is a liberal, generous hearted man and a good 
neighbor. 

George C. Lombard. 

Mr. Lombard was bom in Maine in 1833, and came west and located in Marshall county in 1855. He mar- 
ried Mary P. Hayes in 1861, bom in New Hampshire. They have three children— Nellie L., Lillie D. and Charlie. 
He was road commissioner and school director. He is well informed upon matters of daily import, stands in good 
repute among citizens of the township and is a careful farmer. 




BIOGBAPHICAL DEPARTJIENT. 759 



WHITEFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



Chaitncey W. Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes is a son of Jeremiah Barnes and Betsey Condrey, of Hampden county, Mass., and was bom in 
1814. Their sons were John N., located in Bradford county. Pa.; Robinson in Snllivan county. Pa.; Jeremiah C, in 
Bradford coantv. Pa. Chauncey W. left Massachusetts in lS-33, and came to Bradford county. Pa., living there un- 
til the fall o* 1836. when he went to Florid, 111., and in the sprin? moved to Evans townshin in this county, and from 
there came to Whitefield, where he has ever since resided. In 1833 he married Miss Sallie B. Martin, daughter of 
Benajeh and Abigail Easterbrocks, of Bradford countv, Pa., formerly from Woodstock, Conn. They have had seven 
children, three of whom are living,— George M, resides in Kansas, Chauncey C. in Whitefield and Charles L. in Mis- 
souri. Georjje M. enlisted in the army and served until the close of the war. Has held the office of justice of the 
peace. Owns a farm of 160 acres. His wife died in 1872. Mr. Barnes has been a prominent citizen in the township, 
and is a member of the "Old Settlers' Association." His recollection of early history is distinct, and he is good 
authority on the subject. Is a man of enlarged views, clear-headed, arid a good citizen. 

KuDOLPH King (deceased). 

Mr, King was born in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, in 1820. and came to theUnited States in 1852, locat- 
ing hrst in Henry, and in Whitefield in 18.55, remaining there until 1865, when he purchased the home where he af- 
terward lived. He married Emily Kendrick in 1855. She was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1827. Mr. King 
died Jan. 27, 1877, leavmg seven children-Sarah L., William H. Sophia R., Albert B., Francis M., Willetta and 
Laura A. Mr. King devoted his time to the elegant farm which he was engaged in cultivating. Sophia R. mar- 
ried Charles Hawksworth. They have one child, Arratta Demarch. born March 11, 1879. Mrs. King and heirs owns 
320 acres of land in a high state of cultivation with first-class improvements. This farm is one of, if not the best 
improved farms in Saratoga township, or in the county. Sarah L. visited Europe for her health, in company v?ith 
r . and Mrs. Marshall, of this township, in 1878. 

Kerley Ward. 

Mr. Ward was born in 1820 in Fulton county, N. Y., and is a son of Jesse Ward and Sarah Johnston, They 
had eight children— Jesse (deceased), John G., resides in Beloit. Wis., Sarah Meacham, in Williamston, Mass., Mary 
A. (deceased). Jeremiah, in Iowa, Stmuelf deceased), Thomas (deceased). The subject of this sketch came to Indi- 
ana in 1846 and located in Switzerland county, and in the autumn of 1851 came to Henry, HI. He is a farmer and 
owns 240 acres of land. In 1846 he was married to Boxy J. Phillips, daughter of Porter Phillipsand Polly Bliss, of 
N. y., who died in 1865. He married asecond time, Hannah Payne, daughter of Thomas Payne and Margaret Fletch- 
er, from England. The grand-father of Mrs. Ward resides in Whitefield at the advanced age of 95 years. Mr Ward 
has six children. Alvena E. married Horatio Clark and lives in Bureau county; Jennette R. is a teacher in Bureau 
county; Emma L. is a teacher, and lives in Iowa; George W. resides in Bareau county; William K. and Mary live 
at home. 

Addison Tanquary. 

Mr. Tanquary was bom in Steuben township, Marshall county, 111., in 1837. He married Miss Ellen Williams 
in 1859, born in Clay county, 111. They have five children-C M., Mary A., George 8., Lawrence H. and Nellie. Mr. 
T. is a Member of the M. E church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He enlisted in company E 86th Regiment 
111. Volunteers Aug. 13. 1862, and served during the war. He took part in all the battles in which his regiment 
fought and shared the glory of Sherman's march to the sea. He was wounded at Bentonville, N. C, March 19, 1865 
and was discharged for disability from the effects of his wound. He has never recovered the use of his arm which 
is stiff at the elbow joint. 

Richard Waughop. 

Mr. Waughop was bom in Portsmouth, Va., Oct. 8, 1830, and was a son of Ric hard Waughop and Eliza Willis. 
They had five children— Jane F., Rebecca (deceased), Eliza (died in infancy), Amos and E., living in Decatur, 111. 
Mr. Waughop, sr., married a second time t-> Mary A. Bowman, of Virginia, by which marriage they had eight chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters. Mary E. married Xenophon Wilmot and resides in La Prairie; Dr. J. W, re- 



760 EECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

sides in Olympia, Washington Ty. ; William H,, in Davi? county, la. ; Virginia A. married S. B. Wilmot, deceased; 
Benjamin F., of Ford county; Prof- Geo, W., ot Hedding College, Knox county. 111.; Sarah A., deceased; Emma 
married Rev. E. Van Petten, of Peoria. Mr.W.was married April 2d, 1857,to Mary C. Bon Durant, daughter of Isaac 
G.,a native of Virginia,and Marcy S.Hay, born in Kentucky, residents of Tennessee, and her erand father,.John Hay , 
was a native of Boston,Mass. To them were born four children, Clara B., Isaac W., Marcie A.and Richard L, all living 
at home. Came west in 1834 with her parents, settling in Tazewell county, 111., where they passed their days. His 
father was a ship carpenter by trade and afterward a farmer. Left Tazewell county at the age of 23 and came to 
La Prairie township and lived there four years, returned to Tazewell county and remained four years, and came to 
Whitefield in the spring of 1865. He has a farm of 160 acres. Is a member of tho Christian church, Mrs. Waughop 
was a school teacher for many years in Tazewell and McLean counties. 

Deacon M. Dunlap. 

Mr. Dunlap was born in Licking county, Ohio, in Nov. 3, 1838, and is a son of John Dunlap, born and raised in 
Rockingham county, Va., and Margaret Robinson, born in Licking county, Ohio, who had eleven children, only 
four of whom survive. Sarah, married William York and resides in Henry: John in Iowa; Ann Eliza married Nel- 
son Ham, and located in Kansas. Mr. Dunlap came west with his parents in 1817, settled in Fulton county, then 
went to Peoria county, and in 1852 came to Marshall county. Mr. Dunlap, sr., died in 1854. He was a blacksmith 
and gunsmith. Mr. D. irarried Sabra E. Wood, daughter of Thomas Wood and Rachael Flowers. Apriil 10th, 1867. 
They had two children— Lois M. and Oscar M.. deceased. He is a farmer by occupation and his farm consists of 80 
acres. He is a member of the Harmon G. Reynolas Lodge, No. 3£5. Also a member of the M. E. church. Mr D., 
sr.. was a member of the same church and an earnest and zealous worker in the community in which he lived. 
Deacon M. is a zealous worker in the temperance cause, likewise is a class leader in the M, E. church. 
Mrs. D. was a teacher for twelve years in Marshall and Stark counti'^s. 

John Henry Saxby. 

Mr. Saxby was born in county Kent, England, Feb. 12, 1819. He came to the United States in 1855 and lo- 
cated in this county. He is a bachelor and lives for the good of others. He is a liberal, kind hearted man, and 
a consistent member of the Congregational church. He owns 160 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. 

Warner Combs. 

Mr. Combs was bom in Hampshire county, Va., in 1825, and was a son of Jacob Combs and Sarah Edwards, of 
Virginia, from which marriage were born nine children, six of whom are now living— Harriet married George 
Eyestone and resides in Wyandotte county, Ohio. Mary Jane married Benj. W. Pitegell and resides in Kewanee, 
Henry county. 111. John resides in McDonough county, Thomas in Whitefield, and Isaac in the Indian Territory. 
Mr. Combs married Elizabeth Wood, daughter of Frances Wood, of Wyandotte county, Ohio, by whom he had five 
children— Sarepta, Horace, Emma, Electa, and Sherman. Mrs. Combs died in 1866. He entered the marriage state 
a second time in May, 1868, marrying Hannah Johnson, daughtar of Henry Johnson and Mary Davidson, of Ken- 
tuc&v. Of this union are two children— Charles Harrington and Edna Viola. Mr. Combs came to Illinois in the 
spring of 1852 and located where he resides at the present timp, on a farm of 160 acres, also owns a stock farm of 800 
acres in the town of Steuben. The grand parents of Mr. Combs on the paternal side were John, born in Frankfort, 
Germany, and Ellen Snell. On the maternal side, Thomas Edwards and Mnrtha Cesner. 

Elnathan Platter. 

Mr. Platter was a son of Jacob Platter and Hannah Coxe, of Miami county, Ohio, where the subject of this 
sketch was born May 31, 1828. Mr. Platter, sr., was a native of Washington county. Pa. Hannah Coxe, of Miami, O., 
and her mother were among the eirliest settlers of Cincinatti. Of the unioa of Hannah and Jacob Platter were 
born 12 children. 8 of whom are now living. Nicholas H. resides in Wells county, Ind., David P. in Missouri, Abra- 
ham H. in Polk county,Oregon, Jeremiah F. in Wayne county. la. Elizabeth married John Combs and resides in 
Champaign county. III.; Bethsheba married H.B. Vllen and resides S illiv in county II'.; Sarah married Franklin 
Kirk and resides in Davenport, Iowa; Zeruiah married Timothy S. Hunt and resides in Marshall county. Two 
died in infancy and one at the age of nine years. Elnathan came to Illinois Oct. 8, 1841. and lived in Peoria 
county until 1852. and then removed to Whitefield township where he now resides. He was married in 1861 to Ma- 
ria Gage, daughter of Philo Gage and Elizabeth TuU, both of New York state. They have had ten children, eight 
of whom are still living- Ella May, Jacob E., Rhoda Maui, Stella Grace. David (deceased). Nellie Augusta. Mary 
Caroline, Sarah (deceased), Ida and and Caly Daisy. Mr. Platter has followed the vocation of farming, and owns 
130 acres in the township. Is a member of the Christian church and a leading citizen. 

Chester Bidwell. 

Mr. Bidwell was born in Cumberland county. New Jersey, June 17. 1845, son of George Bidwell and Phebe 
Davis. Mr. Bidwell, senior, was a native of Middlebury, Vt., and Mrs. Bidwell, of Cumberland county. N. J., and 
were married December 1, 1836, He came to this state in June, 1852, and located in Whitefield township His voca- 
tion was that of a farmer. In early life had been teacher in the state of New Jersey, Held the offices of school 
trustee an! commissioner of highways, and assisted in laying out many of the public roads ot Whitefield. While a 
citizen of New Jersey was a member of the seventh day Baptists. Died June 13, 1879. His widow, the daughter of 
Rev. John Davis, is a firm believer in the doctrines of the seventh day Baptists as taught by her father. Mr. Bid- 



BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 761 

Well was a man of great intelligence and highly respected in the community in which he lived. He preserved an 
individuality to a remarkable degree, was a lover of antiquities, revered the relics of the past, and held sacred the 
mementoes of friends. Chester Bidwell retains a relic in the shape of a fowling piece in perfect preserv<*tion, 
banded down from George Bidwell, his grandfather, whose name is graven upon the mounting made for him when 
a young man, and who carried it in the war of the Revolution, and at the siege of Ticondaroga and Crown Point, 
also a set of silver spoons that were given to his father by his mother, which are more than a century old. He re- 
sides on the old homestead with his mother in her 74th year, and carries oq the farm which contains 120 acres. A 
sister, Delia, married William True, October 27, 1859, died January 1, 1861. A. brother John died February 24, 1861, 
aged nine years. 

Alered J. Deihl. 

Mr. Deihl was born in Frederick county.Md.in 1833,and is a son of Daniel Deihl,of York county Pa., and Mary 
A.Kohler, a native of Adams county, They had eleven children, seven of whom survive. Ezekiel resides in White- 
field; Alice married Jas. S. Brassfield, of Sparland; Marv A. married A. W. Forney. Woodford county; Calyin re- 
sides in 8edgwic!c county, Kan.; Irena married Ichabod McKinney, Champaign county 111.; Martin L. lives in Ford 
county. 111. Mr. D. came west in 1862, first settling in Peoria county, and then in Marshall county. Was married 
in 1867 to Sylvia M. Aunt, daughter of Richard Hunt and Ruth Horram, residents of VVhitefield, formerly from 
New Jersey. They have four children— Mahlon A., Blanche May, Came R. and Ina Pearl. He enlisted in 1862 in 
company B. 86th 111. Volunteers. Was corporal ordnan(!e sertjeant, and color serzeant Fought at Mill 
CreeW, Tenn., Dec. 4,1862; Chicamauga, Ga,. Sept. 18, 19, 20^ 1863; Mission Ridge, Tenn., Nov. 24,1863; Buzzard 
Roost, Ga., Feb. 25, 1864; KenesawMt., Ga., Jan. 27, 1864. ■'Was discharged at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., Aug. 
5th, 1865, for wounds received in battle. He is a farmer and owns 241 acres of good land. 

H. D. BONHAM. 

Mr. Bonham was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1831, and came to Marshall county with his parents in the 
spring of 1835. He is a son of Warford Bonham, who died July 23, 1869, leaving nine children, of which the subject 
of this sketch is the youngest. He married Miss Luana Swift in 1852. She was bom in Angelica, N. Y. They have 
five children living— Alice R., Rosco L., Millard F., Carrie IVI. and Emily N.. and one deceased, Lillie 8. He is 
school director, and has been assessor two times. He owns 210 acres of land in sections 35 aad 36 . The lather of 
H. D. Bonham was a man of more than ordinary note. He was born in Marvland in 1781. and lived there until his 
tenth year, when his father having died his mother removed to Washington county. Pa., where he labored on a farm 
until 18 years old, when he visited Ohio and selected a location near the then new town of Bainbridge. In 1808 he 
married Rebecca Mason, and opened a hotel. In 1812 he enlisted and throughout the war commanded a company 
serving in north-western Ohio, returning at its close to his hotel, which he run until 1824, when he removed to 
Pickaway county, Ohio, and went to farming, following it until his removal west in 1834. In that year, with an 
outfit of one four-horse and two two-horse wagons he came to Illinois, settling on the place where he ever after lived 
in 1834. A partial sketch of him is given elsewhere. He died in July, 1869. aged 88 years. He was the father of 12 
children, the grandfather of 83, and the great-grandfather of 27 . 

Charles Wilson Peck. 

Mr. Peck was bom in Canton. Fulton county. 111., November 12, 1845, son of Wilson Peck, of Greenwich, 
Conn., and Phebe Alward, of Tioga county. Pa., of which union there are six children living, namely, Benjamin 
W., Alice M.. Elisba R.. William and Willette (twins), Benj. W and Elisha R. reside in Kansas. Alice married 
George Vale in Whitefield township. William is in Woodford county; and Willette married Albert J. Martin, 
and resides near Minonk, 111. Chas. W. married Sophrona Ketchum, daughter of Eddy Ketchum and Harriet 
Smith, pioneers of Peoria ceunty. By this marriage have been bom five children— Millicent, Harriet, Eddy, 
Charles aud Harry. Mr. Peck enlisted in Co. I, 47th Reg. 111. Vol., served one year and was mustered out at the 
close of the war. Is a farmer. His ancestral line is so distinctly defined and so worthy of emulation among the 
citizens of the west that it is entitled to prominence as connected with the records of the olden time. His father, 
Willson Peck, was son of Elias, who was son of Robert, born June 30, 1739, all of Greenwich, who was the son of 
Samuel, boom in 1706. the son of Jeremiah, born in 1659. both of Guilford, Conn., and son of Jeremiah, born in 
1623 in the city of London, Eng., who came to this country with his father, William Peck, who was one of the found- 
ers of the New Haven Colony in 1637. Mrs. C, W. Peck has six brothers and two sisters as follows: Daniel resides in 
Henry county; Mrs. John Combs in McDonough county; Eliphalet in Ford county; Ichabod C. in Champaign 
county; Smith in Henry county; Spencer and Sidney in Marshall county; and Martha E, married Horace J. Stan- 
cell in Ford connty. 

Charles Taylor Brandenburg. 

Mr. Brandenburg was bom in Harrison county. Ind., in 1849, and was a son of Joseph Brandenburg and Sarah 
Guartney. He came to Marshall county in 1868, formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah E. Andrews, with wnom he 
united in marriage in 1875, and has one child, Sarah Edna. Miss Andrews was daughter of Harmon Andrews, who 
was born in the city of New York in 1820, and Eliza Peterson, of Westmoreland county. Pa. They were married in 
Fulton county, 111., Nov. 22. 1843, and to them were born eight children, five of whom are now living,— Benjamin C. 
and Daniel H. reside in Ford county. 111. ; Mrs. Sarah E, Brandenburg lives on the old homestead; Jas. H. in Mar- 
shall county, and Jennie lives in Lacon. Mr. Andrews in early life was a ship carpenter, but located in Fulton 



762 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

county in 1843, and followed farming until the war with Mexico, when he enlisted and served until its close. An old 
flint-lock gun is preserved in this family, bearing the inscription. " Vera Cruz, March 27th, Cerro Gordo, April 18th, 
1847," battles in which he was actively engaged. In 1865 he came to Marshall county and entered 160 acres of land 
by the warrant issued him for service in the Mexican war. In the beginning of the late rebellion he raised Co. G. 
47th 111. Inf. Vols., but afterward resigned and formed another company, of which he was captain and was attached 
to the 151st reg't 111. Vols. He was taken prisoner Oct. 31, 1862, at the battle of Corinth, Miss., and paroled Oct. 15, 
1862. The circumstances of his capture were as follows: A shell bursting near his company, a piece struck him so 
as to stun him, and on regaining his senses he found himself alone, his company having passed on in the battle. 
He was mustered out at the close of the war, having served with honor, and returning to private life, resumed his 
vocation as a farmer. He served as county treasurer two terras, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1875, 
own«d 240 acres of land in Marshall and 500 acres in Ford county. 

Robert S. Erwin. 

Mr. Erwin was born in Butler county. Pa., in 1829, and was a son of John Erwin and Mary Batts, of Hagers- 
town, Md. They had seven children, of whom six are living. Mr. E. came west in 1855, and has lived in Whitefield 
ever since. When the 86th Reg. 111. Vols, was formed he enlisted, and was severely wounded at the battle of Peach 
Tree Creek, and confined in the hospital until the close of the war. His brother Charles also enlisted, and served 
some time in the artillery service. Both were honorably discharged when the war ivas over. Mr. John Erwin, father 
of the above, was a soldier in the war of 1812. and obiained a land bounty for his services. One of Mr. Erwin's 
sister's married Henry Kirk, the descendant of a British soldier of the Revolution, who deserted from his command 
and settled in this country. 

Cyrtjs Brown. 

Mr. Brown was born in St. Lawrence county, N, Y., April 22, 1828. Son of Luther Brown, formerly of Grot- 
ton, N. H., and Permalia Parker, daughter of Anson Parker, formerly of Dorset, Vt. Came to Steuben county, Ind., 
in 1840, with his parents and resided there until 1849 where his father died in 1843. His mother died March 25, 1864, 
at Fairbury, III. In September, 1849, came to Marshall county, and in 1856 located in Whitefield township. Mar- 
ried in February. 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Barnes, daughter of William G. Barnes, of Bradford county, Pa., and 
Clarissa Warfipld, also of Pennsylvania. Has four children,— Florence N., Jasper W., Carrie E. and Edmund L. 
Served in the army during the late rebellion one year, from Sept, 30, 1864, to October 25, 1865, in the 32d Reg, 111. 
Vols. Has held the several offices of constable, supervisor, school treasurer and justice of the peace. Has three sis 
ters and two brothers living,— Mrs. Alvira Malcolm, who resides in Cambridge, Henry count> , 111. ; Mrs. Eliza Jones, 
in Ventura county, Cal., and Mrs. Lydia A. Patten, San Joae, Cal. Anson resides in Sumner county, Kansas, and 
Orson in Cass county. Iowa. Mrs. Brown, grandmother of Cyrus, lived in the days of the Revolution, and often re- 
lated seeing the burning of Charlestown on the morning of the battle of Bunker Hill. Mr. Brown owns a farm of 
320 acres. 

Solomon Nighswonger. 

Mr. Nighswonger lives in Whitefield township, Marshall county, Illinois. He was bom in West Virginia, 
October 13. 1815, son of Reason Nighswonger and Susan Buffington. To them were born six sons and three 
daughters, namely: Jane Sargent, who resides in Stark county. 111.; Peter, in Davis county. Mo.; Abraham, White- 
field; Samuel, Iroquois county: Lena Rickard, Pike county; Reason, Moulton, Iowa; Asa, Steuben, and Mary Rob- 
inson, Livingston county. In 1833 he married Anna Johnson daughter of Henry Johnson and Mary Davison, from 
Kentucky. Have had thirteen children, three of whom are dead. Those living are: Mary Marshall, who resides 
in Whitefield; Henrietta Holler, Whitefield: Margaret Boomer, Wayne county, Iowa; Richard J., Green Co., Iowa; 
Lewis, Livingston county; Josephine Holler, Sparland; Luania Kerr, Whitefield; Joshua F., at home; Susan Hole- 
ton, Chillicothe, and Paul at home. Two died in infancy, and Adaline Burson died at the age of 32 years and left 
two children. Solomon and Alice, who are living near Princeton, Bureau county. In early life Mr. Nighswonger 
followed the business of building boats, piloting and as captain of boats on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. In 
the year 1834 or 1835. after the completion of a steamer built at Naples, 111., those engaged in its building went on 
an excursion down the Illinois river to St. Louis. On account of the name of the boat— '"Cold Water"— the citizens 
of that city refused to permit her to land, the temperance name in those days being incompatible with the habits 
and customs of the people. She was therefore obliged to cross to the opposite side and change her name before the 
passengers could effect a landing in that city. 

Enoch Geo. Green. 

Mr. Green is a wealthy and influential farmer of Whitefield, born in Saratoga county. New York, in 1827, and 
son fof Philip and Nancy Adddington Green, to whom twelve sons and daughters were born, nine of whom 
suvive. Their names are Malissa Pettitt, Isaac A.. Susan M. Lake, Sally Berry, Caroline Hepperly, Philip 
H., Samuel L, and Elizabeth M. Doty. Mr. G. came west in 1837 with his parents, and lived in Peoria county until 
1849, when he moved to Henry. Has been a resident of Whitefield township 13 years. In 1849 he married Harriet 
M., daughter of J. B. Coykendall, of Allegany county, N. Y.. and to them were born nine children, seven of whom 
survive as follows: Braganza and Andrew J., living at Yates City; Jonathan at San Jose, Cal.; Mary Grayson at 
Kussell. Iowa, formerly eight years a teacher in Farmiugton and Lewiston); John R. Tecumseh, Kansas, and Ho- 
ratio G„ at Bismark, Dacotah. One sister, Augusta, died in infancy, and Elizabeth W. was a very successful 



BiOGtlAtHlCAL DEPARTMENT. 



76^ 



teacher in Peoria county, who died in 1861. Jonathan is engaged in the packing business at San Jose, and John R. 
was a eallant soldier in the 11th III Cav., serving until the close of the war. Horatio went into a Wisconsin bat- 
tery ar, private and returned with a captain's commission. Mr. Green was for a number of years in the lumber 
trade at Henry, and has always acted a conspicuous part in the business and politics of the county. He tilled the 
offices of supervisor, justice and several others, and bears a high reputation for ability, loyalty and integrity. He 
owns a large farm, and is " well to do " in the world. 

William Fountain. 

Whitefield, 111. 



s. 



p. Hill. 

Whitefield. HI. 



^M- 




APPENDIX ADDITIONAL CHURCHES. 765 



Appendix. 



The following articles and biographies were omitted, for accidental causes, from their 
proper places in the body of the work, and are inserted here. 



Sandy Creek Old School Baptist Church. 

This church was organized September 3, 1836, at Caledonia, Putnam county. 111., the Presbytery being com- 
posed of Elders Jeriel Root and James B Chenowetha-d Deacon Jesse Sawyer. 

Following are the names of the original members: Wm. E. Larkins, John Brumsey, Joseph Ash. Joel Corbel, 
J. D. Glenn, Rachel Larkin, Elizabeth Ash, Marian Graves, Sarah Glenn.. 

Of this number but two are living. After the church was constituted Wm. E. Larkins was chosen deacon, and 
J. D. Glenn clerk, the latter holding this office in the church until his death. In the November following the or- 
ganization Jas. B. Chenoweth was chosen pastor and moderator. 

The church now has a membership of 55. 



Clear Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

The Clear Creek congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized by Rev. S, E. Hudson, 
of Pennsylvania Presbytery, Nov. 26, A, D., 1854, with twenty-four members, the following names comprising the 
original membership: Able Campbell, Eliza Campbell, Able W Campbell, Oliver P, Price, Eliza A. Price, Melissa 
McCall, Greenberry Bosley, Huldah Bosley, Jacob S. Bosley. Lucinda \. Bosley. Martha J. Harford, Maria Wise 
John Taylor, W. H. Brown, John N. Wood, Sarah J. Wood, Isaac Ong, Mary Ong, H. C. Morris, Elizabeth Morris 
Dr. Jas. M. Barber, Mary Ann Price, Matilda Mills, Elenonia Harford. 

In 1874 the membership had increased to forty. 



Emanuel Church of Granville. 

This church is the result of a union of the Evangelical and Methodist Protestant denominations, and was 
organized in 1867. The present membership is fifteen. 



Mt. Palatine Coegregational Church, 

This church was organized February 7, 1869, Rev. J. E. Roy officiating, assisted by Revs. J. West and H . V. 
Warren. 

The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Baldwin. Present pastor. Rev. R. E. Robinson. 

The original membership was thirteen in number. Present membership, twenty-eight. 



The First Baptist Church of Lacon. 

The First Baptist Church of Lacon was organized March Slst, 1855, with eight constitutent members, vi«: 
L, Holland, L. G. Thompson, James McWhinney, B. T. Baldwin, I, S. Mahan, Jane Mahan, Jane McWhinney and 



7QG RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Esther Bonham. The organization was effected mainly through the labors of Rev. I. S. Mahan, who became the 
first pastor, 

In 1857 the present church building was erected and dedicated the same year, free of debt excepting a small 
amountduesomeof the members of the church. The house and lot cost abjut $4,500. The adjoining lot was 
bought and the present parson.a^e placed upon it in 1871. 

At the outbreak of the great Rebellion in 1851 the male membership of the church was less than a dozen, all 
told. Of this number four offered up their lives a sacrifice on the altar of their couatrv. Gee rge Wright was the 
first from Marshall county to lose his life during the war, dying near C^iro, 111., June 6, 1861. Deacon Martin Hoag- 
land and John S. Stockton fell in the charge at Vicksbuni, May 22, 18G2. James M. Powers, jr., died on a hospital 
boat on the Mississippi, and rests in an unknown grave. How many churches can show a better war record, actu- 
ally losing one half its male membership ? 

Since the organization of the church about four hundred persons have been received into its membership, a 
little more than half of this number being received by baptism. 

The Sunday school connected with the church was organized May 1, 1855, and has been maintained without 
intermission to tbo present time. 

The church has had the pastoral labors of the following ministers iu the order in which they are named: Revs. 
I. S. Mahan, A. P. Graves, J. P. Agenbroad, S. H. D. Vaun, D. Heagle, J. H. Parmelee, L. M. Berry, J. Cairns, A. B. 
Tomlinson, J. P. Agenbroad, G. C. Vanosdel and W. D, Shields. 



Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Evans Township. 

" The Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sandy was organized by Rev. Patton Mitchell, in 1835 or '36. The 

Society when first organized consisted of John S. Hunt and wife, J. Morley and wife, and Gates and wife. 

J. S. Hunt was the first Ruling Elder elected by the Society. In the winter of 1836-7 the Society was strengthened 
by the addition of Samuel Cox and wife, George Beatty, \nna Paget, James Caldwell and wife, Wm. Brown and 
wife, James Beatty aud wife, Jacob Myers and wife, Wm. Swarts and wife, and Jane Bowman. Soon after Charles 
Paget, Albert Bowman and Sarah Bowman joined the Society, and Albert Bowman was elected an Elder in the 
church. Mr. Mitchell was in charge of the Society for three years, and was then succeeded by ,\rchibald Johnson, 

The first camp meeting ever held in this Township, and perhaps in the county, was under the administration 
of Mr. Johnson, in the summer of 1841, and was held on the Adams farm, then owned by Samuel Cox. Robert Tay- 
lor succeedef^' Mr. -Tohnson, and in the summer of 1842 held another camp meeting on the same ground. These 
meetings »D other special occasions were attended by Cornelius Johnson , a brother to Archibald Johnson, and a 
man of much more than ordinary ability. At the camp meeting in 1842. Mr. Taylor at the close of a very earnest 
sermon drove the people all from the encampment under a peremptory order for all to retire to the woods for 
prayer. While the sinners began to scatter for their homes, the faithful obeyed the order, and in a few minutes in 
every direction was heard the voice of earnest supplication. Toward the close of the same meeting Mr. Taylor 
chose lor his text: " Rejoice, O young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and 
walk in the ways of thine heart and in the sight of thine eyes." He began by telling the people that he had been 
trying to tell them how to get to heaven, but they were not disposed to hear him, and now he proposed to tell them 
how to go to hell. 

Other pastors that followed were W. Lorance, D. Vandevender, D. Curry, W. Hutchinson, W- Bishop, P. 
Bishop, Patten Trowudale, S. Hudson, J. J. Houston, S. Shull, Mario ^f, Kreider and Rogers. 

The Sandy Cumberland Presbyterian Church was erected in 18G8, under the administration of John J. Hous- 
ton. The present pastor, Mr Rogt rs, is serving that Church in connection with the Society at Clear Creek. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Wenona was organized in 1861, by S. R. Shull. The Ruling Elders 
were John Taylor, Robert Snodgrass and Jolm N. Wood. The following ministeis have since been in charge of the 
Church: S. K. Hudson, T. K. Hedges, D. M. Harris. L. R. Woods, R. T. Marlow and J. C. Mornyea. For the past 
three years the Church in Wenona has had no pastor. 



Bethel Church, Steuben. 

Rev. Zadok Hall preached and organized an M. E. Church at Joseph Thompson's, appointing James Tanquary 
class-leader in 1836. About that time Rev. Palmer, from Crow Creek, also organized a Christian church at Warford 
Bonham's Sr., where dinner was always prepared for the congregati<m, who had an invitation to stay for afternoon 
services. Shortly after Margaret Thompson (daughter of Joseph T.) taught school in a house built by Mr. McGuier, 
of Virginia, near the former location of Bethel church, the first school in that vicinity. 

In the year 1837 the people built a respectable log school house on the hill near Sparland, Mrs. Elizabeth 



APPENDIX THE VILLAGE OF SPARLAND 15I0GRAPHIES. 767 

Mofiit first teacher. The people there organized a Sabbath School, which was attended by people from Lacon, wh o 
crossed the river in canoes, and also from other directions, who walked miles to help carry on the work. 

The contract to build Bethel church was taken by Asa Thompson in the fall of 1848, to be located on his land 
near his residence, and framed of oak or black walnut, having four pair of principal rtif ters, with oak sheeting and 
pine shingles, to be built in a substantial, workmanlike manner, and completed by the first of November 1849 for 
six hundred and fifty dollars. The Trustees were John S. Hoskins, James Tanquary. Jehial Watkins ' Leonard 
Timmons and I. Q. Tanquary. 



The Village of Sparland. 

The pioneer of Sparland was Franklin Ward Graves, whose tragic fate is told in these pages, ge was succeeded 
by George Sparr. who gave it a name. The opening of valuable coal mines here laid the foundation for the village, 
and the building of the Bureau Valley Railroad gave it life and animation. In course of time came a grain ware^ 
house and stores, and it became one of the most important points of shipment along the road. It is the outlet of 
the large and productive territory west of it. and here is annually shipped immense quantities of grain, cattle, hogs, 
etc. It contains two dry goods and two grocery stores, one hardware, one drug store, one lumber yard, an elevator! 
and several mechanic shops. It has a fine school building, several churches, an Odd Fellows and Masonic hall, a 
number of fine private residences, and an intelligent, enterprising population. 



ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHIES. 



Greenberry L. Fort, Lacon, Marshall Co., Ill 

Greenberry Lafayette Fort was a son of Benjamin and Margaret Fort, and bom October 11th. 1825, in French 
Grant, Sciota county, Ohio, where he lived until May, 1834, when they removed to Round Prairie, now Marshall 
county, Illinois. Steamboats rarely ascending above Peoria, a keel-boat was procured, upon which tb^y embarked, 
and landed at the mouth of Crow Creek, from whence they obtained transportation by wagons to w family of 
James Dever, a brother of Mrs. Fort, then living in the old stockade erected as a defence against the Indians during 
the Black Hawk war, where they remained until his father built a house on land he purchased. Greenbeiry at this 
time was about nine years old, and the first labor he performed was dropping com and driving a breaking team of 
seven yoke of oxen for his father. His first school was taught by Elizabeth Orr, now Mrs. Hancock. He likewise 
attended schools taught by A. Johnson. Jesse B. Bane, Samuel Work. 8. P. Ogle. Jas. H. Brown, Harvey Scott, and 
others. His education was finished at Rock River Seminary. He was a good worker on the farm, ana occ.isionally 
hunted deer and other game with hounds, but did not take kindly to carrying a gun. Their own harvest, over, he 
assisted others. Has hauled wood to Lacon and sold it for 50 cents a cord, helped run a threshing machine, and 
once hauled wheat to Chicago and sold it for 49 cents a bushel, camping at night where the city hall and court 
house now stand. He studied law in Lacon, and was admitted to the bar in 1860. His first " brief " wh.s in the 
Woodford circuit court, where he appeared for a Dr. Barney. Judge (now Senator) David Davis presided, and 
Abraham Lincoln was the opposing counsel. In 1850 he was nominated by the Whigs for sheriff, and ran against 
Addison Ramsay, Democrat. The election was sharply contested, and he was elected. In 1852 he ran for county 
clerk on the Whig ticket, and was elected over S. J. McFaddin. Democrat. His father died in August, 1854, aged 80, 
and his mother in June, 1855, and both are buried in the family cemetery on a high bluff overlooking the valley of 
Crow Creek. He was much attached to them, and a fine monument marks their resting place. In 1857 he ran 
against P. M. Janney, of Henry, for judge of the county court, and was elected. He was married May 25th. 1858, to 
Clara E. Boal, daughter of Dr. Robert Boal, and to them two children have been given,— Nina, born in November, 
1861, and died in April, 1863, while he was in the army. He was tenderly attached to this little girl, and still grieves 
for the loss. A son, Robert B., was bom April 25th, 1867, and is attending school. April 17th, 1861, upon the first 
call for troops, he enlisted as a private, was elected 1st lieutenant of Company B, llth Reg. III. Vols., was mustered 
in at Springfield April 22d, and served three months. Returning, he recruited Go. I for the three years service. 
Owing to the exigencies of the times no arrangements for transporting men to the field had been made, and these 
expenses, amounting to over $1200, were paid by tiim, and have never been returned. He served in the army of the 
Tennessee on both field and staff duty through all its campaigns, and was chief quartermaster of the 15th army 
corps on the famous march from "Atlanta to the Sea," and until the final surrender of Johnson's army. He par- 
ticipated in the grand militari review at Washington, and was ordered with Sheridan's command to Texas, where 
he was mustered out as Colonel at Galveston, returned to Lacon and resumed the practice of law. In 1866 he 
was sent to the Illinois State Senate, was made chairman of the penitentiary committee, and secured tho passage 
of a law giving persons credit f oi good behavior, to be deducted from their term of service. Was elected to the 43d 



768 RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Congress in 1872 as a Republican over Geo. O. Barnes, Independent; was re-elected to the 44th over Jas. G. Bayne, 
Independent; to the 45th over Geo. W. Parker, Independent, and to the 46th over C. C. Strawn, Green backer, and 
T, M Shaw, Democrat. During his time in Congress he has endeavored to do his duty and serve his constituents, 
representing not them alone, but the whole Northwest. He is now a partner with Joseph E. Ong and J. C. Boal in 
the practice of law. Col. Fort is now in the very prime of life, and coming from a line of long lived ancestors and 
blessed with good health, will probably live for many years. 

AViLLiAM Ford, Lacon, HfctrfihalJ Co.^ IIL 

Mr. Ford was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1805. The family were farmers and came from Connecti- 
cut. His life was like that of most boys in a new couatry, laboring on the f irm in summer and attending school 
in winter where he picked up a scanty education. With the first money earned he bought a sheep, to which he af- 
terward added a calf aad next a colt. This laid the foundation of his fortune. Having a natural aptitude for me- 
chanics he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it thirty years, though his money was made mainly by farm- 
ing. In 1830 he married Rachel Hollister, who brought him nine children all of whom are dead, and in 1867 his 
wife died also. In 18G8 he married Mrs. Emily W. Laveland (Gould), wich whom he has happily lived until the present 
time. While livmg m the state of New York he cleared up a flue farm which he sold at a round price and removed 
to Valparaiso Ind., from whenije he came to Lacon in 1869. He owns a fine farm across the river and has a good 
sum at interest, while Mrs. Ford owns 230 acres of land in her own right, besides other valuable property. They take 
the world contentedly, accept the blessings God has given them thankfully, and live happily in the enjoyment 
of their pleasant heme and the society o their friends. 

Erastus R. McKinney, Ntfr.^en/, Florist and (jardenei\ L((con, III. 

Mr. McKinney was born in New York state in 1834. He moved to Lacon in 1847 and worked at the carpenter 
trade until 1861, when he enlisted in Company 1, Uch 111. Vol. Inf., /Vugust 20, 1861. and served until wounded at 
Pittsbnrg Landing, April 16, 1862, and was discharged through disability arising from the effect of his wounds Aug. 
I'J, 1862. lie returned to Lacon, and as soon as sufficently recovered returned to the quartermaster's department as 
overseeing clerk in the repair shop, where he remained until April 20th 1863. lie married Cynthia Cooper in 1857, 
born in Ohio. They have six childien— Sarah \., Belle I .Nellie A., Minnie M., Arthur W. and Aluah R- 

Smitm M. GrARATT, L<(con, ]\farsh<ill Co., 111. 

Mr, Garatt is of French descent, the ancestor f>f his family in this country having been an officer in the 
French army, who came here long before the Revolution. He was the engineer who constructed a work 
of defense, in Connecticut, known as" The Old Stone Fort." His descendants served in the war of the Revolution, 
one of whom, Major John Garatt, was an officer in a Oonnenticut regiment, killed at the massacrj of Wyoming, 
Pa. Smith M. Garatt is a cousin of Amasa Garatt, of Steuben township, in this county, their fathers being brothers 
Corinth Garratt, the father of the subject of this sketch, came from Connecticut about 1820, and afterwards settled 
in Spencer, N. Y., where Smith M. Garatt was born, lie was educated at Alfred University, graduated at the Al- 
bany Law School in the class of 1861, and the same year came west and opened a law office at Lacon, HI From 1868 
to 1872 he served as State's attorney of the thea 23d circuit composed of Marshall. Woodford and Putcam counties. 
In 1862 he married Bell V. Cook, daughter of Hon. W. E. Cook, of Lacon. 111., by whom he has three children— Cor- 
inth C, Leonora J. and Eunice Mcmroe, (the name Monroe being conferred because it was the maiden name of the 
mother of Mr. Garratt . He is a Republican in politics, h-s first vote having been cast for Abraham Lincoln for 
president when he run the second time. He voted twice for General Grant for the same office, and is decidedly in 
favor of nominating him again. 

William J. Fort, Judge of tlie County Court of Mar si a dl County. 

Mr. Fort was born in Richland township, on the place where he now resides, in 1844, and was a son of the late 
G. W. Fort. The family name was formerly LaFeurt, and traces its lineage back to LaBelle France. He obtained 
his education in the schools of the vicinity, and was brought up on a farm, having followed the plow more or less 
until 1852. when he entered the army as quartermaster's agent, and filled the position up to the close of the war, 
having followed its movements and witnessing many notable events. After the peace he returned to the farm 
again, and for a short time was engaged in merchandising, but the death of his father threw the care of the large 
estate left on his hands, and he remained on the farm until elected to the po.sitiou he now holds. In politics Mr. 
Fort is like his family, uncompromisingly Republican, and takes an active part in politics. He is an indefatigable 
worker, and one of the strongest men in the party. As a j udge, he is clear-headed and logical, making his decisions 
only after thoroughly comprehending the case, and seldom seeing them disturbed by the higher courts. In 1872 he 
married Emilj C. Stevens, daughter of Phineas Stevens, formerly a well known banker and merchant of Lacon, 
now of Marshalltowu, Iowa. 

James Hoyt., Lacon, Marshall Co., III. 

Mr. Hoyt was born in Stamford, Conn., in 1807, and comes from an old family that traces its lineage back to 
Simon Hoyt in the days of the New England Pilgrims. His fathpr died when he was six years old, and when 15 he 
was put to learning the tailor's trade, at which he served six years. When 21 he went south and found a situation 
in New Orleans. Staid seven years, and then went to New York and opened a merchant tailoring establishment, 
which he conducted five years. In 1834 he married Maria Hitchcock and went to Ohio, where he lived three and e, 



APPENDIX ADDITIONAL BIOGKAPHIES. 7()0 

half years, working at his trade. Nine children were born to them, four of whom survive. His wife died in 1850. 
He came to Springfield, 111., in 1837, staid one winter, and in the spring of 183^, with wife, two children and three 
dollars and fifty cents cash, landed in Marshall county. \t first they lived in Joe Bennington's cabin, rented land 
for three years, and then bought GO acres from Jesse Kestor. Worked at his trade winters and farmed summers. 
Saw hard times. Lived on cornmeal and fat pork for six months, without a penny in the house. In 1853 married 
Eliza J. Mathis, of Oxbow, by whom he has two children, Charles and-Iennie. Of the children by his first mar- 
riage, J. II. Hovt lives in Dade county. Mo., and is county judge; Seymour is a surveyor; Julia (Mrs. Bobbitt) lives 
in Nebraska, and Sarah (Mrs Clifford) on Sandy. Mr. Hoyt is a good financier and able manager. He has realized 
from the products of his farm as high as $6,000 in a single year. He owns 421 acres of land, the greater portion un- 
der cultivation. 

William Wkigiit, Lavon^ }fai-^]i<01 Co.JV. 

Mr. Wright was bo-rn near Russellville, Brown county, Ohio, in 1826, and comes from a long line of patriotic 
ancestors who settled in Virginia prior to 1750. In the war of the Kevolution they fought with the colonists and sev- 
eral were killed in battle. In the second war with Great Britain, two or three of his uncles lost their lives, and in 
the last war four brothers volunteered, one of whom died in the service, and another from disease contracted there. 
Geo. Wright was the first soldier from this county that lost his life. He died near Bird's Point. Mo., June ti, 1861. 
The father of Mr. Wright was born near Paris, Bonham county, Ky., in 1797. and in 1800 emigrated with his parents 
to Brown county. Ohio, wherein 1820 he wedded Rebecca McLaughlin, who still survives. i\Ir. William Wright set- 
tled in Lacon in 1851, and in 1853 married Julia A. German, born in Ohio in 18H0. He learned the trade of a cooper 
and followed it a number of years, was engaged in merchandising with the late Edwin Jones, and later by himself. 
Was appointed U. S. storekeeper in 1871, and has held the position for nine years. Is a member of the Bapti.st 
church, a friend of temperance and education, and a respected and valued citizen. 

David Muir, Lacou^ iUar>iJtaJJ ^ o., ///. 

Mr. Muir was born in Ulster county. New York, and lived there and in an adjoining county until he had 
nearly reached man's estate. His parents dying when young he was early thrown upon his own resources for a 
livelihood and education. Drifting west he engaged to labor for G. L. Barnes, who became his friend, and through 
him made the acquaintance of G. O. Barnes and entered his office as law student. He was a hard worker, and ap- 
plied all his energies to a mastery of its principles. He read early and late, picking uo information valuable for 
the future, and storing it away in memory's receptacles. He passed a brilliant examination and began practice. 
It was no experiment, he knew just what he was about. The tools he had been forging and sharpening wore at 
command, and forthcoming when wanted. He took rank at once with old lawyers, and his right to the place has 
never been disputed. His cases are worked up with care, and he never gcjes into court until fully prepared and 
strongly fortified, and the result is he seldom fails 

Jerry K. Feazel, Ropeivell Toimship, Marshall Co., III. 

Mr. Feazel wa.^ born in Ohio, July 4th, 1832. The family is of German-Scotch descent, and emigrated from 
Virginia to Ohio soon after marriage. When thirteen years old they moved to Illinois, lived one season on the 
Bullman place, went to the Larkin's farm in Hopewell and lived six years, and then on to the prairie, where he 
lived until his death. Uis father died in I860. His mother was Hannah Murphy. They had 12 children of whom Jerry 
R., William and Hiram reside in this vicinity. He was brought up on a farm, and received his education in part 
at the old log school house on the Broaddus place. In 1855 he married Eliza Wright, born in Madison county, Ohio. 
They have no children, but are educating a nephew and neice. Mr, Feazel is one of the best farmers in the town- 
ship owning 420 acres of good land. He owns the Edward Harris farm, one of the first located in the county. His 
attention is largely devoted to feedingand dealing in stock, of which he is an excellent judge. In 1876 himself and 
wife made an extended journey to the Pacific coast, visiting all the places of interest and spending considerable 
time in the mining district, where he made some investments. They are penial and hospitable. 

Melvin Hull, Irichland Toirnshij^, Marsliall County. * 

Mr, Hull was born. in Sciota county, Ohio, in 1830, and came to this county with his parents, who located in 
Richland township, where he lias lived ever since. lie married Miss Hattie Bayne in 1871. She was born in Brown 
county, Ohio, in 1850. They have one child, Hattie, bom in 1872. Mrs. Hull is a member of the M. E. church. He 
owns 160 acres of land, all in cultivati(m, with good improvements. He is a son of Isaac and Sarah Hull. His father 
is now in his 89th year, whose long and useful life is drawing to an honorable close He was a soldier in the wsir of 
1812, and draws a pension from government for services. 

Enoch Sawyer, llopeirell ToimsJup, MarxhaU Co., TIL 

Mr. Savryer lives in Hopewell township, Marshall county. 111. He was born in North Carolina in 1816, where 
his father was a planter, merchant, etc., owning a large plantation, which he sold out, and with his family set out 
for the state of Illinois, a place as distant in those days to emigrants as was California before the completion of the 
Pacific R R. They traveled in wagons along with a neighbor named Forbes, and reached their destination in 1831, 
where they built cabins and settled down. Enoch Sawyer assisted his father on the farm, and in 1840 built a saw 
mill on Sandy Creek, which he run for a number of years. He married Elizabeth Broaddus, and to them nine 
children have been born, — Lundsford, Jesse, Lemuel (dead), Simeon, .lordan, Enoch. Lucy, Mark and Christopher 
(twins). Lemuel and Jesse enlisted in the 77th regiment, the former dying at Camp Douglas of disease contracted 



770 KECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

in the service. Jesse served through the war. Mr. Sawyer is a large farmer, and a type of the old Virginia plaater— 
generous, hospitable, wedded to his opinions, a warm friend, an open foe, loves hounds and hunters, pays his 
debts, and never lays awake nights for fear of the sheriff. 

Andrew Sciiurtz. Henry Toiniship, Afarshall County, III. 

Mr. Schurtz was born in Hunterdon, New York, in 1305, and moved to New York city in 1819, where he learned 
his trade as engineer and blacksmith, and was foreman in old James P. Allaire's foundry and steamboat building, at 
$6 00 per day, seven days of the week. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1830, where he followed blacksmithine 
until 1842, when became to Aurora, 111,, where he bou^ht320 acres of land covering the present site of thegr-^ater part 
of East Aurora. He lived here until 1848, and purchased IGOO acres in Whiteside township, and h id eight quarters 
deeded to his children and two quarters to his father and mother, and purchased 160 acres tor his cousin and fitted 
him ouf He married Miss Jane Nevins in 1869, She was born in New Jersey, and had eight children, all married. 
Mrs. Schurtz died in 1856. He married his present wife, Ann Trimble, in 1857. She was born in Alexander, Va., and 
had one child— Celesta. He moved to Minne»ota in 1856, and pre-empted 6!0 acres of land, which they still own. 
He lived there two years and owned and run the Marshall Hotel at Red Wing Landing, in Minn., and sold it nut in 
1869, and got only $300 more than he gave for it in 1856. He then located in Ileury, and startedlhis business in 1869. 
He spent nearly a year in Virginia with his Irother-in-law, and saw both armies at his brother's house alternately. 
Mrs. Schurtz is a member of the Presbyterinn church. He was school director and road commissioner several years. 
In February, 1866, he went to Marshall county, Ky., and assisted his uncle, who is a large farmer there, in making 
plows, etc. He then went to Louisiana and Texas, where he was engaged in the stock business. Mr. Shurtz re- 
mained there some 13 months, and got home in January, 1869. Has followed the blacksmithiug business. He is 
going to Colorado in 1880. 

L. H. Farr, 

Henry township Marshall county. 111. 

D. N. Blood, Uenry Toiimshij^, AfarshaU Co., III. 

Mr. Blood was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, in 1813. When quite young he moved to Boston with his 
parents, lived in several places in Massachusetts, and finally located in llochester. N. Y., in 1823. They came to 
Fulton county. 111., in 1845, and to Marshall county in 1851. In 1838 he married Miss Saloma Root. She was born 
in Ontario county, N. Y., in 1814. Thev have had six children, four of whom are living,— William M , James A., 
Mary L. and Daniel N. Jr. Mr. Blood has been supervisor several terms, school director ten years, and has served 
as assessor. He owns 210 acres of choice land, in a high state of cultivation, w th a first-cla*-s. substantial brick 
dwelling. 

Thomas Robinson, 

Steuben township. Marshall county. 111. 

David Boyle, 

Magnolia township, Putnam county. 111. 

Timothy Wood, 

Senachwine township, Putnam county, 111. 

George Sparling, Sei/achirine Toirnsiiip, PutiKmi Co., III. 

The subject of this sketch was born in County Limerick, Ireland, November 19th, 1819, a son of James and 
Mary Atkins Sparling, and is descended from the Palatines, a body ot 110 families of G'^rmans from the Palatinate 
on the Rhine, who embarked for the new world in the reign of Queen Anne, and were shipwrecked on the coast of 
Irelaad. To this German colony is due the honor of furnishing the first Methodist preacher to the United States in 
the person of Philip Embury, a connection of the Sparling family. When Mr, Sparling was but two years old his 
father died from exposure while serving as a soldier in the Irish rebellion of 1822-23. Three brothers of his mother 
were then living in America— two in Canada and one in Clark county, Indiana, and at their earnest solicitation she 
fina'ly in 1832 started with her two children, George and a sister younger, for the new world. Arrived in Qnebec, 
Mr. Sparling, then a boy of 12, was prostrated with ship fever and taker to the hospital, and before his recovery his 
mother fell a victim to the cholera, at that time alarmingly prevalent and fatal in Quebec. He recovered to find 
himself an orphan among stranger.-, frantic with grief at the loss of his mother, and unable to gain any trace of his 
sister. He found a home wjth Dr, Marsden, hospital physician, and worked in his dispensary about two months, 
when learning that his sister had been sent by the Bishop of Quebec to their uncle, near Montreal, he availed him- 
self of the Bishop's generous assistance in his own behalf and joined his sister at the home of his uncle Philip, 
where he was received as one risen from the dead. After living with one Captfl,in W illiams about two years, where 
he had an excellent home and was kindly treated, his uncle Kobert, at whose instance the family had come to 
America, and who lived in Upper Canada, 40 miles north ot Toronto, claimed custody of the children and took them 
to his home. Here they were first compelled to do hard work, threshing, clearing, hoeing, planting and other work 
incident to a farm in a new country. One year of this life determined young Sparling to quit his uncle and learn 
a trade, and be bound himself to a carpenter for four years. At the expiration of one-half his term of apprentice- 



APPENDIX GEORGE SPARLING. 771 

ship his employer went into the rebellion of 1837, and being defeated was compelled to leave the country. Youns 
Sparling was left in charge of his employer's property and business, and faithfully attended to it until the follow- 
ing spring, when a letter from his employer summoned him to Niagara Falls, where he had taken a contract. Mere 
they worked two or three months; then went to Tonawanda, at the mouth of the Erie Canal ; then to Buffalo, ("leve- 
land, Detroit, Mackinaw, Milwaukee, and finally to the lumber regions of Michigan, where they worked at their 
trade until both were prostrated with ague, when they embraced the first opportunity and wfnt to Chicago. Here 
they worked some time for Mr. Sherman, proprietor of the Sherman House, and for Mr. Ilyan, of the Vermont 
House, refusing in pavment for their labor town lots upon the present court bouse site at the rate of one lot each 
for a month's work. From Chicago they cam'^ to Dixon, 111., when Mr. Sparling's employer returned to Canada for 
his family. On the journey to Dixon Mr. Sparling was prostrated by a severe attack of bilious fever, which lasted 
about one month, and just as he was recovering from that he became again a victim to the ague, from which he had 
fleo in Michigan, and which hung to him for six years. The winter succeeding his arrival in Dixon he entered a 
claim, but abandoned it in the spring and bought another partially improved. On this he erected a log house, barn 
and corn-cribs, and cultivated ten acres of corn, working at his trade a portion of the time. In January, 1840, he 
came to Crow Meadow, Putnam county, to work at his trade, subsequently disposing of his cl'«im and settling at 
Crow Meadow, among other jobs helping to build the Bradley store-house in Henry, the first frame house finished 
in that place. His summer's work amounted to $200, for which he took the place upon which he now lives. Jan- 
uary 12th. 18 '3, he married Adeline Morgan, a native of Connecticut and daughter of Alanson and Melinda Peters 
Morgan, and settled down to farming and the development of the fishery interests at Senachwine Lake, He bought 
the most valuable tracts for fishery purposes, amounting in the aggregate to some 800 acres, and for 35 years car- 
ried on the fishing business on an extensive scale, his receipts for much of the time prior to the building of the 
Henry dam averaging $3 000 per year- But the construction of the dam ruined the business and rendered the hun- 
drels of acres in which he had invested his savings almost worthless. April 13th, 1857, Mrs. Sparling died at the 
age of 35 years 1 month and 7 days, leaving eight children,— George Edward, born Nov. 3d, 1843: James Alanson, 
May 26th, 1846; Mary Melinda, Feb. 22. 1848; Helen Elizabeth, Jan. 27, 1850; William Henry, Jan. 16th, 1852; John 
Stanley, Dec. 10. 1853, and Adeline and Albert, twins, bnrn August 15th, 1856. Albert died August 25th, 1857, and 
James Alanson died May 10th, 1863. A ugust 8th, 1858. Mr. Sparling married Sarah McClung, daughter of Harvey 
and Sarah Bird McClung. She died Feb. 8th, 1871, at the age of 35 years, 5 months and 14 days, leaving six chil- 
dren,— Mflrtha Jane, born May 2i 1859; Sarah Evalena, born Sept. 1st, 1860; Kate Bird, born Jan. 3d, 1862; Samuel 
Martell, born June 8tD, 1864; Lincoln Frederick, born Sept. 25th, 1865; Embury Harrison, bom Sept. 27th, 1867 Au- 
gust 18th, 1874, he married Margaret McElroy, widow of James Snarling, his cousin, she having four children by her 
first marriage— Charlotta, Violet, Nettie and Annie. The result of this union is two children— Susan Mabel Atkins, 
born Jan. 3d. 1876; Homer Lewis, born Jan. 19th, 1878. In 1844 a twa-year old daughter of Lewis Thompson being 
deserted by its mother, Mr. Sparling adopted and raised her until she was 14 years old, making in all 21 children he 
has had to care for, 9 boys and 12 girls. Seven of the girls are school teachers. With the exception of four dead 
one living in Iowa, they are all residents of Senachwine township, Putnam county, with the addition of ten grand 
children. 




772 RECORDS OF THE OLPEN TIME. 



Errata. 



Chapter XLI., page 422, in the description of Belle Plain township, fourth line, for "thirty-six townships" 
read •'thirty-six sections." 



Biographical Department. 

Hennepin township, Putnam county, page 645, second biography, "John Bunges" should be "John Bonges." 

Hennepin township, Putnam county, page 644, in the biography of Jacob Zenor, for "Alvina" Skeels read 
"Elvira" Skeels. 

Hennepin township, Putnam county, page 643, in the biography of Mrs. Flora Zenor, first line, "H. K." should 
be "H. B." Zenor. 

Magnolia township, Putnam county, page 655, in the biography of Mr. Morrell, the initials should be "L.C." 
instead of S. C. 

Magnolia township, Putnam county, page 656, for "John Van Horn" read "J. V. Home." 

Lacon township, Marshall county, page 691, in the biography of Mr. Speck, for '"Lewis" read "Louis." 

Hennepin township, Putnam county, page 646, second biography, for "James 8. Zena**' read "James Zenor." 

Evans Township. Marshall county, page 720, in the Gants biography, read "Edwin, born Nov. 14, 1850," instead 
of "Nov. 19, 1852." Nathaniel Gants died Feb. 21. 1860. Emma died Sept. 27, 1857. 

Evans Township, Marshall county, page 719, fifth biograpUy, for "John Algoe" read "John Alger." 



% 






^^-^.^'^^s.: 



